Tell us why you became a teacher

“You can be anything you want to be.” My father’s words“ resonate with me now more than ever, just six months after his passing. From an early age, he instilled in me a deep respect for education. In the classroom, I focus on building strong relationships rooted in trust and care. My students become my “kids.” I consider my greatest contribution to education to be the creation of a classroom where students feel seen, valued, and safe enough to learn.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My first year teaching, I unfortunately lost a student to a horrible accident. My students felt more comfortable sharing their tears and fears with me. I had forged a never ending bond with my students that still carries on to this day. I have been blessed to get to see what they have become and the beautiful children they now have. The horrible experience solidified that God had put me in the place I needed to be to help others.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000 I would pay off some debt. I would look into helping support some of the scholarship opportunities my district has to help my students carry on their education.