Tell us why you became a teacher

My love for teaching started by watching my grandma. She was a special education teacher for years up until her retirement. I always loved hearing her stories of the ways she helped and advocated for her students. I chose to go into teaching to try and be that safe space and reliable adult for my own students. I strive every day to make my students feel loved and welcome in my classroom.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience comes from my second grade classroom. When I found out I was pregnant and told my students, they worked together in secret along with some of the parents to plan a baby shower during their recess time. It was so special just to see how strong our relationship had grown to where they wanted to give up their free time to celebrate my coming baby girl together. They all worked hard to make an alphabet book for her, and she now loves looking at that book.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I won the $25,000, first I would spend some of toward pursuing my masters degree and furthering my own education to, in turn, better serve my students. With the leftovers, I would place it into an account for my new daughter to dedicate it toward her future. I would love to give her the opportunity use it for a potential college education down the line.