Tell us why you became a teacher

When I was young, my father would often cut bouquets from his garden before the school bus would pick me up in the morning. My mother would wrap the stems with paper napkins and slide them into a used bread bag to keep them fresh. I would deliver them to my teacher, and think how wonderful to be a teacher and receive fresh flowers when you least expect it. I did not become a teacher for the flowers; however, the unexpected inspiration I receive on an almost daily basis makes my days rewarding.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I have many; however, my happiest moments are when I am made aware of the impact my teaching has made on a student. Sometimes, there is framed artwork on the walls of a former student's home that was made with me. Sometimes, a photograph of a Christmas tree covered with ornaments that were created in my art room. I receive notes and conversations with reminders of the magic I helped create in the life of a young person by providing the opportunity and a safe environment for them to create.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Spend it wisely! Without a doubt, I would travel. Mark Twain wrote, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime." Different traditions, lifestyles, landscapes, colors, and artisans provide fresh visual inspiration for me to share with my students.