Tell us why you became a teacher

I worked with kids at a park district at an early age. I helped support them in sports and field trips. I wanted to work in the field of history and sports. Teaching always felt like a natural fit. It did not become a reality until I had a great coach and teacher in high school. He really cared and went the extra mile. I wanted others to feel that too.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I worked with a difficult student three years in a row. I never felt like I ever reached him. He came back to visit me as an adult and told me I was the most influential person in his young life and I made a difference in the man he became. It moved me to see all my students in a different light. I don’t just see them as who they are now but as who they will become one day.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would help out my family and give them the financial support needed to be successful. My son would get most of it towards his educational needs.