CMLF Favorite Teacher Awards - Meet Cynthia Fernald, College Park Elementary School

  We interviewed each of the final four candidates for the Costa Mesa Library Foundation's "Favorite Teacher Award" in an effort to enable our readers to to get to know them a little better.  This is Part 1 of our 4 part series of interviews...(Cynthia Fernald is a Kindergarten Teacher at College Park Elementary School. She previously worked at Adams Elementary, also in Costa Mesa. - Editor) 

- Were you aware of the Favorite Teacher Awards before you were informed that you were a nominee? (IF YES - ) Did you think you had a chance to be nominated? (why?)

The favorite teacher nomination was a complete surprise.  I felt very honored and humbled when Barbara Steck entered my classroom with the photographers and informed me of the nomination. 

- What made you want to become a teacher?

I have always wanted to become a teacher. I worked as an instructional aide before I became a teacher.  This experience really made me want to work with children on a daily basis.

What experiences, not related to your job or education, do you feel prepared you the most for teaching?

I worked as a sailing instructor while going through college. This experience made me enjoy interacting with kids.
I was able to teach them about oceanography and boating.

What do you consider to be your biggest strengths as a teacher?

My biggest strength is my heart.  The kids know that I care about them. They can tell that I really enjoy teaching them new and exciting things.  I make sure that I make a difference in each and very one of my students lives.  They are so special to me.

Who was your favorite teacher growing up?

My favorite teacher was my fifth grade teacher named Mrs. Sinay.  She worked in Fountain Valley at Moila School.