Cast Your Vote!

A: If possible, I would love to use most of the $5,000 award as scholarship money for struggling students to help give them extra academic support outside of school in addition to the intervention services we already provide during school hours. To me, having the chance to offer that extra level of support in reading and math will not only help get those students to where they need to be academically to prepare them for the next step, but it will give them that extra boost of self-confidence they need to believe that they, too, can be successful! The true reward of winning would be knowing that the money is being invested in the lives of children where it could literally help make all the difference.

A: I know that teaching the “Role of a Lifetime” is for me because it took me ten years to get here before I finally said “yes” to God’s calling on my life and switched careers to education! The amount of peace I had when I was finally obedient to God’s will is truly indescribable. I’ve found that this “peace” is still what gives hope after the difficult days, and it’s what makes the amazing days oh so much sweeter! My favorite part about being an educator is when academics and character meet because sometimes the best lessons are ones not found in the curriculum. I love taking advantage of “teachable moments” where my students are not only making connections to their learning but are also practicing soft skills we learn about such as perseverance, forgiveness, and integrity at the same time. In my opinion, this relationship between academics and character is ultimately what’s going help them become wonderful, contributing members of society one day, and I hope I get to see what they become! Lastly, I feel like I make the greatest impact in teaching subjects I struggled most with as a student, particularly math. I find that I’m the most passionate, positive, motivated, and patient when teaching math because I know what it feels like to struggle. I try to take extra time to explain new concepts, openly encourage my students to “be brave” by asking questions in whole group and follow up with individual students who need extra support. A common phrase that rings throughout our classroom is, “God did not create math to be scary!”

A: If I am blessed enough to be selected as the 2025 Teacher of the Year, I would use part of the funds to attend the National Council Geographic Education 2025 Annual Conference, October 17 – 19 in Omaha, NE. I would love the opportunity to attend NCGE ‘s summer of professional development travel in Geography. These one-of-a-kind professional development opportunities abroad allow the world to be our classroom. In addition, money would be used for VR and other interactive technology in the classroom offering immersive, engaging, and interactive learning experiences.

A: Each day in the classroom is a unique adventure. My foremost priority is to create a safe and nurturing environment for each child. Secondly, I strive to design engaging lessons that encourage middle school students to explore, question, and develop their own informed opinions. I do not solely impact my students, they profoundly influence me in ways words cannot fully capture. I love being a warm hug when life is overwhelming. I love giving the “momma glance” when the student is doing “too much.” I love helping students facilitate meaningful connections with their learning. I love celebrating their accomplishments. The most profound impact I can have is to ensure each child feels seen and truly recognized.

A: If selected as the 2025 Teacher of the Year, I would have an incredible opportunity to further my education and expertise by pursuing a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree. Earning this degree would allow me to deepen my content knowledge and enhance my teaching experience, enabling me to provide even greater learning opportunities for my students.

A: Teaching is truly the role of a lifetime for me for many reasons. From a young age, I felt drawn to education—at just ten years old, I would set up a classroom in the basement of our family home, teaching my siblings, grading papers, and managing my “class” as if I had been born to teach. Coming from a family of educators, my parents always believed I would become a teacher. However, determined to forge my own path, I pursued a degree in Graphic Arts at Anderson University in Indiana, which led to the successful ownership of a $2.5 million advertising specialty company.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself feeling unfulfilled and spent years praying for an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Little did I realize that the answer to my prayers would not be just one individual but an ever-changing classroom of young minds. What I love most about teaching art is that it provides students with a powerful means of self-expression—an outlet for their thoughts and emotions while also serving as a way to inspire and uplift others.

A: This year, I have gained valuable insights into my students’ different learning styles, which strengthens my love for special education and helps me identify my classroom needs. If awarded the $5,000, I would invest in sensory and educational materials to help support my students’ growth. This would include math and reading manipulatives that support various learning styles, visual scheduling tools to foster independence, and resources for social-emotional learning to support their well-being. I would also love to grow my classroom library with multiple reading levels and engaging books. A well established library is a great to help develop a students love for reading and encouraging students to explore different perspectives. As I continue to grow as a special education teacher, I want to enhance my skills in specialized instructional techniques and behavior management. I believe that effective teaching in special education requires ongoing learning and adaptation, and I am committed to finding innovative ways to support my students.
If awarded this money it would make a great impact on my classroom by providing essential resources tailored to my students’, along with enhancing my growth as an educator. I am excited about the opportunity to enhance the educational outcomes for my students and myself by thoughtfully selecting materials and experiences.

A: Teaching is truly a “Role of a Lifetime” for me. My journey towards education comes from my own experiences as a child, where I encountered many challenges in my learning process. Unlike many of my peers, I found that grasping new skills and concepts were much more difficult for me. There were moments when I felt I was failing, which made me question my abilities. Throughout my childhood, I dreamed of becoming a teacher, yet I allowed my self-doubt to hold me back. The belief that I was not “smart” enough to teach others stopped me from pursuing my dream for years. However, as I matured, I came to realize: I have the capability to achieve anything I dedicate myself to. This insight made me set out to ensure that no child experiences the same feelings of inadequacy that I once did.
What I love most about being an educator is the ability of creating an environment where students can recognize their individual strengths and talents. Every child is unique, and so are their learning styles. I firmly believe that education should be tailored to meet the diverse needs of each student, allowing them to thrive in their own way. As an educator, I feel that I can make the greatest impact by instilling confidence in every child. I want each student to understand that they are just as capable as their peers, regardless of their learning differences. It is crucial for them to acknowledge their own worth and potential. By nurturing their self-esteem and encouraging them to embrace their individuality, I hope to guide them on the path to becoming the remarkable individuals they strive to be. In this role, I aim to create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that recognizes diversity in learning. My goal is not only to teach academics but also to help grow self-assured, resilient learners who are ready to face the challenges of the future. Teaching is indeed a lifelong journey for me, and I am dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of my students.