Tell us why you became a teacher

I wanted to be able to positively impact young minds. I had some fabulous parents that taught me about discovery and curiosity. My grandmother was an elementary school teacher and loved her career and I had exceptional teachers in high school that inspired me. I stay a teacher because I keep in contact with some of my former students and I know that I create a safe, fun learning environment.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

It was my first year teaching science and I had a hodge podge of supplies in the cabinets. One cabinet had animal specimens and some were questionable - they was an octopus in a jelly jar and a jar of kittens. After Easter, a student came to me with a dead baby chick that his little sister "squeezed too hard" and offered it as a new specimen to the classroom. I had to think of how to thank him, while disposing of the decomposing animal and not hurt his feelings.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would probably spend it on a fossil collection for my geology classes. There are great specimens that would be amazing to have that are SO out of our price range.