I became a teacher after my oldest son was diagnosed with autism. I wanted to learn how to best support his needs. As he grew older, I went from teaching Pre-K ESE to teaching middle school self-contained EBD. I love these students. Many teachers shy away from the EBD babies, but when you build relationships with them based on mutual respect, you discover that they are truly amazing kids that are capable of great things when they have someone believing in their potential and advocating for them!

I teach self-contained EBD middle school students in a Title 1 school. Last year, all 8 of my 8th graders were academically and behaviorally eligible for their end of year Gradventure field trip- the most students we've ever sent from our unit. My students put in a lot of hard work after I paid all of their deposits because I believed in them. I paid entirely for two of them. Two of my students earned completely out of our program and one earned his first inclusion class. I'm so proud!

I would invest it into my classroom to enrich my students' learning. I teach in a Title 1 school where over half of our students are living in poverty. I frequently assist my students with purchasing school supplies, backpacks, food, shoes, clothes, classroom birthday parties, and field trip money (especially for Gradventure). While my own family of 8 could benefit from the money as well, they also have giving hearts and love to make sure that my students are doing well and are able to succeed.