Tell us why you became a teacher

I always knew I wanted to be a teacher but never considered special education until middle/high school. I got placed as a tutor in a special education classroom and loved it. The teacher inspired me to be just like her, students loved her, made meaningful progress, and she taught me how to advocate for my students needs.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my students this year said “last year I felt so dumb in my class, but this year, I don’t feel like that”, it was so sweet to hear him gaining his confidence after feeling so defeated in his last classroom. It feels so special to have a second grade student recognize that and continue to share that sentiment through doing his work, I watch his face light up when he’s doing well, and see how proud he is of himself. This is exactly what I try to do in my classroom.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use some of it to build a sensory room at my school. Me and two other special ed teachers have been pushing for more supports for our students, like an area where they can regulate themselves that isn’t in the classroom, or dangerous to other students. The other money, I would use to pay for my medical supplies (I am a type 1 diabetic).