Cheryl Mantia
Position: Eighth Grade Math Teacher
School: Marshall Simonds Middle School
School District: Burlington Public Schools
City, State: Burlington , MA
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Cheryl Mantia was nominated by an anonymous friend.
Ms. Mantia is an eighth grade teacher at Marshall Simonds Middle School. Every spring, she runs a charity that she developed to help teach her students how to give back.
"They’ve raised so much money for kids with cancer, autism, etc. and the 8th graders really love it," the nominator said. "It’s so good for them to learn community involvement!"
Miss Mantia has done so much for the children of the town of Burlington— right at that age where they need guidance. It’s a tough age (13/14) and they need examples!!!
Great job Cheryl. Your work with the students and surrounding community has been outstanding. You are so worthy of this nomination and hopefully award. Your students are very lucky to have you as a teacher and mentor.
Cheryl’s dedication to this cause was one of the first things I noticed about her when I started at MSMS almost ten years ago, and it has been something that has remained each year! The children she teaches are so engaged in the cause, and it so important for them to learn the power of giving and helping those in need. The causes she donates to are greatly benefited by her efforts. You can truly see the pride kids feel to be part of Teen Light- led by the generous and selfless efforts of this great teacher!
Thank you for nominating Cheryl Mantia for the Life Changer of the Year award.
You are right, Cheryl is not only a dedicated, caring educator, she is a Life Changer. And not just one or two lives but thousands—too many to count. Her type of change starts with each student in her class and continues as a chain reaction that multiplies over time.
Eleven years ago, Teen LIGHT started with a simple challenge Cheryl gave to her class, “If you had the world’s attention, what story would you tell to make a difference?”
From that challenge she now poses to each of her 8th grade classes, Cheryl developed Teen LIGHT as a community service program to inspire and empower students and to give students leadership experience.
And over the last 11 years Teen LIGHT has raised nearly $125,000 for different causes.
Under Cheryl’s guidance, each year, students identify issues that affect teens, create informational documents explaining issues, draft voting documents, choose an issue to support, plan events, and raise money and awareness in support of the issue. At a minimum, these yearly events include:
• Making lollipops for purchase
• Restaurant Week where 20% of the proceeds are donated to Teen LIGHT
• A yearly walk-a-thon to include a 5K walk; a raffle with hundreds of dollars of prizes; booths selling cotton candy, popcorn and slush; the famous dunk tank; entertainment; and visits from donation recipients
Ultimately, it is the enthusiasm Cheryl has instilled in her students which has allowed Teen LIGHT to support causes like depression, suicide, child abuse, bullying, cancer, autism, poverty, mental health, etc. Children who have benefited from the proceeds of the project include three local Massachusetts children who had been diagnosed with cancer.
What started with only 100 students in one 8th grade class, has now evolved into a program that not only engages students throughout the school, but has the support of other teachers, parents, the community and friends.
Teen LIGHT helps students realize just what it takes to make a difference in someone else’s life; how to give back to their community; and, most importantly, how to help others who are less fortunate. And in the process, they also learn to be brave, think strategically, build new relationships, develop business skills, practice collaboration and negotiation skills and of course they learn just how fun it can be helping others. All skills that will benefit them throughout their lifetime.
So again, thank you for honoring Cheryl Mantia with this Life Changer of the Year nomination.
And to Cheryl and so many others like her, who are really leaders for change, constantly inspiring others to find the good in this world and give of themselves—The future thanks you.
MSMS is so fortunate to have Cheryl Mantia as part of our school community. I have been very lucky to have Cheryl Mantia as a colleague, curriculum coordinator and friend for over 10 years. She is a an excellent teacher, leader and an even better person. Students are better mathematicians after having her as a teacher and they are also better people after being in her class. She is very deserving of this award and MSMS is a better place because she is there.
I have had the wonderful opportunity to have Cheryl as my math curriculum coordinator for many years
and have been amazed at how well she organizes all of her responsibilities. She works tirelessly on the Teen Light program bringing students, faculty, and community together for such inspiring causes. Cheryl is an outstanding grade 8 math teacher who engages her students in all of her classes. She also connects with all of the math teachers to support our interests and causes to better our ability to engage our students. I cannot think of a more deserving candidate than Cheryl.
Every school needs a leader like Cheryl Mantia. We are so lucky to call her our own at Marshall Simonds Middle School. She is a smiling face in the hallways on a daily basis. She loves what she does, and her passion is evident in every student's positive review of her. Cheryl starts her day way before the bell, and is one of the last to leave. She goes above and beyond, especially with all her hard work with the Teen Light Program. The students love being a part of Teen Light, and are enthusiastic about championing a cause and helping others. Teaching middle schoolers is not an easy task, and I have been fortunate enough to have received guidance and advice from Cheryl over my seven years with her at MSMS. She is a wise mentor, strong leader, and influential teacher. She is beyond deserving of this award.
No one deserves this more than you, Cheryl! The hard work and extra hours that you put in to Teen Light really show. This program has been an inspiration for so many kids and families in need and to think that with the help of some dedicated 8th graders you have earned over 100k is just amazing.
Ms. Mantia is a true leader in every sense of the word. She leads her students in math class, she leads the math teachers as the department chair, and she leads the student volunteers of MSMS in their quest to make the world a better place. As a leader, she always does the right thing, and the students (as well as teachers) pick up on this. She is willing to put in countless hours even when no one is looking. For example, the incredibly successful yearly one-week lollipop sale for charity (which raised tens of thousands of dollars) was only able to happen because of the 4 WEEKS of after school work that Ms. Mantia put in with her student and teacher volunteers every year. The one day Flatbread pizza day and one day walkathon were only possible because of the MONTHS of work that the volunteers put in organizing sponsors, advertising, and planning for the events. As a volunteer, teacher, and department head, Ms. Mantia puts in countless hours of planning, and this inspires confidence in all of the people that she leads. Ms. Mantia always fights for what is right, and the students and teachers respect her and follow her example. MSMS is truly lucky to have a teacher like Ms. Mantia in its ranks.
Somewhere around ten years ago, my colleague, co-8th grade math teacher, math department coordinator, and friend embarked on a project that would be student led and give back to the community. The students themselves came up with the name for the project, "Teen LIGHT". Each year students may apply to be one of the Teen LIGHT leaders. Several students from each team are selected by the teachers from those who apply. It has become quite an honor now to even be selected to be a Teen LIGHT leader. The students have always risen to the occasion and display outstanding ways of handling responsibility, leadership, and creativity. They have coordinated and led fund raisers throughout the year so that the funds raised can be donated to a worthy cause. That cause is chosen each year by having all eighth grade students vote from choices that the Teen LIGHT leaders have agreed upon. Whatever cause gets the most votes is fully supported by all students. Because of Ms. Mantia's incredible leadership and talent for motivating others, thousands upon thousands of dollars have been raised over the years and donated to causes such as childhood cancer, autism, anxiety, abuse, depression, and poverty. Lives have been changed for the better because of Ms. Mantia's commitment and dedication to eighth grade students as well as to those who are struggling with the various issues. Ms. Mantia does exemplify the meaning of being a Life Changer. Not only is she a phenomenal math teacher who engages her students in ever changing and creative ways, she gives her own time to Teen LIGHT for the good of so many others. This award would simply underscore what so many teachers, parents, and students already know about Ms. Mantia and her dedication.
Cheryl
Does an amazing job motivating her students to fund raise and support worthy causes. Cheryl also makes the fundraising events fun and engaging for all who participate or attend the event.
She is a true leader
Thank you to everyone for the kind words. I appreciate the nomination and thoughtful comments more than I can say. One of my life’s passions is to teach and inspire students to persevere, work hard, and realize their potential. I’ve been most fortunate to meet and work with many students over the years. I am immensely grateful for all I have learned from my incredible students as well as from my amazing colleagues. My students and colleagues inspire me every day.
Thank you to LifeChanger of the Year, National Life Group, and National Life Group Foundation. I am very appreciative of an organization that values education, the experiences of students, and the work of teachers, administrators, and school staff.
Ms. Mantia and Teen LIGHT have both had a significant impact on and changed my life for the better. Throughout this program and with the help of Ms. Mantia I learned beyond valuable skills that I can apply to everyday activities and became a much better person. Teen LIGHT truly is an organization unlike any other, and an organization that had benefited so many people in so many ways. It teaches eighth graders invaluable skills such as leadership, passion, and how we can all change the world while also raising money to support those who do not have the means to support themselves. My year we worked to raise money for children and teens suffering with anxiety and depression, and we raised over $10,000! That money helped so many and it is crazy to think that none of that would have ever happened if it wasn’t for Ms. Mantia founding the program. I am beyond grateful for her and everything this program has done for me. Teen LIGHT changed me from a nervous and timid eight grader to a confident and happy now ninth grader with all the valuable life opportunities that it gave me (i.e. sending professional emails, presenting to the town committee, planning and running a fundraiser). Thank you Ms. Mantia for giving me the resources to find myself and for touching the lives of so many! You are truly the definition of a Life Changer.
I have worked with Cheryl for over fifteen years and have seen first hand the time, effort and care she has given to the 8th grade students at Marshall Simonds Middle School. Her service is an inspiration to all of our young students. The former students and colleagues comments is a testament to her character. Congratulations on years of service and nomination - very well deserved my friend!
This is awesome to see and so long overdue!! Ms Mantia has been the driving force behind a service project called Teen Light. This program has raised over one hundred thousand dollars over the last decade which has gone to several worthy causes in the Burlington community as well as surrounding towns. It's also given so many students a true example of stewardship and fostered a sense in helping those less fortunate than they are. So proud of her and great work she's done!!
Cheryl Mantia has been instrumental in organizing students, community, and school staff to make Teen Light possible. She has dedicated many hours after a long day at school to work with the Teen Light student volunteers to create a a Saturday of public service and fun to benefit deserving causes. Her dedication as teacher and Department Head to her students and colleagues to provide and receive a quality education is truly amazing. Congratulations on a much deserved nomination!
Ms. Mantia has deserved this award for a long time. Along with being a fantastic teacher, she is also a great person. She founded a foundation for our school called Teen LIGHT. It stands for “Leaders Inspired To Give Hope To Teens.” There are leaders who have a cause and raise money for it. Some examples of these causes are depression, anxiety, childhood illness, and more. Ms. Mantia goes above and beyond to help raise the money for people in need. She would stay after school until six o’clock in the evening in the upcoming weeks until the fundraiser to get everything done.
Ms. Mantia is such a great teacher. She does so much for her students to make sure they understand concepts, lets students go on tangents if it helps them learn, ties math to the real world, and stays after school multiple times a week for students. She will stay long after school hours to do little things that help make math more enjoyable for students. An example of this is making funny word problems with students’ names in them. All in all, Ms. Mantia deserves this award mainly because she does anything and everything she possibly can for everybody around her.
I have worked closely with Cheryl for over ten years as a co-teacher in her math class and as a teacher on her 8th grade team. I feel lucky to work with such an inspirational, talented, selfless, and caring woman. She demonstrates all the qualities that you would want as a teacher, mentor, colleague and friend. She is most deserving of this award!
Cheryl Mantia created Teen LIGHT over ten years ago! She has taught her students about the importance of community service. I have seen first hand the impact she has made. Her dedication to Teen LIGHT, Student Leaders, and the organizations receiving donations is outstanding. She goes above and beyond to create opportunities for community involvement. Many of her students continue a path of community service after graduating middle school. She is a true role model and this award is well deserved, and long overdue!
Ms. Mantia is a colleague of mine. She has served as a mentor to me and helped me grow as a teacher. She has also served as the math coordinator for our department for 5+ years and spearheaded many improvements to the teaching of mathematics in our school. On top all this, Ms. Mantia started, Teen Light, a community service project many years ago. This project has raised money for children that suffer from depression, cancer, autism, etc. and for organizations that help children with these afflictions. Just as importantly, her efforts in teen light have taught the students that volunteer in the program the importance of giving of themselves, of contributing to their communities, and of making a difference. She is the embodiment of what a Life Changer is and would be an excellent choice for this award.
Ms. Mantia is an extraordinary teacher, mentor and leader. What she has done for the countless number of students involved in the Teen LIGHT program is beyond exceptional. She not only inspires her students who partake in the Teen Light program, but also gives so much to the various programs that Teen LIGHT have benefited from over the years. Ms. Mantia's knowledge of math and her style of teacher has a way of reaching all learners and she finds a way to show each student that learning can be enriching, fun and capable for all. She is a professional at all levels and a great colleague!! This award is long overdue for you!!!!!
Ms.Mantia is an extremely thoughtful teacher. For our learning, and for others. She has shown the students of MSMS how to give instead of take. She has a very good way in teaching as well. She makes sure everyone knows the subject and she isn’t afraid to help a student if they are in need or don’t quite understand the topic.
She is so kind when it comes to a student not understanding a topic. Instead of becoming mad she helps the student to her greatest capabilities and she doesn’t stop till the student understands what they are learning. I believe that everyone in our school that is being taught by Ms.Mantia has been taught to love the subject of math.
Ms. Mantia is a very popular name in our house hold! My 8th grader constantly talks about her, about how math is fun and how patient and fun Ms. Mantia is! This award nomination for Ms. Mantia is well deserved!
Mrs. Mantia was a great teacher, as well as a great mentor for us while in 8th grade. The Teen Light program was such an amazing way for us to learn about community service. This group allowed us to become involved and raise money for kids in need right in our own community. Our 8th grade class focused on Childhood Cancer and raised close to $10,000 in a short amount of time. Mrs. Mantia makes this group that everyone is excited about joining when they reach the 8th grade at MSMS.
Not only was Teen Light a memorable experience, Mrs. Mantia was such a great math teacher and went the extra step to make sure you were well prepared before any test she was giving. She was always staying after and would help with any issues you were struggling with and just really wanted you to feel confident.
My daughter was struggling in math. Since she has become her teacher, she has helped my daughter overcome her struggles.
Cheryl is an outstanding math teacher. Her work with Teen LIGHT is amazing. Every year she inspires the students to really make a difference in the world.
Mrs. Mantia is a great teacher and makes learning fun. She applies real life situations to what we are learning. She deserves to win this award because she has started a program called Teen Light at Marshall Simonds Middle School. Teen Light has raised over $100,000. It shows her students how to be leaders and give back to those in need. Also, Mrs. Mantia is big on respect. She always makes sure that everyone is respectful to one another and when we are picking partners she makes sure that everyone is included. Before a test or a quiz Mrs. Mantia will let kids stay after school to make sure that they understand what they are learning. She cares so much about her students and is a great role model!
Ms. Mantia is a great leader and a great role model. She is one of the nicest teachers I’ve ever had, and on her on time she came up with a thing called teen light. Teen Light is a program where the teachers select student to help others and put smiles on people’s faces over the year she approximately collected at least $100,000 or more. The thing is she did all of this for free. she donated all the money because she wants to show other kids how happy you can make a person in life she wants to show that you can do want you want to do if you put your mind to it. She is a wonderful teacher when it comes to math she gets really creative and try’s new thing she looks at thing at different angels she does what’s best for us she want all of us to succeed and go to college she wants us to be doing something big and say to herself I had that student because to her that’s a big thing. She stays after school to help kids with homework or to study for a quiz. She respects the students and treats them the right way. this is why I think Ms.Mantia should win because she is a great wonderful teacher who deserves more.
Ms. Mantia is one of the greatest teachers that I have ever had in my life. Before I came into eight grade I really hated math. It just wasn’t fun for me at all, and I wasn’t getting the grades that I wanted to get. But when she teaches, everything just comes to me. She makes it worth to be in math class, because she makes it fun, makes me want to go to that class. Her teachings is so easy and simple and I am starting to get math now. She isn’t rude, mean, or strict to us. She lets us do the math the way we want to do the math. She makes me want to go to school, because I know that it would be a good day as long as she would be there. She has helped me in so many ways. Whenever I do a mistake whether it’s on my homework or class work she always helps me to make sure I know the curriculum, and to make sure that I won’t fail her class. She doesn’t make us take an over load of quizzes during the year. She has also helped many kids, and teens around the world. She runs this event called teen light, where kids form our school are able to stay after with her and raise money for kids with mental illnesses, diseases, or anything that causes harm to any people around the world. She makes almost $10,000 a year and she has made up to over $100,000 dollars for diseases across the world. She wants to stay after school, for no pay to help these people that she doesn’t even know. By far she is one of the nicest, funniest, Inspirational teachers I have ever had.
Ms. Mantia has helped Jayce so much this year. She is very patient and makes learning fun!!
Ms. Mantia is the best teacher because before I did not like math and now I do. She makes math fun. She is very good at explaining things to me and when we do not get the questions right, she will explain it to us. Sometimes when I am having trouble, she will let me stay after and make sure I know what I am doing. She is the best math teacher I have ever had. She puts math in real life situations and that is what I really like. She makes sure everyone is participating in the class. She cares about how we feel and she can tell when we do not get what is happening. Ms. Mantia also does teenlight and that is very nice of her because she takes time out of the day to make sure the kids in teenlight are having fun. She has made so much money to support these causes. She had made a lot of money for the causes which is very nice. And in class she is very sweet to everyone that is in her class. She cares a lot about what she does for us and makes everyone feel happy.
I think I can speak for every kid who has had Ms. Mantia as a teacher by saying that she really does deserve this award. For starters, she always turns a subject that is perceived as “dull” into one of the most fun and engaging classes. She also really teaches us and is understanding, which is awesome and makes math even more fun. If we get a question wrong, she’s quick to give us a detailed explanation as to why it was wrong and how to correctly do it, and we benefit greatly from things like this. Ms. Mantia has also started TeenLIGHT, where 8th graders in our school raise money and awareness for teens with mental illnesses, disabilities, sicknesses, etc. This is very inspiring and it really encourages us to do good in the world. Overall, Ms. Mantia is not only fun and engaging, but she is also helpful and an outstanding role model.
Ms. Mantia has helped me so much with math. She explains stuff enough so that people understand it better. She makes class fun but always stays on task.
Ms Mantia is the best math teacher I have had in the 9 years I’ve been doing math. Before I had her as my teacher I thought math was pointless and that we would never use it in the real world, but she shows us that we do use it in the real world. In every topic we do she makes sure there is a real world example. Another thing that makes her the best is I really struggled in math the past few years, but this year she took her time to help me do better. The way she teaches help so much. She also really gets to know every single one of us. She knows what we are good at and what we are not so good at. She helps us with the math we struggle with. She taught us all to really like math.
Last year math was awful for me and didn’t make any sense at all, but once I came into 8th grade and Ms. Mantia became my teacher it became a lot easier and made so much for since but also a lot more fun. That is because she teaches us about howto apply math to the real world. Not only does it help but it also help me so much understand the situation but it teaches us about the real world. When we are struggling to understand she helps us through it goes step by step and takes time out of her day to even stay after with us and help us get a good grade and get through it. In her class it’s always about math but at the same time it’s not because she always encoporates games and other activities into the chapter.
Ms. Mantia has made math fun for me in this year. Before I went to 8th grade I hated math everything about math, numbers and fractions especially. I know now how to use fractions and how math compares to real life situations. Ms. Mantia can make small jokes and stay on topic. That’s why her class is one of my favorites. She makes everything so much more interesting and I want to learn more about math because of her.
Ms. Mantia is a fanstastic math teacher. She makes math, a subject which can be difficult to understand it’s relevence, and applies it to real life. In my opinion, one of the most important things a teacher can do for their students is connect what they are learning to real life situations. She does exactly that. Ms. Mantia is also someone who displays true leadership. She runs the Teen LIGHT program in which I am privileged to be a part of. She helps us come up with different ways to aid others greatly and effectively. She’s a true role model. I can’t picture having a better eighth grade math teacher.
Ms. Mantia is one of the best if not the best math teachers I have had. Not many people like math but when ms. Mantia teaches she brings a whole new life to it, she does not only make it fun but also relevant. She brings math into the real world and it is easy for everyone to learn. She also stays countless hours after school to help others if it is to help them study for a test or quiz, or if it is to help raise money for the unfortunate in the world.
Ms. Mantia deserves to win the award, life changer of the year, because she has changed my point of view of math and life in general. This year, she helped me see why math is so important, and how math can be used in the real world. She not only has helped me with this, but all of my classmates too. She also has shown my classmates and I how to be more prepared for the future. Ms. Mantia has helped me become a better person too, because of her after school club, “Teen LIGHT”. Ms. Mantia spends every week during the school year helping and teaching us how to care for others, and how to do our jobs. On top of coming to school everyday and teaching for six hours, she volunteers her own time after school, for “Teen LIGHT”. Everything that I described about Ms. Mantia is only some of the few reasons why she has a chance of winning the life changer of the year award.
Ms. Mantia takes her time after school to help us with math and prepare for tests/quizzes so we can feel comfortable taking them. She is very funny, kind and nice and makes math fun. She can tell when we are having a bad day and she takes us out into the hall to talk about what’s going on so she can somehow help and make the day better.
Ms. Mantia is very supportive and patient with many students that do not understand a topic being learned. She lets us come up to the board and do work as a class, which helps me enjoy math more and learn at the same time. Ms. Mantia has a positive attitude during math and makes sure we do not start to get frustrated. She has helped me learn different math methods that I never knew in the other years of math. Ms. Mantia is a very understanding teacher. She is always ready to make math fun and learn new things at the same time.
Ms Mantia is a good math teacher because she helps me with math a lot and also gives examples if I do not understand the question. Also she breaks it down in a easy way for me and sometimes she makes the math problems funny at the time. Next is that she makes sure everyone gets the Math problem before she moves on but if everyone does not. Then She makes sure everyone understands completely and that’s why Ms. Mantia is a good math teacher.
Ms. Mantia is the best math teacher I have ever had. I have never really found an interest in math until this year. Ms. Mantia connects what we do in math class to the real life world in a fun way. We learn math but in a way that doesn’t bored anyone. She makes jokes, laughs with us, and teaches math class in a way that I didn’t know was possible.
Last year math was awful for me and didn’t make any sense at all. But once I came into 8th grade and Ms.mantia became my teacher it became a lot easier and made do much for since. That is because
Not only have I been fortunate to have Cheryl as my colleague, but she was also my mentor when I first started my teaching career and I couldn't imagine learning from someone better. Every year she goes above and beyond for her students, whether that means staying after for extra help, explaining math in a different way to help them understand the concept, or even changing every worksheet, project, and test to include the names of students and their interests. In addition, Cheryl volunteers her time for our students and teaches them the importance of community and giving back to others. She created and runs a program called Teen Light, which has raised over $100,000. Students in the 8th grade pick the cause they would like to focus on for that year and then she works with them to create fundraisers and a walk-a-thon to raise money for the cause. Over the years, I have had a great deal of students express to me what a difference she has made in their lives, whether that be in the math classroom or through Teen Light. She goes above and beyond to teach the whole child and even manages to teach life lessons in her math class. An award like this is long overdue for Cheryl!
Have you ever heard of a better teacher in your life, probably not. But now you will. Mrs. Mantia is the best, most intelligent, and the most helpful teacher ever! She is always on task and will help you anytime if you have any trouble with anything. She as well is extremely helpful when it comes to math. She adds and configures the curriculum we are learning in so that we as students can learn more and understand the subject. She also takes time out of her day to help others who are struggling with a subject and offers extra help after class. Mrs. Mantia is not only a great math teacher, but also a kind-hearted and a thoughtful human being. She was the founder of Teen L.I.G.H.T, an organization created by Mrs. Mantia to help others in need. Teen light organizes fundraisers for various problems for others in need like kids struggling with depression and teens with cancer. Mrs. Mantia is so much more than just your standard, boring math teacher but a friendly, kind, enthusiastic, caring, and passionate math teacher. Not even the words I describe here are enough to compliment Mrs. Mantia.
Ms. Mantia is one of those teachers, that you don’t have enough words to express her. Whenever you need help, she always wants to help. She will help you, till you understand the problem completely. Especially, the Teen light group she made, she puts in so much work to help people in need, without getting paid.
Ms. Mantia is an incredible teacher. Her teaching is effective and has taught me so much about the real world. She found a way to connect math with the world we are living in today, and honestly, it has helped me a lot! I have thought about the ways I will use money, the ups and downs of it, and so much more. Though math is not always the “funnest subject”, I have found in her class that I enjoy learning about it more than any other year I have been in school. She teaches us that there is a purpose to what we learn which sets us up for a better future. Ms. Mantia makes learning fun and eventful for everybody, even the ones who think math is not always the greatest. One day, I’ll make sure to thank her for that! Ms. Mantia is always getting our class to think outside the box, and it has definitely opened up my mind more about math in the world. There are also always tons of smiles in her class, no matter the day. Respect is huge in her class and she teaches us how to be better people each day. Not only is Ms. Mantia an amazing math teacher, she is also an amazing person. She has not only ran, but has created Teen LIGHT: a way to help kids like us have a chance at living a fantastic life they derseve. Teen LIGHT helps teenagers who are suffering with cancer, mental health issues, and so much more. Ms. Mantia gives back, helps others, and has changed the lives of teens like all of us forever. Overall Ms. Mantia is one of the greatest math teachers I have ever had. She is also one of the greatest people I have met. Ms. Mantia has changed all of her students lives in the most positive way imaginable. In our eyes, Ms. Mantia is the life changer of the year.
Have you ever gotten that feeling when you walk into a classroom for the first time? I’m not talking about that feeling of the unknown because you are entering a whole new airspace, I mean that feeling when you know something good is going to happen in that room. When I first walked into Ms. Manta’s room, I got this feeling. Even before I walked in, former students of her told me that she is a great teacher(including my brother) and of course, they were right! Every class she thoughtfully plans out a unique agenda. One day we might measure ourselves to prove that arm span is equal to height. Another class we might go into “tangents”(as she calls them) and we dive so deep into a concept that I find myself thinking about that conversation in math while lying in bed! We have dove into so many concepts, and the year is only half over. After this school year is over, I want to be that “former student” who tells incoming students about how great she is.
Math has always been my worst subject and it would give me anxiety. In elementary school, I would get so upset about math. My mom was very worried about how I would do. But, this year math was so much more enjoyable. Ms.Mantia has been one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. She puts in so much hard work into everything she does. She understands struggles that most of us go through and can help us through it. She also puts so much time and effort into TEEN LIGHT, which raises awareness for a cause. It’s very inspiring to see how much she cares about TEEN LIGHT. She is inspirational to all students.
Ms. Mantia has deserved this award for a long time. Along with being a fantastic teacher, she is also a great person. She founded a foundation for our school called Teen LIGHT. It stands for “Leaders Inspired To Give Hope To Teens.” There are leaders who have a cause and raise money for it. Some examples of these causes are depression, anxiety, childhood illness, and more. Ms. Mantia goes above and beyond to help raise the money for people in need. She would stay after school until six o’clock in the evening in the upcoming weeks until the fundraiser to get everything done.
Ms. Mantia is such a great teacher. She does so much for her students to make sure they understand concepts, lets students go on tangents if it helps them learn, ties math to the real world, and stays after school multiple times a week for students. She will stay long after school hours to do little things that help make math more enjoyable for students. An example of this is making funny word problems with students’ names in them. All in all, Ms. Mantia deserves this award mainly because she does anything and everything she possibly can for everybody around her.
Ms.Mantia is a truly incredible teacher. Some kids struggle to really understand math but she teaches in a way that breaks it down to make it easier. Her classroom is a safe environment and she makes it so no one is afraid of asking questions. She stays and gives after school help to ensure we really comfortable with each topic come time for the quiz/test. She really goes above and beyond for her students.
Ms. Mantia is one of the best math teachers I’ve ever had. She is the only math teacher I know who ties in math to the real world, which I find very interesting. I know that not everyone loves math, myself included, but she showed me a different way of thinking about it. Ms. Mantia understands us, and she knows how to help when we’re stuck on something. Also, she runs Teen LIGHT, a community service program that she created where students get to help make a difference in the world. It stands for Teen Leaders Inspired to Give Hope to Teens. Ms. Mantia puts in all of those extra hours to spend time with us, which can be very difficult sometimes. I am one of the Teen LIGHT leaders this year, and it’s easy to see that she is really passionate about it. She helped us come up with new ideas to raise money for our cause, mental illnesses. I know that I will use everything that she teaches me, because it always applied to the real world. She deserves this award because she is an awesome teacher, and I hope she wins!
Teen LIGHT was an amazing opportunity for me and many students to take part in. It allowed us to give back to kids around our age. I would’ve never been able to have such a great experience with Teen LIGHT if it wasn’t for Ms. Mantia. Her devotion to helping others was inspiring. Ms. Mantia never thought twice about helping someone out, and always made them feel like they could get through whatever it was bothering them. I still have not forgotten the lessons that Ms. Mantia taught me during Teen LIGHT and even during math class.
Ms.Mantia is my favorite math teacher I’ve ever had. She is so understanding and takes time for you to fully understand what your learning. She is caring and is so unbelievably kind hearted. She is funny and always has faith in you even when you don’t have faith in your self. She had a lot of patients. She runs a program here at our school called teen light. It’s free as well! She works hours and stays at the school so she can work on teen light. Teen light is a organization that helps teens who are struggling. For example past years did.. Axiety, and depression. It is fun and Ms. Mantia is amazing!!!
Ms.Mantia has changed my life. Going into eighth grade I thought it was going to be horrible. Until the first day when I walked into math class to the nicest and kindest teacher I have ever met greeted me. Then I knew this was going to be a great year. Ms. Mantia created this amazing foundation called teen light. Everyone year she helps a cause from either bulling to autism. She raises thousands of dollars every year. After school she stays after for many hours just to help teens in need. She also stays after to help kids for math if they are having trouble as well. She has made math a lot easier for me and many others. She is probably the best math teacher I will ever meet and probably just the best teacher ever.
Ms. Mantia deserves to win the lifechanger award because she does so much for the community and is a great teacher. She always answers any questions we have and teaches us so much.
Last year I did not like math at all. I did not try my best and did not do as well as I am this year. This year I am doing way better because Ms. Mantia explains the lessons really well. She also stays after before almost every quiz and test. She does not have to stay, but she does it on her free time. She is one of the best teachers I have ever had. She also runs and founded Teen Light. She has helped a lot of people and raised a lot of money for good causes.
Mrs. Mantia is always fun and she is a really nice teacher to be around. She is not too strict and she really cares about her student’s success. She always explains everything and makes sure that we understand the concepts that she is teaching. Mrs. Mantia is always fair about the rules and always makes sure we are set up to do well and pass. She also challenges all her students so we can be our very best selves. In addition to being an awsome math teacher, Mrs. Mantia is also the leader of teen light, which has helped so many people and saved lives. Mrs. Mantia really cares about the kids and want to make a difference that matters.
I am not that good at math but mrs mantia puts it into a fun creative way. She puts in so many extra hours after school and she even stays after with struggling students. She is by far the best math teacher I have ever had! Ms. Mantia started teen light and sometimes stayed until six o’clock making sure everything gets done. She is one of the few teachers I have ever complimented. She says “your smarter than you know” and “it’s okay to not know but it’s not okay to not try”. She pushes everyone of her students to work harder and get better every day and thats why she is my favorite teacher at MSMS.
Ms. Mantia stayed after school for extra help before tests, and helped me. When I stayed after it helped me get a better grade than I would have if I didn’t.
Ms.Mantia in my eyes and the eyes of other students deserves to win the Lifechanger of the year award. I know that math may not be the most popular or loved subject we take in school. But the way Ms. Mantia makes the class lively and interesting is something that I admire about her. In addition she is creator Teen light,and the one who thought of the idea to teach the 8th grade students of Burlington the worth of community service and helping those in need.
I’m not really good at writing positive comments about people and I don’t really even know how to compliment people that well but one of the few people I can do it for is Ms. Mantia. I’ve been in the public school system for almost 9 years now and I have never seen a teacher so determined to make sure that not just one person gets it but everyone gets it. Ms. Mantia is is one to never get mad at you for not getting, all she wants you to do is work your hardest, that is what matters to her. Ms. Mantia has two rules in her classroom, do your job, and respect. If you do both of these there is no way you will fail her class. From what have I told so far she already seems like an excellent candidate, but I haven’t even gotten into teen light. Teen light is a fundraising program that she created to help kids in need, not just her students. This is why I think she should be the life changer of the year because she truly changed mine
Ms.Mantia should win the award for multiple reasons. In the past two years of middle school, math was my worst subject. I had no idea how to do certain things because I didn’t understand them. It was also my least favorite because I never felt like I was good enough in the class. However, now it is one of my favorite classes. Ms.Mantia not only makes class fun but also explains everything enough so everyone in the class understands it, and if they don’t she will go over it again.
She also does this thing called Teen Light with the eighth grade students. She allows any eighth grader to join and some apply as teen leaders which means they get more responsibility. She takes time out of her day and helps teach the students about community service and raise money based on the option for that year. Overall she is an amazing teacher that puts others before herself.
I have only had Ms.Mantia for a couple of months and she has taught me so much that I’ve never learned before and she taught me stuff that I will later need in life once I get older. Ms.Mantia helps with not just math but some life decisions too. She created a club called “Teen light” that they collect money and give it to people really in need and she does this just for fun! She is a teacher that is always kind and can break down stuff to make more helpful for you. She will stay after school during her free time just to help you and make sure you understand the stuff we are learning.
Ms. Mantia is the best teacher I’ve had in all my 9 years of learning. The way she teaches not only helps me learn, but it is a fun way to learn. Her voice shows that she is explaining in a way that is easy for everyone. If you need help, she is there in a mills second. She will go help someone so fast, she is like a brilliant lightning bolt. Ms. Mantia understands the circumstances of someone and their learning abilities, and she follows and helps them into a new and fun experience. Whenever I have trouble with something, she come over and say “you’re smarter than you know.” This are the words of comfort and relaxation. She’ll pint out a couple of mishaps, and she changes your whole perspective on math. She has a way of reading minds as she looks at the feeling in your eyes. She’ll help you in whatever way you need for as long as you need it. She is the one!
Ms. Manita, You are a great teacher. I love what you are doing with teen light and I hope you win the life changer of the year award.
Beside from being a great math teacher, Ms.Mantia helps people in need on a daily basis by raising money for different causes such as cancer treatment, and depression. She uses her own free time to make awareness for the different causes her students pick out.
Ms.Mantia is an extremely thoughtful teacher. For our learning, and for others. She has shown the students of MSMS how to give instead of take. She has a very good way in teaching as well. She makes sure everyone knows the subject and she isn’t afraid to help a student if they are in need or don’t quite understand the topic.
She is so kind when it comes to a student not understanding a topic. Instead of becoming mad she helps the student to her greatest capabilities and she doesn’t stop till the student understands what they are learning. I believe that everyone in our school that is being taught by Ms.Mantia has been taught to love the subject of math.
Ms.Mantia is a fun and exciting teacher and she always does the best activities and knows how to make math fun no matter what. She deserves the award for all the hard work she has done. It is very nice of her to take her time to do teenlight and I really hope she wins the award!
Ms. Mantia makes her class very fun with all of the activities that she does throughout. She also teaches in a way that you can remember everything that she teaches. She also does a lot of things with partners so someone can help you if you are having trouble. Another thing is that she allows you to be free on how you do things in her class like figuring out a problem the way you want to.
Ms. Mantia is one of the best teachers I have ever had, and I will tell you why. She is caring, funny, and makes math fun for the people who dont really understand it. She shows how math can be used in the real world and demonstrates how it can be useful. She creates fun games that require mathematical equations and we don’t even notice them because we are having so much fun. Ms. Mantia is the best teacher and should 100% win this award.
I think Ms.Mantia should win because she is a great teacher and she makes it fun and understandable. She also involves the lesson into our real life’s. She also does teen light and raises a lot of money for many people.
Ms.Mantia
Ms.Mantia is an all around great person because she is a great teacher that gets things done and is determined to help us do good things in life. She thinks about the long term goals and how you can do any thing you want to do in life. The reason Ms.Mantia runs the teen lite charity is because she cares about everybody and not just herself, and she wants to help others with any problems they have.
Ms.Mantia makes math really fun and she helps raise money for teen light, she really helps out the community and is very nice.
Ms. Mantia is an inspirational teacher. She has showed me how to have faith in myself, and overcome challenges I faced so far. Without her I would not be able to have the math skills I have now. She has showed me simple tricks that made math so much easier. She has taught me to be confident in myself, and always believe everything is possible. Most of all she taught me never to give up.
Ms.Mantia has shown me that anyone can do anything if you believe in yourself and try your best. She has also shown me that if their is a problem big or small you can work through it.
Ms.Mantia recommended me for a higher tutor group. She said that I could do it even though they are a topic a head of me. I am not the best at math and that really meant a lot to me.
Although I’ve only had Ms. Mantia for a few months now, I have learned much more math than I ever thought I would in 8th grade. She has explained, showed, and made educational games out of almost every lesson we have learned. Ms. Mantia is super sweet to every single student she has and if we need help she always does one on ones with us. We get our work done to the greatest it can be and work as hard as we can with her.
Ms. Mantia is a great teacher as she always works with students and gives us freedom to choose who we want to work with as long as we get it done.
Ms.Mantia is an awesome teacher because of her willingness to teach and willingness to help people in need through teen light. She also has a good sense of humor and it shines through in her teaching.
Ms Mantia has dedicated so much of her time to helping others. She makes it her obligation to help others in need, and to teach her students to give back. Ms. Mantia is also a wonderful teacher. She believes that each and every one of her students will succeed, and I’m so grateful to have her this year.
Miss Mantia is so good at running the charity, because she lets us choose what causes we want to help and believes in us to be able to do good. She looks at us as more than “just” eighth graders when running this charity.
Ms. Mantia is good a teacher/person because she helped a lot of kids in her classes, including me, and she also worked countless hours everyday for her charity and school.
Ms. Mantis is a excellent teacher because she teaches us math in a fun exciting way. She has also put the hours in for helping teen light and she don’t even get payed and not many people would do that.
Mrs.Mantia is the greatest math teacher that I have ever had. She is caring, her teaching is the best, and all she does is give us respect.
Mrs. Mantia helped me get better at math when I was struggling. Even if you don’t like math she finds a way to make it fun for everyone. She does a lot of charity work and let’s us help her. Which teaches us how to give back to are town and help people in need.
I believe Ms. Mantia should win this because of all of the good she has done for us academically and as people in general. We learn lessons of life constantly in her class as she is always trying to apply her subject to the real world. Through her volunteer work with Teen LIGHT (the charity she started), she has taught countless students to help others within their community.
Ms.Mantia is funny and great teacher who teaches well. She goes through the steps in a math problem and helps me understand to how to do the problem.
Ms. Mantia is such a great teacher because she helps a lot with accedemics and she explains well. She also not only helps people with teen light to learn about charity, but also her reading class. She gets us to think about (world) problems and how to solve them.
Ms. Mantis is such a great teacher because she helped me by having after school classes that helped me understand math better.
Ms. Mantia stayed after school for extra help before tests, and helped me. When I stayed after it helped me get a better grade than I would have if I didn’t.
Ms. Mantia is such a great teacher. She has helped me a lot this year. She has helped me grow as a person and get better in math.
Ms. Mantia is such a great teacher because she’s made this year very enjoyable and helped me when I didn’t fully understand a topic in her class. She’s also made such an impact in the lives of so many teens because of TEEN Light.
Ms. Mantia is a wonderful teacher who puts so much effort into Teen Light. She cares so much about her students and the time she puts into the charity group shows.
Cheryl's efforts have given so many students their first real experience with community service. In addition, Teen LIGHT has also provided many local students and families in need with support when they most needed it.
Mrs. Mantia is awesome! I was in Teen Light as an eight grader and we raised around $5,000 to be donated to organizations that dealt with mental health. Working in teen light helped me develop real world skills as well as give back to the community, as I learned how to correspond and work with people when I helped produce the T-shirt’s we all wore and sold. I appreciate Mrs. Mantia and all she has done for the community and her kindness and dedication to others.
TeenLIGHT has such an incredible impact on our community, and I am so thankful I got the opportunity to be a leader as an 8th grader. This program not only brings teens together for good causes, but also incites the passion for giving in young students, that they will carry with them well into their adult lives. This program has raised money to change the lives of several individuals, and is an overall positive experience I am proud to say I was a part of!
Best experience that an eighth grader could ever receive. When I was apart of TeenLight, I was able to learn lifelong skills of being a better person and how to give back to people who aren’t as fortunate as some of us may be. Through the entire year I was able to grasp these values and have been applying them to my life ever since. Thank you so much for all of the work TeenLight does for the community, and the lessons it teaches students as they move on to higher education and the real world.
Cheryl does an amazing job with the Teen Light students - they raise a ton of $ each year! I love that students choose where the $ goes to... this is such a great way for middle schoolers to learn about giving back to their community!
Ms. Mantia leads an outstanding service project in Burlington Public Schools. Teen LIGHT brings together students, teachers, and families to support kids in need and our community. Congratulations Cheryl on your well deserved nomination and success with Teen LIGHT!
Teen LIGHT is one of the most amazing opportunities for young students to immediately transform into great leaders. This program teaches the importance of community engagement and provide all of Burlington with bright beings excited to make a change in our constantly improving community! Teen LIGHT will always be special to me-thank you for all those currently who dedicate their time to the community!
I was a part of Teen Light as a leader about 2 years ago and it was an amazing experience. One of the kids we helped was actually my 4th grade teachers daughter and it was amazing to be able to give back to someone who did so much for me. Also, it’s amazing to have a teacher like Ms. Mantia who cares about these things to help build a group that can help others. Being able to take time out of her personal and work life to do this for kids of the community is inspiring and if I could go back, I would! :)
