Equity Advocate Spotlight

Principal, Memphis City Schools

The best moment of Cynthia's week is seeing the level of excitement the students’ exhibit when they come to school each day. Their enthusiasm about learning is contagious. “They help the adults to remember why we do what we do! As a Principal of a school with high academic diversity as well as cultural diversity, she looks forward to the observable gains that her students make, not just academically, but also socially and emotionally.” Her goal is to encourage the development of the whole child.

Cynthia's wish for the future of equity in schools all schools reach a point where there is a clear understanding that our charge as educators is serve as change agents on our school communities . It is at this the point in which there is an obvious presence of systems where all students are treated fairly and there are no sign of impartiality or racial disconnects that destroy the potential opportunity for true equality.

Cynthia wishes her colleagues knew that this is not a sprint, but a marathon. The journey will be unique to your students’ needs, but success for all students should be the unanimous aspiration. It is also important to know that success is to be celebrated, no matter how small. Every accomplishment will ultimately lead to the goals. This work requires passion and commitment and a heart that has to capacity to see the positive potential in every student.

Cynthia's strongest work surrounding equity was when Evans Elementary School was recognized by the Tennessee Department of Education for “Outstanding Efforts in Inclusion of Students with Disabilities in the General Education Classroom” Cynthia and entire team do a great job of demonstrating that inclusive school are centers where true equity can exist.

A brief story about her monthLooking back, as a beginning educator, 15 years ago, my main concern was to always be in a place where I could make a difference. Along this journey, I have served as a teacher, Assistant Principal/ Instructional Facilitator, District Staff Developer and Trainer, and currently, Principal. With each position, I have observed a need for the unpolluted academic success of all students to become the ultimate priority in education. With each passing year, my vision for what true success is in education becomes clearer to me. In years to come, my desire is that I continue to move in the path that will enable more students as well as educator to reach their maximum potential.