Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I wanted to make a positive impact in our world. Rather than continue to be reactive to all the problems in our world, teaching felt pro-active. It allows me to work with kids when they are most impressionable in hopes that as they grow they will remember not just the academics but all the other social and emotional lessons they have learned from me.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I have so many memorable experiences it is hard to pick just one! One that really sticks out to me is working in the school garden with students of a variety of ages over the last few years. It brings out the best in some of the kids with difficult behaviors and I have seen students show their strengths outside of academics which is really special to see.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the $25,000 to help me with a down payment on owning my first home!