Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher of literature because the stories we tell chronicle the development of human thought, emotion, discovery, and interpersonal relationships. Through literature, we look outward in wonder at the world (cosmos?) all around us and we look inward at our own place in that world. Books remind us that we are not alone.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

When teaching Elie Wiesel's Night in a 10th grade class, a student who almost never spoke in class approached me after class to ask if she could teach a guest lesson on the book because she felt so moved by the harrowing tale. A few days later, she commanded the room with a lesson on some of the memoir's key symbols. Her classmates heaped praise upon her afterwards, and I'd never seen such a turnaround in a kid. She became a frequent participant in discussions and activities from that point on!

What would you do with the $25,000?

Having worked for years as a private SAT tutor and college essay helper, I've seen too many students working so hard to get into colleges their families cannot afford. I would like to use the money to start an annual scholarship award in my community to help a deserving student attend college.