Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I loved learning from my teachers and wanted to make an impact on my future students like my teachers did to me. I love teaching students to love music and have a passion for it like I do. Watching them grow as musicians is definitely a privilege to be a part of.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching moment is a lesson that I teach my students each year. We improvise while playing a wide variety of instruments in the music room. The engagement and energy as the students are singing and performing on instruments is such a pleasure to experience. I see leadership skills blossoming as students are discovering their voice and creativity when it comes to performing. Improvising can be a scary concept to work on, but I love the awesome opportunities that result.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I have always dreamed of being certified in Orff Level 1. An Orff certification provides music teachers with amazing resources and strategies to transform your teaching. I would love to be able to participate in a summer training if I was blessed to receive the funds. I would also use some of the money to help make memories with my family. My wife and I have a daughter and are blessed to have another child coming in August. These additional funds would allow us to make memories as a family.