Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because of my passion for working with children and watching their love for learning grow. I enjoy being a part of a students' early education path, helping them expand their minds and watching them mature and grow over each year. It is not just about teaching students new things but also planting the seed that learning is fun and to be confident in themselves and their abilities.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was when I had a really shy student who came to school crying every day and wouldn’t play or talk to anyone finally came out of his shell when I found a personal connection with him. I found out he was a huge fan of the Colorado Avalanche and so was I. I brought in things I had collected of the Colorado Avalanche and would always talk with him about the games. His parents couldn’t believe how much he loved coming to school because of that connection.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000 I would remove barriers to learning and would create opportunities for students who might not have them. The greatest return on that investment would not be financial, but it would be measured in confidence, curiosity, and long-term student success.