Mrs. Cinicola has been a math teacher at Hamburg for 35 years. She went to college at Alvernia University for a Bachelor’s degree in science and pure math, along with an arts degree in education. Her backup plan in the event that teaching had not worked out was to go into industry. She then extended her education at Kutztown by obtaining a master’s degree. In the spring of 1991, she began student teaching, and after her graduation that year, she began her career that fall. She expects to retire either by the end of this school year or next year.
She always wanted to be a teacher growing up, and math especially, as she liked all of her teachers throughout her schooling. Math was something that she liked due to there always being an answer.
The thing that made her know that teaching was what she wanted to do was the “ah-ha” moments when students finally grasp a concept. She also enjoys seeing the time and practice that students put into understanding concepts when it pays off on their tests and quizzes. Throughout her years at Hamburg, she taught AP and PS Calculus, Honors and PS Precalculus, and Trigonometry. Some of her favorite events that Hamburg hosts are May Day and pep rallies. She enjoys May Day due to the vast number of stands and activities. She also enjoys the creativity of pep rallies. During her time here, she also ran the NHS for 22 years and held two large events, such as a car show and a fun run, which were both a huge success.
Miss Heckman has worked alongside Mrs. Cinicola for about 19 years. They have really grown to become close friends over the years. They have gone to many different activities, such as Air Supply concerts multiple times, summer day trips, and American Music Theater productions every Christmas. Two times they have taught Precalculus together due to schedule conflicts. They share some teaching methods, such as detailed examples along with explanations as to why things are done the way they are, and they both have higher standards for their students, as they want them to succeed and take something out of their class. Miss Heckman also stated that she will miss her once she retires.
Overall, Mrs. Cinicola has been a successful math teacher at Hamburg for numerous years, really helping students prepare for college and successful futures. She has made an impact on multiple students and teachers’ lives. Hamburg is lucky to have her as a teacher.
