Tamarac teacher brings hands-on style to classroom

Rhonda Cava is a second mom, students say

TAMARAC, Fla. ā€“ For 30 years, Rhonda Cava has been a teacher, and even a second mom, to thousands.

Cava teaches the fifth-grade gifted class at Challenger Elementary School in Tamarac. But her students say being a "Cava Kid" is the true gift. Ā 

"A lot of the work felt really hard and I didn't think I could do it,but she really helped me," said student Kayla Crespo.
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Most wouldn't describe Cava as a textbook teacher. She's visual and hands on, bringing words and pictures to life through dynamic dramatizations.

"She is the most committed teacher Iā€™ve ever met in my entire life. Every student who has been fortunate to have been in her class has soared in the rest of their life," said a fellow Challenger teacher.
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That's why Cava was chosen as a Local 10 Tribute to Teachers honoree. She was also honored with a $1,000 check courtesy of the Ford Motor Company.

Cava is retiring at the end of this year, and has words of wisdom for teachers just getting started: "Always remember what you got into it for. Love your children and work hard, because it matters."