Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher, because I enjoy watching students become more confident in themselves and achieve goals they didn't think possible.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching moment was when two of my students video conferenced in their aunt from Haiti, who walked us through her house after the 2010 earthquake. We were studying plate tectonics, and seeing the giant cracks in the foundation and that half of the house was open to the elements, brought to life the reality of the earthquake's impact for many people. We were able to have some conversations about rebuilding and equity after the conference as well.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Currently I am teaching Design Engineering and I share my classroom with the Band class. Although the other teacher and I get along well, the space is not well designed for both courses. If I was awarded the money, I would use it to organize the band equipment and to create storage for the Design Engineering supplies. The classroom could be decorated to reflect the two classes and we would get better storage for the students' projects in the hallway.