Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because growing up I didn’t have that one teacher who truly made a lasting impact on my life. Because of that, I wanted to become the teacher that I needed when I was younger. I strive to create a classroom where my students feel supported, valued, and inspired to learn. I go above and beyond for my students because I want to make a difference in their lives and be a teacher they will always remember.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Graduation with my class during my first year of teaching. Watching my students walk across the stage made me realize how much they had grown, both academically and personally, since the beginning of the year. It was a proud and emotional moment because I was able to see the impact that our classroom community had made. They worked so hard to get there. That experience reminded me why I became a teacher and how meaningful it is to support young learners as they grow and gain confidence.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would invest a large portion back into my classroom to continue providing engaging materials and experiences for my students, as I already spend much of my own money supporting my classroom. I would also use part of it to take care of personal responsibilities like bills, which would relieve a lot of financial stress. Finally, I would set aside some of the money for travel and self-care so I could recharge and continue showing up as the best teacher I can be for my students.