Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher after seeing firsthand the challenges my friend’s daughter, who has Williams syndrome, faced in finding special education teachers who fully understood and supported her needs. Her experiences inspired me to pursue a career in education so I could advocate for and support students with diverse learning needs. Coincidentally, she graduated the same year I began my teaching career, which made the moment especially meaningful and reinforced my commitment to the field.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching experiences occurred when a student who had struggled all year to correctly solve addition problems finally understood the process. When the concept clicked, his face lit up with pride and confidence. Witnessing that moment of accomplishment was incredibly rewarding and reminded me of the powerful impact that patience, persistence, and encouragement can have on a student’s learning journey.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If awarded the $25,000, I would use the funds to expand our school’s LEGO club, providing more students with opportunities to build creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. I would also invest in flexible seating to create a supportive classroom environment that meets the diverse learning and sensory needs of my students. Additionally, a portion of the funds would help reduce personal financial obligations, allowing me to continue focusing my time and energy on supporting my studen