Meet Our MVP Teacher: A Journey Fueled by Purpose, Equity, and Student Power
Though she never planned to become a teacher, Cherlinca Boyd, this year’s MVP Teacher, found her calling in the classroom—and hasn’t looked back since. Born and raised in South Memphis, she returned home after graduating from college and took a chance on a middle school math position. What started as a backup option has grown into a decade-long mission to redefine what’s possible for students who, like her, come from communities too often overlooked. Her classroom is more than a space to learn equations—it’s a place where students rebuild confidence, embrace challenges, and are reminded daily that they are capable of greatness.
For the past six years at Crosstown High, she’s become a powerful force in project-based learning and educational innovation. Her teaching philosophy centers on growth, not perfection, and on helping students understand that missteps are stepping stones, not setbacks. By creating a safe and affirming classroom culture, she ensures every student feels valued and seen. She hopes they leave her class not only stronger in math but also in mindset—with the courage to dream bigger and the confidence to lead in their own communities.
Being named MVP Teacher is a recognition of the consistency, care, and creativity she brings to her work. She’s a leader in and beyond the classroom, mentoring colleagues, building bridges between schools and communities, and championing equity in education. Her story proves that the best teachers don’t just deliver lessons—they help shape futures. And in a city as resilient and vibrant as Memphis, she’s helping raise the next generation of changemakers, one student at a time.
