Influencer of the Week: Linda Selman, Central Florida Christian Academy

Linda Selman, a math teacher at CFCA, is an educator who has a passion for investing in students. She is always willing to help students whether it involves a math problem, a class issue or a life incident. Selman is patient and kind and always willing to give of her time. She loves math and wants students to realize the day-to-day application of math.

What do you love most about your school?

I love the desire that every teacher has to do the best for the students. Every staff member works beyond their school day to make the students successful in their subject matter. The student body is also culturally diverse. Students come from different countries, different socio-economic backgrounds, different ethnicities and different religious backgrounds.

What’s your favorite part of your role?

​My goal is to help every student to not necessarily like math but to be able to say they can do it! Every student can learn! They may learn differently or take longer to learn or may need to be challenged, but every student can learn math and be good at it! I enjoy working with the entire student. Students come to school with problems or concerns that stem from sources outside the school. Teaching to the whole person is what teaching is all about. Individually helping students to be the best they can be — the best learner, the best friend, the best child, the best reflection of Jesus.

What motivates you and pushes you to do your best?

God has done so much for me that I want to be a reflection of him to my students. That goes in every aspect of my life. In teaching, it motivates me to simplify mathematical processes or present mathematical processes in a variety of methods — audio, visual, hands-on, etc. — so every student has the opportunity to learn best based on their learning style. The truth is that God has blessed me with the ability to teach in a way that I don’t always understand. 

What’s the nicest thing a student, parent or faculty member has done for you?

I am always in awe when a current student or former student or parent comes to me and tells me how much the math I taught has helped them in their current math class. Or even when they come to me reminding me of some “weird saying” I had for some math process they still remember. At that moment I give thanks to God for his teaching of me on how to reach students!

If you could take a vacation anywhere, where would you go?

I love to ride my motorcycle. But I want to combine that with touring the U.S. via Route 66. I would love to take my time and see the sights, take side trips and enjoy the journey.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Currently, I have little free time. I am in the season of helping to care for my 96-year-old mother. But if I have free time, I love counted cross stitch and exploring different parts of Florida.