Kemp Elementary School teacher Cindy Wadsworth loves teaching younger children because if an educator can instill that love of learning early, those students will be set for life.
“If they can develop that fire and passion, it will stick with them and take them places,” she said. “I think education is the key to taking away any barriers that may be there.”
The third-grade educator’s passion for teaching has led her to being named the Cobb County School District Teacher of the Year for 2019-2020. Superintendent Chris Ragsdale made the surprise announcement Friday at a morning pep rally held at the school.
“Mrs. Wadsworth is a shining light to her students and a great example of why Cobb teachers are the best in the world,” Ragsdale said. “We are honored to give her the title of Teacher of the Year.”
Wadsworth was also praised by her former students who say she is a patient teacher who works tirelessly until very student understands the lessons.
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“Some people would not get a lesson, and she would teach them again,” said fourth-grade student Ryley. “They would get it the next time.”
Another one of Wadsworth’s students, Christopher, said he did well in third grade not only because of her teaching style, but she also helped him grow and mature. He also said Wadsworth has a fun side.
“She gets all fired up toward the end of the year because of tug-a-war at field day,” he said. “She wants to win tug-a-war. She doesn’t like to lose.”
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Wadsworth has been teaching for more than 20 years. She said some of the success she’s had in the classroom comes from the support she receives from her fellow teachers and from the school district.
“I think Cobb is a great place because even though it is a really big district, it feels small in the way they give teachers a voice,” she said. “They treat us like we are the experts who really know what’s best for students. They take our input. They work really closely with classroom teachers and principals to make sure what we feel is best for our students actually happens.”
Wadsworth will now move on to be considered in the Georgia Teacher of the Year competition.
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