Tell us why you became a teacher

Growing up, I often felt overlooked in school because the way I learned was different from others. It wasn’t until high school that I had a teacher who truly took the time to understand how my mind worked. Their patience and willingness to meet me where I was made all the difference and helped me succeed. That experience inspired me to become a teacher. I want to be the teacher who sees the child who might feel misunderstood, who learns differently, or who simply needs a little more patience.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of the most memorable moments in teaching is when a child accidentally calls you “Mom.” It always puts the biggest smile on my face and warms my heart. To me, it means that the child feels safe, loved, and cared for in my classroom. Those little moments remind me that teaching is about more than lessons and activities—it’s about building trust, creating a nurturing environment, and being someone a child feels comfortable with every day.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I had $25,000, I would invest in my children’s educational future, support schools and classrooms in need, and help my family get ahead financially. Being a teacher is something I truly love, but teacher salaries don’t always reflect the dedication and work that goes into the job. This opportunity would allow me to support both my family and the educational community that means so much to me.