Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because it was one of the first careers I dreamed of as a child. Over time, that dream grew into something deeper: a desire to be the teacher I needed but never had. I wanted to create the kind of classroom where students feel seen, supported, and encouraged to believe in themselves.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching experiences was building a strong bond with a behavior student. At first, he struggled deeply with his emotions and would react by throwing desks and hitting me. Over time, through patience, consistency, and trust, I became someone he felt safe opening up to. Watching him learn to talk through his problems, regulate his emotions, and grow academically and personally was incredibly meaningful.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I would pay off my master’s degree, take a small vacation and then I would use the funds to purchase materials and tools that help my students access the curriculum in fun, engaging, and meaningful ways. This would include classroom resources, hands-on learning materials, and everyday supplies such as binders and organizational tools that students often need replaced throughout the year. These supports help remove barriers so students can focus on learning.