Q&A With Cherlinca Boyd, 2025 teacher MVP
Some people find their calling early. Others are led to it through a series of unexpected turns. For Cherlinca Boyd, teaching wasn’t the plan—it was the path that found her. A proud native of South Memphis, Cherlinca didn’t initially see herself in a classroom. But when the opportunity came, she said yes—and Memphis is better for it.
Ten years later, she’s teaching math and showing students that where you come from doesn’t define where you can go. At Crosstown High, she’s spent the past six years championing innovation in education and helping students discover their power—both in numbers and in themselves. That’s why she’s this year’s Teach901 Teacher MVP.
Q: What inspired you to become a teacher?
I didn’t set out to become a teacher. In fact, during college, when friends would tell me I was meant to be one, I was quick to declare otherwise. Teaching just wasn’t part of my plan. But after finishing grad school and wanting to move back home to Memphis, I applied to a variety of jobs with teaching included as more of a “just in case” option. Ironically, the only offer I received was for a middle school math position at Georgian Hills Middle in Frayser. Now, 10 years later, I can say with complete honesty that it was the best decision I ever made. Teaching found me and I’m so grateful it did.
Q: Can you share a little about your journey to becoming an educator in Memphis?
Even though I didn’t originally plan to become a teacher, I’ve always had a strong desire to give back to my community. Growing up in South Memphis, I constantly heard the negative stereotypes about people “from the hood.” That narrative never sat right with me. I realized that through teaching, I could directly impact students whose stories reflect my own. As an educator in Memphis, I strive to be a living example that you can be a product of your environment and still rise above expectations — proving that where you come from doesn’t define where you’re going.
Q: How long have you been at Crosstown High, and what brought you there?
I just completed my 6th year at Crosstown High and am looking forward to returning for my 7th year. I was encouraged to apply by the former principal, Alexis Gwin-Miller. Prior to Crosstown, I had no idea of what project-based learning or competency-based learning were. After researching those two concepts and how they tie directly into the foundations of Crosstown High, I knew I was home!
Q: What do you hope your students take away from your classroom—beyond academics? What are your hopes for your students’ futures?
Every year, I hear students say things like, “I’m not good at math” or “I’m just not a math person.” As a math teacher, that mindset is always disheartening but it also fuels my purpose. I make it my mission to help students shift that narrative. Instead of believing they’re “bad at math,” I want them to see themselves as capable of doing hard things, even if it takes time.
In education, we often focus so heavily on end goals (passing classes, test scores, graduation) that we overlook the value of the journey. The same is true in life. In my classroom, I emphasize that mistakes are not failures, but part of growth. A misstep doesn’t disqualify anyone from success, becoming their best selves, or contributing meaningfully to their community.
To my former students, I always leave them with: “Go and do great things.” To my future students, I want them to know that when they walk into my classroom, they get a clean slate. What matters most is knowing they’re in a safe space where they can make mistakes, learn from them, and keep growing.
Q: How do you help students see their potential and power within the larger Memphis community?
As a native Memphian, I’ve witnessed the city’s evolution over the years. To help shape the future leaders of Memphis, I focus on building students’ sense of self-worth and guiding their strengths toward positive impact. I want them to see themselves as valuable contributors, even as teenagers, capable of creating real change in their communities. My hope is that by embracing their power and potential, they will challenge the toxic silos that divide us and help restore Memphis as a vibrant, thriving city — one where equity drives decisions, accountability is expected, joy is present, and hope shapes our future.
Q: How does being part of an innovative school fuel your growth as a teacher?
Being part of an innovative school like Crosstown has allowed me to grow not only as a teacher but also as a lifelong learner. Here, no one pretends to have all the answers. We’re encouraged to attend content-specific conferences and workshops, where we gain practical strategies we can apply immediately and build meaningful connections with other innovative members of education from across the country.
I’m also fortunate to work alongside incredible colleagues who constantly push one another to grow. We regularly share ideas and resources, offer thoughtful feedback, and celebrate every win, big or small. And of course, I can’t forget our students! They are truly amazing. I’m grateful to teach children who also teach me. Because of them, I’ve deepened my curiosity, sparked my creativity, and strengthened my resilience as a learner.
Q: What does it mean to you to be named the MVP Teacher?
To me, being an MVP Teacher for Teach901 means showing up every day with purpose. Not just to deliver lessons, but to inspire, connect, and create a space where all students feel heard, seen, valued, and capable of success. It’s about being consistent in excellence, committed to equity, and focused on making a meaningful impact in and beyond the classroom.
I strive to lead with passion, collaborate with others, and keep growing as an educator. Being recognized as an MVP is an incredible honor, but more importantly, it’s a reminder of the responsibility I have to continue uplifting students, supporting my colleagues, and contributing to the mission of transforming education in Memphis.
Q: How can the Memphis community continue to support teachers and schools like Crosstown High?
The Memphis community can continue to support teachers and schools like Crosstown High by investing time, resources, and trust into the work we’re doing. This includes building partnerships with local organizations and businesses, offering mentorship and real-world learning opportunities for students, and advocating for policies that prioritize equitable education.
Community members can also support by showing up, attending school events, volunteering, and amplifying the successes of our students and educators. Most importantly, continued support means listening to and valuing the voices of teachers and students as we work together to reimagine what education can look like in Memphis.