As this school year comes to an end, there are a lot of exciting moments everyone thinks about. Students also reflect on their teachers, including those who came into this school year with lots of energy and ideas. Teresa del Carpio and Cynthia Ann Lee are both new to the Academy. Del Carpio teaches Honors English 10 and Advanced Placement (AP) Literature and Composition, while Lee joined the Academy as a geometry and physics teacher. Both say they have a love for teaching and helping students grow.
Del Carpio says she loves the creativity in education. When asked about her teaching at the Academy, she said, “I want my students to be excited about what they learn and see how it connects to their lives.”
Throughout this year, she said that she has used lots of teaching methods to make sure every student feels included, supported and understood. By creating a welcoming environment at this school, del Carpio has encouraged students to share their thoughts and get along with each other, showing respect and teamwork.
Lee’s journey to the Academy was unexpected but very meaningful. “I retired from teaching, so I thought I was waiting for a new job, praying for a new adventure, and asked God, ‘What do you want me to do?” she said. A friend told her about the position for a Geometry teacher, and she said that she knew it was God’s answer to her prayer.
Before joining the Academy, Lee taught at Hawaii Baptist Academy (HBA) for 14 years as a middle school fine arts/drama teacher and later spent two years teaching math at Kapolei Charter School. While both the Academy and HBA are faith-based, Lee has been learning to navigate the all-girls environment at the Academy.
Lee’s passion for teaching started early for her. As a child, she would line up her teddy bears, set up a chalkboard and teach math. She has always enjoyed helping others learn, whether it’s twirling a baton, cheerleading, singing or playing piano. She even homeschooled her son, making sure he had a faith-based education.
Although she loves art and history, she is excited to be a part of the Academy’s math department. Outside of teaching, she enjoys walking and jogging around Diamond Head and the Ala Wai Canal, caring for her seven cats (Silver, Milo, Leo, Figaro, Skooch, Citron and Miguel), watching football, soccer and hockey, working on puzzles and sewing pillows and growing vegetables, herbs and flowers. She is also a devoted reader, and she enjoys reading faith-based books.
Del Carpio’s life beyond teaching includes dancing, reading, traveling, and spending quality time with her son and dog outdoors.
Both del Carpio and Lee have brought ideas and energy to the Academy. Many students agree that they care deeply about helping students and helping them learn and grow.
