My high school Spanish teacher inspired me. I realized in college I was naturally good at tutoring others, and it is due to my teacher who pushed me to get help after school and later help others after school as I became more proficient in the subject. I realized early on the best reward is watching others grasp and get excited about what I teach. I have made thousands of connections and changed lives. Even those that do not excel in the subject, I know they will learn compassion and work ethic.
Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience
My most memorable experience was not my students doing well on tests or excelling. It is when I ran into a previous student after he graduated. He told me failing my class was the best thing that happened to him. He reminded me how he had to stay after to work on his grade in my class, and he told me about his dad passing and his hardships. I asked him his passions, and he told me he loved cars. I then made a call and got him an interview at a car shop where he travels and helps with car racing.
What would you do with the $25,000?
I would call a financial advisor and seek advice how I can invest the money, followed by an attorney to start a Scholarship Travel Fund. I would hope the money grows, and I can pull from it to benefit my students on future summer abroad trips. I feel morally that the money should be used towards education being it is rewarded for being a favorite educator. I have taught 17 years thus far and have another 18 to inspire high school students to see the world and broaden their horizons.
At Puerta del Sol in Madrid, Spain. I found what feels like a second home to me in Madrid, Spain.
At Mercat de la Boqueria in Barcelona, Spain with an awesome student in the picture with me. Enjoying a “Tornado.”
At the Palace of the Popes in Avignon, France. With students and in the picture are my amazing fellow language teachers I work with.
Heading to Madrid, Spain with students. Teaching them how to play Euchre.
In Sarapiqui, Costa Rica cleaning the fence of an elementary school with my students to help the local community.
In Vernazza, Italy. One of the 5 centuries-old villages that make up Cinque Terre. The students are off exploring the shops together.
In Sarapiqui Costa Rica with students. We are volunteering and helping plant trees.
In Nimes, France with students. Absolutely loving the architecture and beauty that surrounds us.
In Sevilla, Spain with students. Who doesn’t want a picture with the big gorilla that is just randomly throughout the city?!
In the Imperial neighborhood of Madrid, Spain. Cooking some paella while the students are being taught how to create some yummy Spanish appetizers. !Qué rico!
At Piazza Alessandro Volta in Como, Italy enjoying some gelato. Students are nearby doing the same.
Enjoying the view and architecture at Carcassonne, France. A place that stole my heart. Students are off exploring this medieval citadel.
In Rigi Kulm, Switzerland. Enjoying the views of the swiss alps. Half of the students are staying warm in the shop while the other half hike to a better view with the other teacher.
Need I say more? Pure bliss happening right now while in Riomaggiore, Italy. Students are taking similar pictures of pure happiness in this beautiful area of Italy.
At Park Guell in Barcelona, Spain. The architecture and artwork of Antoni Gaudi is astounding. Highly recommend. The students absolutely loved learning about the history and seeing this firsthand.
You betcha! This is la Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain!!! Seeing it in person with the students and watching their faces marvel just made it even better than I thought possible.
Las Ventas Bullring in Madrid, Spain. Another teacher and myself being silly. Of course we were so cool, the students wanted pictures doing the same thing. 😉
At the Lion Monument in Luzern, Switzerland. I love hearing the students ponder the how these wonderful masterpieces were created.
Carcassonne, France. Have you ever wanted to explore a castle that dates back to the 6th century BC? I highly recommend Carcassonne as an added item to your bucket list. The students got to explore the fortress, eat some French food, and shop.
Taking a bike tour around Barcelona, Spain with the students. Currently stopped at Parc de la Ciutadella.
In Sarchí, Costa Rica where students partook in an art competition where they painted what is behind me; the traditional oxcart wheel.
In Riomaggiore, Italy which is one of the 5 villages of Cinque Terre. A student left her mark behind forever with tying her bracelet (the colorful one) to the railing.
Holy Toledo! That’s Toledo, Spain in the background. Students got to see first hand this beautiful landmark along with purchase some one of a kind mini swords and jewelry to take home.
Carpe Diem – Seize the Day. Picture taken during our student bike tour through Barcelona, Spain.
Help me to continue seizing the day for future students by voting for me as America’s Favorite Teacher 2025. I will use the money to give back to the students by creating a Student Travel Scholarship Fund. Seeing the lives of kids changed when they travel fills my heart with pure joy and fulfillment. I teach 180 days in the classroom. I try to bring the world to the students within those 4 walls with stories and first hand experience from my traveling with students. Students then also open the eyes of other students with their personal stories. It is an experience I want to continue to offer my students, and not only to the students whose parents can afford it.
