Tell us why you became a teacher

After many jobs, raising my three boys, and then having three little ones in my home preschool from 2 months old until they turned three, at 40 years old, I decided that teaching was my career path. I loved teaching my own boys and my added three, not only to read, write, count, reason, and solve with confidence, but the life lessons of what it means to be a good, contributing part of a family, a friendship, and a community. I then decided to take these lessons and apply them to my classroom.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

As an 8th grade History teacher we had a program called National History Day. Students picked a topic, learned how to research, write citations, create a project from what they learned, and then present themselves for judging. I personally judged the Performances for students across our region grades 5th through 12th. Many of these individual and groups competed year after year, and it was so amazing to give them encouragement, follow their growth, and watch them become confident performers.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I love to travel and I also love to bring my experiences back to share with my students. Every few years I take a group of students to Washington D.C. to experience our nation's foundation. I love to teach about Africa and a dream trip would be to see the pyramids, ride a camel, go on a safari and interact with the animals of the Serengeti, talk to a gorilla, see Victoria Falls, a balloon ride and a sunset cruise, so I would take my dream trip and create a way to share it with my students.