Welcome to our third highlight for Teacher Appreciation week. We’re so excited to be highlighting a high school champion, Cindy Adams, from Murray High School in Kentucky. Her nominator had some great things to say about her. “Cindy sets a standard for professionalism in her business classroom that is simply the best. She models it, the kids learn from it, and she expects it from them.”
Read more about Cindy below.
Certiport: Cindy, we’re so excited to recognize you for Teacher Appreciation week. We just want to start by saying how grateful we are for all you do for your students.
Cindy: It’s such a pleasure. I’m grateful to be recognized amongst such a great group of teachers.
Certiport: You teach in high school, correct? Tell us a little about the classes you teach.
Cindy: Yes, I teach all grades, ninth through twelfth. I have five different courses that I teach: Microsoft Office, Digital Literacy, CSC 199, which is a Murray State University dual credit course, Yearbook I and II, and Business Law.
Certiport: Wow, you’re stretched to cover all different sides of the business world. Did you always know you wanted to go into business education?
Cindy: I loved my business classes in high school. I just knew that was what I always wanted to do. When I attended Murray State and started taking Business Education classes, I couldn't wait to finish to start teaching high school students! Circumstances prevented me from finishing college until I was in my late 20's, so I was older when I began teaching and had had lots of real-world work experiences to bring with me to the classroom.
Certiport: I’m sure that experience has ended up being a huge benefit to your students, because you can tell them what’s is like in a real workplace setting.
Cindy: For sure! I like bringing real experience into my classroom, to help my students see the value of what I’m teaching.
Certiport: Your nominator mentioned that you have a great culture in your classroom. That type of positive culture starts with the teacher. What do you love most about being in the classroom?
Cindy: I love the relationships that are developed with both students and co-workers. It is so exciting to be able to help prepare students for the real world whether it be work or school. It’s so gratifying to help them move to their next step. It creates an environment like no other in my classroom!
Certiport: As a teacher, you’re so integral to that environment of positivity and growth. Do you think certifications have played a role in the culture you create?
Cindy: I like to think so. I have high expectations for my students, and a big part of that is getting certified. Students need to know how important certifications are and how it can help get them the leg up they need to push them ahead of other competitors, whether it is for a job or school. Gaining valuable credentials is a key part of their progress.
Certiport: It sounds like your classroom is a place where you expect students to excel. Do you have a favorite memory from working with your students this last year?
Cindy: My absolute favorite memory was watching my students' faces when they saw that they passed the Access exam! It’s certainly not an easy test, and I was so excited to see their excitement when they got their results.
Certiport: What a special moment to share with them. Is that when you feel most appreciated, as a teacher?
Cindy: Moments like that, and when my students give me genuine thanks. Often those “thank you’s” come at the end of their high school career, and it never fails to bring a smile to my face. Those expressions of gratitude are what make the daily grind worth it.
Certiport: Cindy, thank you so much for sharing your insights with us. We have one last question. What advice would you give to all the other CTE teachers out there?
Cindy: My biggest piece of advice? Know the impact you can have on your students! Be excited about teaching because excitement is contagious. If you love what you do, they will know it.
Keep coming back this week for more amazing teacher highlights. You can also learn more from teachers just like Cindy at this year’s (online) CERTIFIED Educator Conference. Get all the details here.