Tell us why you became a teacher

In high school, I said I was never going to be a teacher, but I am so glad that I was wrong. After seventeen years, I still glow when I see my students finally conceptualize a topic. In each unit, I see at least one student learn more about themselves and where they fit into the community of life. I entered this career wanting to help the youth prepare for the struggle of the “real world” through guiding them to an understanding of science, and every year I am rewarded by their kind thoughts.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Many of my past students have returned as adults and informed me of how they have used the knowledge learned in class, whether it be in a science profession or them understanding what a doctor was telling them in a medical situation. My most memorable teaching experiences have to be when students were at their lowest and trusted me to confide in. Sometimes you never know how important you are in someone’s life until later, but I know that I am loved by my students through their life updates.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I won the $25,000, I would upgrade my lab equipment in all of my science classes, buy technology equipment to enhance my student’s learning, share with my other science teachers, and update the fake flowers that I use for our events at school like prom, plays, and graduation. We rely on Levy money to fund our science activities and labs, so winning that HUGE amount of money can give my students opportunities that I never thought were possible in my career.