Tell us why you became a teacher

I first discovered my passion for teaching as a child, pretending to “play school” with my younger family members. As I grew older, my experiences with certain educators—some who lacked care and compassion—shaped my understanding of the kind of teacher I wanted to become. In second grade, I had a teacher who told me I would never learn how to read because I was too afraid to read in front of the class due to low self-esteem, but later gained a passion to never allow kids to the way I did.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was when my kindergarten Samona Hall read to my class after lunch for a week. It inspired every student in class to read. By the end of the year even my student Mitchell who was having difficulties with letters gained a love for reading. ( The Chad School 1991). I allowed Samona to share her talent and it inspired others. Inspiring, building on self-esteem, self confidence and taking a change is what pushes me to continue on this journey.

What would you do with the $25,000?

25,000 would help pay off my student loan ( Master's degree), continue to honor my students for success each month, and contribute to my grandsons education.