Teacher Highlight: Science Teacher Bonavita Chooses Education as Her Way to Help

Before Alyssa Bonavita settled in a seventh-grade classroom in Winthrop, she did her fair of traveling. Originally from Agawam, Mass., the middle school teacher spent some time in Belfast, Northern Ireland, while her husband played professional hockey. After she decided to opt for teaching instead of a medical career, knowing that she could help others learn the subject that she loved so much, Bonavita moved to Winthrop and began teaching science at the middle school in September. Prior to her career in Winthrop, Bonavita taught in Springfield, for four years, after graduating from New England College in Henniker, N.H.

Why did you choose the grade/subject you are teaching?

I was always interested in a career in science and knew I wanted to do something that helped people. Therefore, I originally thought I wanted to go into the medical field. After beginning college as a nursing major, I realized that my passion for helping people could be just as rewarding through education, so I switched my major and never looked back!

Did anyone inspire you to become a teacher?

My father was an educator for 20+ years – he had a knack for making any topic fun and interesting for his students. I still call him for teaching advice or ideas for lesson plans. More specifically, my sixth-grade science teacher, Mrs. Basile, was my all-time favorite teacher – she definitely paved the way for my future of teaching science…she ironically lives in Winthrop now, too.

What do you love most about teaching?

My favorite part about teaching is something that I call “the lightbulb moment.” It’s the moment when a concept finally clicks for a student after they’ve been struggling and the “lightbulb” turns on! It’s so fun to see how students can grow confidence when they make connections in the classroom.

What do you love about teaching in Winthrop?

Teaching in Winthrop has been so rewarding, thus far. The staff here at the middle school have been amazing and very helpful – it’s a great testament to how close the community here is.