Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher to help shape others to be successful in the world, with confidence. I grew up enjoying school until high school. In high school, I was beginning to struggle to stay motivated. College helped me regain this confidence as I began a career path I enjoyed, education, where I could help students with the same struggles. I want all students to know they have the potential to do what they want. I aspire to be a facilitator or administrator to help teachers have this same mindset.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

A relationship I built with a student. This student gave me gifts they made because they "felt safe" with me. The student was placed into foster care, and another district, after a family situation. As we reached the end of the year, I went to the movie theater in town with my husband. I saw the student who was clean, well-spoken, and confident. The student gave me a hug. Knowing I made an impact on the student, in their dark experience, was rewarding.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would ensure I had the resources all students need to meet the bottom tiers of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, physiological needs, safety needs, love/belonging needs, and esteem needs. I want all students to meet their most basic needs before they can focus on goals like learning and personal growth (self-actualization). I would like to incorporate the use of a Smart Board for more interactive engagement in our math classroom. I would also like to attend various trainings.