Name: Cindi Spurlock
School: Brookwood Elementary School
Department/Grade: Kindergarten
Hometown: Hamilton
Favorite book: My Bible
Favorite season: Spring
Favorite hobby(ies): Boating, hiking, and spending time with family.
Favorite emoji: ❤️
Cindi Spurlock has been teaching students in Butler County since 1989, with the last 11 years spent at Brookwood Elementary. Prior to teaching, Cindi held jobs at a deli on Third Street (Try A Soup or Salad), Elder Beerman’s and Showcase Video Store. Cindi established a connection to education early on through the teachers in her family: her mother, Marilyn, and sister, Fawn. But it was Cindi’s own experiences as a student that made her realize the lasting impact educators have on children’s lives.
“My third-grade teacher, Gay McCoy at Adams Elementary, took me under her wing and inspired me as well. She often walked to school and back home. My house was on the way, so she would often walk me home,” Cindi recalled. “She took the time to get to know me and my family. Her upbeat, fun personality was, and still, is just one of her many wonderful qualities. I began babysitting for her two children and she even agreed to be in my wedding. We have continued to remain good friends to this day.”
The most rewarding aspect about teaching for Cindi is seeing the social, emotional, and academic growth in her students. Cindi plays an active role in providing developmentally appropriate, hands-on lessons to keep her kindergarten students engaged. But when you’re teaching students who are between the ages of four and six, there’s bound to be some unpredictability with often humorous consequences.
“My favorite moments are when my kindergarten team and I get together and share the funny antics that only a kindergarten teacher could appreciate,” Cindi mused.
Cindi was formally recognized for her achievements in education when she was named one of the 2021 Harry T. Wilks Educators of Excellence in the Hamilton Celebrates Education program sponsored by the Hamilton Community Foundation. In the award nomination, Cindi’s colleagues at Brookwood Elementary emphasized how she continually inspires students and her team with her leadership and “sage advice.”
“No matter what ability levels students bring with them to school, she sets high expectations for each student, teaching them to set high expectations for themselves that will foster self-confidence and self-worth. Cindi is constantly seeking out new and innovative ways to help her students meet their individual learning goals. She says that having students with different abilities has strengthened her own foundational teaching skills over the years.”
Cindi, along with 18 other Educators of Excellence award recipients, will be honored by the Hamilton Community Foundation in a recognition ceremony tentatively scheduled for spring 2022.