Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I believe learning should feel empowering, not limiting. As someone who teaches STEAM, I’ve seen how powerful it is when students realize they can design, build, and problem-solve in ways that matter to them. I wanted to be the kind of teacher who creates that moment—the one where a student goes from “I can’t do this” to “Wait, I made this.” Teaching gives me the chance to help students see themselves as capable, creative, and deserving of a future they can shape.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

A student in my class once started a project fully convinced they couldn’t do it. They got frustrated and wanted to give up pretty quickly. I just kept encouraging them to stick with it and work through one small step at a time. When they finally finished, their whole energy changed. They went from avoiding the work to proudly showing it off and helping other students. That moment stuck with me—it’s why I teach the way I do.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would put a down on a house and build a dream woodshop where I could teach private classes.