Tell us why you became a teacher

My mom was a high school science teacher for 35 years. She inspired me to become someone who kids knew what to expect from, to be a constant in their ever changing lives. She also encouraged me to be curious about the world around me and never take anything at face value.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching moments happened just this year. Some of my students who really struggle in school just completely got and understood potential/kinetic energy. When everyone had to work in groups to build a paper rollercoaster to demonstrate their understand, this group rocked it! Students and teachers from other classes came in to see just what this group had built. They finally got their very own WOW, light bulb, ah-ha, King of the World moment and I was so proud for them.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would completely outfit our lab with every hands on experiment that I could find! We would have owl pellets, worms, frogs, sharks and anything else we wanted to dissect. I would have enough supplies like pencils, markers, crayons, and scissors for every student. We would be able to take field trips to nature centers, the Air and Space Museum and the Aquarium. I would outfit our green house so every student is able to grow their own plants and discuss human impact on the world around them.