Cynthia Metallo

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher to make a difference. I became a teacher to prepare children for the best possible futures. I want every student to know there is someone who believes in them, in their ability to learn and achieve, and become all they ever dreamed. Every child deserves the right to be nurtured with the expectation that they can and will learn with hard work. I absolutely love teaching students with disadvantages as I was one of those children. All things are possible and education is the key.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My 1st years of teaching, I had a very difficult student in my special education class. He was a huge behavior problem with significant cognitive delays. Being an idealist, I knew I could teach him, help him find his strengths and overcome challenges. I even worked with him on weekends at a local library. 21 years later, this troubled boy, now a man, returned to find me. He told me I had changed his life. My belief in him was the reason he graduated HS and college with a bright future.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would give the first 20% to charity. This is always my priority. Then I would buy a car since my little Nissian Versa is 9 years old with over 140,000 miles and does terribly in the snow. I am a teacher living in one of the snowiest cities in the United States.