Tell us why you became a teacher

I noticed, that I have a gift to reach children at a young age. I decided to teach in my 20’s in child development. I wanted to be a daycare provider. I didn’t find out until later what it took to teach in daycare. I started going to school after volunteering at a local school and told the director. I wanted to take classes to be a teacher. She gave me a matrix that showed the classes I needed in child development. I wanted to be an Early Childhood Educator. My career blossomed after classes.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

When I read a book about Rosa Parks to a TK Transitional Kindergarten class. And I did a lesson on racism how African Americans fought for their freedoms and how later we all was free as children to go to school together. Instead of segregated schools. The kids loved it even spoke of violence it was more popular for the age group. I did an art activity with cultural color paint. The children loved the story of defeating racism in the 60’s. My director was impressed. She supported the movement.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I can use as a teacher for classroom supplies and for books on lesson planning. I can use it on my trip to Hawaii and put it in my savings account. I can start programs to help improve my children’s learning like tutoring. Or literacy and stem science programs.