Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I know the impact a caring educator can have. Growing up as an Army child, frequent moves left me behind, especially in math, until teachers who invested in me filled the gaps. Now, I teach in a military community and lead a Teaching as a Profession class, striving to inspire and support students the way my teachers inspired me, building a legacy of empathy, resilience, and life-changing guidance.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable experience was transitioning from elementary to high school to teach Teaching as a Profession. I now guide students to become the kind of teachers who build relationships, care deeply, and support every child, just like the teachers who shaped me. This role allows me to leave a lasting legacy in education through the future educators I mentor.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would invest the $25,000 back into my Teaching as a Profession pathway, purchasing materials for my students to use at local elementary and middle schools. They could support local STEM nights, literacy nights, family engagement events, hands-on science experiments, reading workshops, math games, and community service projects. This gives my TAP students real-world experience connecting with children, families, and the community while learning that educating a child is a team effort.