LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Cynthia Hopkins was nominated anonymously. 

In her seventh-grade science classroom, Ms. Hopkins creates a positive and engaging learning environment by fostering strong relationships, setting clear expectations, and cultivating a culture rooted in respect, curiosity, and inclusivity. She begins each day by greeting students at the door, setting a welcoming tone and showing genuine interest in their lives, cultures, and backgrounds, helping each student feel seen, heard, and valued.

Ms. Hopkins establishes consistent routines that support student success, including the use of AVID binders, focused note-taking strategies, and collaborative structures like Socratic Seminars and think-pair-share. These routines build organization, accountability, and amplify student voice. Her lessons are filled with hands-on, inquiry-based activities that spark curiosity and deepen understanding. From using Micro:bits to explore genetics, to squishy circuit investigations of conductivity, to engineering challenges with Keva Planks, her students engage in creative problem-solving and teamwork regularly.

Her classroom environment reflects her commitment to representation and inclusion. Student work, science fair projects, and posters celebrating diverse scientists, including women and people of color, adorn the walls, reinforcing the message that everyone belongs in STEM. Beyond the classroom, Ms. Hopkins extends learning opportunities through science fair mentorship, participation in the Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering (TAME), and family STEAM nights, connecting students and their families to real-world STEM pathways. By celebrating effort, recognizing growth, and offering students choice in projects and investigations, Ms. Hopkins creates a classroom where learners feel safe to ask questions, take risks, and support one another in their scientific journey.