Cynthia Earle: Outstanding Graduate Student in Special Education

Cynthia Earle of Casco, Maine is the 2025 Outstanding Graduate Student in Special Education in the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development. Originally from Abington, Massachusetts, Earle is earning her Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree in Special Education with a dual concentration in high- and low-incidence disabilities. She currently serves as a special education teacher at Lake Region Middle School in Naples.

Why did you choose UMaine for graduate school?

I loved the idea of being a Black Bear from anywhere! My whole program was online, which gave me great flexibility to access my program from wherever I was.

Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at UMaine better, and if so, who are they and how have they impacted your time at UMaine?

I had concerns that I was too old to go back to college, so at first, I decided to start out by doing a graduate certificate program, Positive Behavior Intervention and Support: RTI for Behavior, taught by Courtney Angelosante. I had such a great experience doing the graduate certificate program it encouraged me to jump all in into the special education graduate program!

What has UMaine enabled you to explore beyond academics?

Even though I attended UMaine online all of my professors have always encouraged us students to get to know each other through the class. It has been great to meet and get to know all kinds of teachers from all over. Learning and discussing different idea with other UMaine students has really helped me grow as a teacher!

What advice do you have for incoming graduate students to help them get off to the best start academically?

You are going to reach a point where you don’t think you can do this. Know that this happens to every student. But you can! Surround yourself with people who encourage and support you. Keep going and it is so worth it!

What’s on the horizon? What are your plans for after you graduate?

I am very lucky to be working at an amazing school, where I have support and encouragement as a teacher. I look forward to teaching my students and growing with them as a teacher!

Special thank you message:

I want to especially thank those who have been my sunshine and all those colleagues who gave me the courage and belief in myself to start this journey, those who supported me along the way. There is no way I would be where I am today without all your support!