Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I moved a lot as a military child. There was 3 teachers during my childhood that made me want to grow up and be just like them. Their compassion and existence made me who I am.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

It wasn’t just one experience- it was what lead to this. I had a student with autism. He was shy about it but he was an amazing kid. One day he mentioned he had autism and I told him to be proud of it and that it’s his superpower. He went on to write a children’s book about having autism and is going to school to be a teacher. He told me it was that conversation that changed his viewpoint.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I love to bring things to my classroom for students to experience. I would get more hands on learning materials, invite some traveling field trips, and provide furniture and materials that my students desperately need.