Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because of the lasting impact my own third-grade teacher had on me. She created a classroom where learning felt exciting, meaningful, and encouraging, and she helped spark my love of learning at a young age. Her ability to make students feel supported and inspired stayed with me long after I left her classroom, and it influenced my decision to pursue a career in education. At one point, I stepped away from teaching for two years, but during that time I realized how much I tru

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was when I was teaching in Arizona and had the opportunity to tutor students who had just arrived in the United States from Mexico. Each morning before school, we met early so I could help them learn English and support them with their schoolwork. Those quiet morning sessions became a special time where we built trust, practiced language skills, and celebrated small successes together.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I were awarded $25,000, I would use the funds to upgrade our classroom kitchen lab with new equipment and supplies for student stations. I would also purchase ingredients for cooking labs throughout the year. This would allow students to participate in more hands-on experiences while learning real-world cooking, teamwork, and life skills they can use beyond the classroom.