Tell us why you became a teacher

I was inspired by many of my teachers through grade school and high school. They were very caring and encouraging. I also saw the other side of some teachers which made me want to make a positive influence on the children that I have taught.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

When I first started teaching, I was in a rough and poor area of the city of Philadelphia. Many of the older students did not have positive role models in their life. Several of the boys were into mischief and making trouble. I kept telling them that they could do better and turn their life around. Many years later I met one of my former students and he told me that he remembers me looking at me and saying I could do so much better. I later found out that he has a job in law enforcement.

What would you do with the $25,000?

First, I would buy a new carpet which would have the world map on it since I teach a foreign language. Then I would order many new books for my classroom library, If I had extra money, I would purchase many new language posters for my room