Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I was inspired by my grandmother. She taught special needs children and I was always interested in her stories about her students. I have always enjoyed children and I wanted to help them learn. Teaching was just what I knew I wanted to do. Over 20 years later. I still enjoy it so much!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was when I wrote a grant for a field trip for my grade level to go on a field trip to the local aquarium. Students were able to go in the bay with nets and look for sea life. It was amazing because, even though I live in Florida, many students had never been to the beach. Seeing the excitement on their faces was a great moment in my career.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the money to create a science lab in my school. There are so many great science experiments for students, but we do not often have the supplies. I think it would be wonderful to have an area for students to have more of a hands on experience. I would also use the money for nonfiction leveled libraries for classrooms and the science lab.