Tell us why you became a teacher

I began volunteering at a preschool in 1980 and ended up loving it so much I eventually earned my MA in Education/ECE. I still teach for a public school that is strong in the community it serves and I am currently a mentor and advisor to future ECE teachers!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

The relationships I have built with our school community is where my memories are strongest. Covid lockdown brings back the most extreme memories due to the range of emotions I and so many of my coworkers and families experienced. I learned a lot about my own capabilities and even though I am very tech savvy, it was not the same as being with my students. Returning to in person teaching was the best memory of all!

What would you do with the $25,000?

As every teacher does I would use some of it for my classroom, pay off bills because we are all have them and have a little fun! My main reason for entering is to meet Bill Nye because who doesn't like a science guy! The rest is gravy!