Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I love learning and working with children. I love to see their faces when everything becomes clearer to them and the look of delight when they understand what they are learning. I became a teacher because I was inspired by my teachers. Each one I've had has taught something new and has left an impression on me. This a career that I love and find fulfilling and satisfying. I could not do anything else or want to do anything else but teach.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I was teaching 5th grade about amphibians and reptiles. We decided to not only watch videos and read books about them, we decided to dissect frogs. Having them learn in different ways they can learn. The students who were struggling in reading could participate in videos and in the dissecting and creating posters. It was incorporating all the different aspects of teaching which gave students different roles in learning and helping each other do the activities. They were very excited!

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I received the $25,000, I would invest some of it into the classroom. Bringing in more materials that build a whole student learning experience. I would also use some of it to educate myself more. Perhaps doing more hands-on activities and field trips to build a love of learning that will continue throughout their lives. There is so much that could be done with it to improve education for children.