Tell us why you became a teacher

Originally, I wanted to be a general education teacher, but I was placed in a special education setting. I saw my oldest child struggling in school with his speech impairment which pushed me to learn more. I love working with my students and seeing their growth throughout the year. I love celebrating their small and big wins with them. I love watching them come out of their shell and blossom in their environments. It is extremely challenging, but I love what I do.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience is anytime I work with a student on a strategy that they're really struggling with and when they are finally able to do it and say that was easy! Their struggles could be academic, social-emotional, working/playing with peers, or self-help skills.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use it to pay down debt and of course I would use it to buy tools and supplies for my classroom.