Cheers to Cynthia Williams - A Highly Effective Teacher!
- Loretha Cleveland
- Jun 4
- 5 min read
From the humble beginnings of a Pinellas County Headstart program located in the small town of Gulfport, Florida, her love for the classroom flourished.
The daily routine – waking up early, working non-stop with hands-on supervision, the twenty-five minute drive home through traffic-jammed streets - fueled her interests in children and their ability to learn. The energetic 4-year-olds in her class became the subject of dinner conversations of choice during family meals. She loved it all, even the mysterious sticky fingers, power-sneezed Kleenex moments, and let’s not forget the OMG bathroom runs! She loved the children.
For Cynthia Williams, it’s always been about the children. So, in 1985 the young married Air Force Veteran returned to college to complete a bachelor’s degree in education from Oklahoma State University, proudly known for its “Cowboy Culture.”
Her first official teaching job after graduation was also in Oklahoma, and lasted for less than a full school year, as she and her upward mobile Air Force officer husband, Edward, relocated to Biloxi.
In neighboring city Gulfport, Mississippi, Cynthia was a middle school teacher and cheerleading coach for several years. Then, the family moved to England and she became a stay-at-home mom at first with one rambunctious two-year-old daughter, Alyssa. Soon after dad, mom, and daughter settled into their routine, Joshua was born on scene, changing the landscape of the household with finality.
And then again, as active military families often do, Edward was transferred back to the U.S., only this time to Cynthia's home state of Florida, where she returned to her love of teaching at the elementary school level. She quickly achieved the status of a highly effective third grade teacher who always found a way to reach even the most challenging students. At the start of each new school year, Cynthia quickly analyzed student files, preparing for the term much like a drill sargent with new cadets! She was ready, determined to provide rigorous assignments that would fully engage the developing minds of the curious third graders, while also creating a safe, nurturing, and inclusive classroom environment.
One of the most intriguing undertakings in her career was the third-grade community garden, where students participated in planting and harvesting fresh fruits and vegetables just outside the walls of their classroom. The learning experience was an overwhelming success with all her students as they enjoyed tasting collards, tomatoes, radishes, and other culinary delights prepared by their innovative teacher-turned chef for the day!
She was constantly searching for the most effective ways to raise test scores, ensuring students remained on track for fourth grade. Getting those test results was consistently a monumental announcement of every school year, and her heart overflowed with joy when the students performed well enough to advance to the next grade. It was time to celebrate with popcorn, pizza, and other popular treats she happily purchased from her own pocket!
And what do others who know her best have to say about Cynthia? Well, some can't decide but are always willing to try. First as an administrator, Andra Phillips said, "For 30 plus years, you have been a candle—giving your time, energy, wisdom, and heart to light the path for others. Though you retire from the classroom, the light you shared will continue to shine in the lives of the students you inspired.” Then, on a mixed note, Andra said, "Like a candle, you spent your career bringing light to others. Thank you for 30 years of illuminating minds, inspiring hearts, and changing lives, all while being one of my dearest friends."
Cynthia's light was always bright throughout her classroom as she spent countless hours planning themes and meticulously decorating year after year. Her creative attitude never waivered, as it dated back to the Headstart program in Gulfport, Florida. She would dress for every holiday and special occasion, often designing her costume weeks in advance.
Now, let's talk to her "real" kids and hear what they have to say about teacher/mom.
Joshua said, "Mom was known as 'the strict teacher,' when I was growing up. When she came into my classroom to watch us, she'd ask us to be quiet and do our work. If we didn't, she could get stern with us. But what the other kids didn't know was my mom was doing what she's always done best. And in those moments, she was treating those kids like her own - with love and care, with the desire to see them focus so they could learn and succeed. Here's to a long and relaxing retirement!"
Alyssa added, "My mom has dedicated her life to teaching with a level of passion and care that goes far beyond the classroom. She has not only educated her students, but inspired them, believed in them, and helped shape who they would become. Her patience, strength, and unwavering commitment have left a lasting impact on countless lives. As she retires, she leaves behind a legacy of knowledge, compassion, and excellence that will continue to live on through every student she has touched. The same could be said about her as a mom. Patient, strong, love unwavering and supportive. You couldn’t ask for better qualities in a mother or a teacher."
There are careers, and then there are great careers; there are teachers, and then there are great teachers. Cynthia was a great teacher who had a great career that she worked diligently to manage through the many evolving complex years of the educational spectrum. Some people seek money and fame, Cynthia found happiness when her students succeeded and enjoyed a fun learning adventure along the way.
Yet again, we all know, being a teacher is not an easy task, and often comes with little well-deserved recognition. But Cynthia stayed the course, thinking of the children first, diligently working to soften even the most arduous behaviors, yet another reason to celebrate. And, at the forever end of her final teaching days, she still loves the children.
Finally, with Edward, Alyssa, Joshua and daughter-in-law Camila (oops! let's not forget Jules and Lillie), by her side, she can respectfully enjoy the fruits of her labor. Cynthia, we all wish continued success and excellent health for you, and look forward to receiving postcards from Paris? Switzerland? Spain? Nebraska (haha)? Relax and enjoy, we're excited for you! God has graciously and abundantly blessed your career and life!
Congratulations, Mrs. Williams, on your well-deserved retirement! Bon voyage!
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