Cindy Brown

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher to make a difference. As a child, I moved from Cuba to the United States and had to learn English. A kind teacher helped me feel confident and supported, and her impact inspired my career. I have taught for twenty six years and now teach PK4 at St. Philip’s in Beeville, Texas. I love watching my students grow and seeing their little lightbulb moments each day.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable moment as a teacher was helping a nonverbal student learn to speak. The first time he said my name, it brought tears to my eyes. Seeing him find his voice was one of the greatest joys of my career. Now he is in seventh grade, doing wonderfully. He plays sports, has many friends, and talks all the time. Watching his growth from a quiet little boy to a confident, outgoing young man is something I will never forget.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the money to pay off some loans, because as we all know, teachers do not make much. I would also give back to the school where I work. Since it is a private school, we do not have a large budget for resources, and extra support would make a big difference for our students.