Tell us why you became a teacher

My love of working with children began when I became the neighborhood babysitter. My experience ranges from teaching preschoolers at church to teaching English as a Second Language students today! Over the last twenty-six years, I have added certifications to become the best teacher I can be. Our students deserve committed teachers who strive to provide the most enriching learning experiences, empowering and inspiring them with skill sets remembered far beyond the classroom.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my favorite moments early in my career was when a student understood that STEM in the real world is interconnected. Our class was reading a novel and a student blurted out, “We talked about that in science and math today”, referring to the weather. Learning the science and mathematical components of hurricanes enabled them to understand the author’s use of words in the story. This was a defining moment that inspired me to continue my professional development in the area of STEM.

What would you do with the $25,000?

My dream is to provide a science lab or outdoor classroom for students, a learning space that fosters an authentic and robust encounter with content standards. Providing multi-sensory lessons that infuse 21st-century skills and analytical thinking processes while connecting the real world is essential to their success in the classroom. Cultivating creativity and sparking curiosity in today's students will foster success in their educational journey and our leaders of tomorrow.