Tell us why you became a teacher

I was a freshman in college, ready to be an archeologist, but struggling with my classes. That summer, I was hired by the local YMCA to be a lifeguard and teach swim lessons. I had always enjoyed being around kids, but teaching them how to swim was invigorating, exciting, and rewarding. That is when I decided that I needed to change my major and become a teacher. I made the right decision because from that point forward, I excelled in my classes and in my 31-year career as a teacher.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

As a STEM Teacher, I always thought it was important to get materials into the hands of my students, especially while I was teaching them virtually during COVID. This led to my Virtual STEM DAY. 1200 Students were allowed to choose three STEM courses and participate virtually from home. Parents drove by and picked up the needed donated materials. I coordinated with over 40 Business Partnerships and 100 community volunteers to create this amazing event that students still talk about today!!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I am starting a Sustainable STEM non-profit to bring together Environmental Sustainability and STEM and take them into classrooms, schools, and/or communities that can't afford them. I would use the $25,000 to help kick off my future concept and pay for me to bring these courses into classrooms for free. We will bring STEM-focused courses that our educators would teach in a class with the current teacher, and provide all the materials for a successful lesson, project, or challenge.