Tell us why you became a teacher

I've always wanted to help children be the best they can be. With a master's in Social Work, I have the background to not only help children academically, but to view and guide them as a whole being. Giving them the tools to manage stress and be able to persevere with grit gives them life-long skills they can adapt both professionally and personally.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I recognized that a large group of our students receiving Free and Reduced Lunch came from one specific apartment complex. I worked with my administration and the property manager of the complex to arrange that once a month, a few staff members would go to the complex to provide homework help. It was really more than that! The relations we built with the students AND parents were well worth the effort. Parents felt more comfortable raising concerns and feeling a part of our school community.

What would you do with the $25,000?

The apartment complex mentioned above is no longer in our school district and now our Free and Reduced Lunch students are all spread out. I would love to create an after school program for these students, but would need to provide bus transportation as parents aren't able to pick up. This money would help pay for the bus as well as supporting teachers who volunteer their time to meet the needs of the after school program. It could cover the cost of materials and snacks as well.