Tell us why you became a teacher

When I was a stay at home mom, I started working as an instructional aide at my childrens school, that just happened to be my old elementary school. I started working in my old 6th grade teachers classroom. One day she was absent and in her sub notes, she stated to the sub, " Mrs. Malone will give the vocabulary test and will teach the math lesson for the day". I went home and told my husbnd how cool that was that she trusted me to do that. He told me then, you need to get your credential.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

After 19 years I have many, but recently one of the ones that truly has made me smile is the fact that one of my first year students, who has applied to the principal position at my school, said that in all his years, that I was one of his most important people and influences in his life. He had a very hard time in school and it was not easy for him, but he worked really hard and has become an amazing vice principal.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Wow , this is a tough question to answer. In the last year, my life has changed dramatically. I love teaching and was trying to work to a 25-year plan before retiring and spending time with my family. My husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer in August of 2025, right at the begiining of the year. My students and I are going through this together, and they are my only stability. I would love to be able to give them the end of the year celebration that they truly deserve with both of us.