Tell us why you became a teacher

For as long as I can remember, Ive always wanted to be a teacher. I used to teach imaginary students in my mom’s basement, give real grades and created a fake gradebook online. Also, my great grandmother was an educator for 27 and inspired me to choose this path.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I often create out of classroom opportunities for my students to explore life. They've asked to for me to take them to church, to the movies, out to eat, to the mall and to other places they might not be able to get to because of the many limitations that exist. My most memorable moment was bringing 13 students to church with me one Sunday. They organized amongst themselves, they asked their parents, and created drop off time and places for that day. The , I took them all to Golden Corral.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would invest in myself, my classroom and my students. I need to finish my doctorate al program and a proportion of the funds would support that endeavor. Additionally, I would create more opportunities outside of the classroom for my students.