Staff Highlight: Ms. Norma

Have you ever watched someone while they are working and knew immediately that their job is a perfect fit? Spending a day in Ms. Norma’s classroom gives a special glimpse of such talent! Ms. Norma has a natural and incredible ability to create an engaging, comforting, and understanding classroom environment to meet the needs of children that she has developed over the course of her amazing teaching career. In October of 2024, Ms. Norma reached her 33rd year of working at CYC! 

We sat down to chat with Ms. Norma about her path to becoming a teacher, and some of her favorite moments throughout her time with CYC. 

Did you always know you wanted to be a teacher? 

“I am the oldest in a family of eight. I think I knew even back when I was helping my siblings with homework. At the time, I thought I wanted to be a nurse to help people. But after going to a doctor's appointment with my sister for her leukemia, I realized nursing was just not my field. I switched my major to teaching after that. I have loved everything about teaching since day one.” 

How did you know you wanted to work in Early Learning specifically? 

“My first opportunity out of college was with a preschool. Right away, I was on the floor engaging with the kids. I was offered an assistant teaching job there shortly after, and I loved every moment of it.” 

What is the most rewarding part of being a Lead Teacher at CYC? 

“When the families keep coming back and ask if I am still working here, and tell us that they used to be in my classroom. When they ask if their children will be in my classroom like they were. Or getting asked ‘are you Ms. Norma from CYC?’ when I go to the store. They will get excited and say ‘Ms. Norma, Ms. Norma- you were my teacher!’, and that really fulfills me. And of course, seeing the growth of the children. You can be so tired, but when you see the changes and impact you have made, that is the most rewarding part.” 

How would you describe your experience at CYC? 

“I love it – I love teaching in my neighborhood! CYC is a good place to be. The people I see here are committed and in the right field.” 

Do you have a favorite moment from your 33 years here? 

“Getting to teach my daughter but also letting her transition to another classroom. That was amazing for me because I saw the positive changes in her and watched how I was able to help her be more independent." 

CYC is incredibly lucky to have experts like Ms. Norma on our team. Over the years she has taught so many children, families, and staff members invaluable lessons. Her colleagues wanted to take a moment to recognize Ms. Norma for her incredible work and dedication. You can flip through their thank you notes below! 

We are so grateful for Ms. Norma for sharing her endless knowledge, care, and love with the CYC community.