Cynthia carvalho

Tell us why you became a teacher

I had an amazing 3rd grade teacher who I wanted to grow up and be just like! I don’t remember what was so special but she made teaching seem fun and I wanted to do that. I used to go home from school and play school, always being the teacher of course. I have been in education for about 35 years.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Of all my years of teaching the most memorable experience was when I taught grades 1-3 in a school for physically, emotionally, and sexually abused children. One of the boys was very disinterested and physically abusive. He had sharpened a pencil and came at me with it like he was going to stab me. I had to restrain him as to not get hurt or have anyone else hurt. We developed a strong teacher student bond. When I left the school, I continued to keep in touch with him taking him on outings

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I had $25k I would invest half, pay off my bills, give some to my grown children, and donate 3-4k to my favorite charity. I would also buy supplies and warm clothing for my less fortunate students.