Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because of the inspiration I felt as a student—especially from my 6th grade teacher, Mrs. Taylor. She made learning exciting and believed in me. Now, I love creating a classroom full of curiosity, laughter, and “aha!” moments. Watching students grow and gain confidence is the best feeling. I hope to inspire my students the same way Mrs. Taylor inspired me.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching experiences was watching a student who struggled with reading finally gain confidence and read aloud with a big smile. The class cheered, and you could see how proud they felt. Moments like that remind me why I teach—helping students believe in themselves and celebrating their growth, big or small, every single day.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I would invest in my classroom by adding books, flexible seating, and hands-on learning tools to inspire my students every day. I would also take my dream trip to Bora Bora with my husband—a chance to relax, recharge, and enjoy beautiful views together. This balance of giving back to my students and creating special memories would mean so much.