Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because one caring adult can change a child’s future. I wanted to be that person for my students. For over two decades, I’ve worked to build confidence, inspire curiosity, and help students realize they are capable of more than they ever imagined.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable moments was watching a student who believed they were “bad at math” finally solve a challenging problem and proudly say, “I did it!” That moment reminded me that teaching is about more than content—it’s about building confidence and helping students realize they are capable of more than they ever believed.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the $25,000 to create more opportunities for my students by investing in hands-on math resources, technology, and enrichment programs. My goal would be to expand learning beyond the classroom so students can explore, build confidence, and see the real-world power of mathematics.