Tell us why you became a teacher

Great teachers changed my life. They truly SAW me. “Be the teacher you needed when you were growing up.” For 19 years, I’ve embraced that ideal! I’ve taught thousands of children and I hope I was able to make a difference in their future and how they see themselves! Being able to give the love to them that was given to me, is a blessing that is hard to explain. If they leave me knowing they can accomplish anything and everything they put their minds to do, I have been successful!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most challenging year, I took over a group of students that were very apathetic and resigned. I helped them see how smart they are, how successful they could be. 73% of them passed their end of grade exams, and many have become very successful adults! Watching their success means everything. I feel like I have made a difference in some of their lives. Many kids get written off due to things they cannot control. I try to help them overcome that stereotype. I did it, and so can they!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would take a family vacation to Harry Potter at Universal and to Disney with my children. I would finish a much needed remodel of the master bathroom in my older home and invest the rest!