Tell us why you became a teacher

After graduating college with a biology major I worked in many fields not directly tied to my studies. The work ranged from wildland firefighting, volunteerism with Americorps, working with adjudicated youth and leading a Youth Conservation Corps. Although I loved the variety, I found myself yearning for something more consistent and stable. My passion for science never dwindled and being a kid at heart didn't either. That was when I put two and two together and decided to become a teacher.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I grew up on Long Island, NY. I have been teaching and living in rural OR for 22 years where hunting is a regular activity of my students. In my HS anatomy class a student had successfully harvested an elk. I had her save the lungs, trachea and heart intact. In class we studied the anatomy of the interconnected systems and even inflated the lungs using a bicycle pump. I invited a local ER nurse into class to provide real world experiences related to the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems.

What would you do with the $25,000?

First, I would use it to pay down some of my personal debt. Teaching is rewarding, but it isn't a career that provides full support in today's economy. Secondly, I would beef up my science manipulatives in my classroom. I am also our school's ASB advisor. If I won the money I would allow our student government to plan an end of year extravaganza for all students K-12 in our single school, school district. Lastly, I would pay for Bill to stay in our historic bed and breakfast, The Balch Hotel.