Lindsey Decker (pictured above, second from left, next to Cedar Ridge Superintendent Tracey Owens), a special education teacher at Cedar Ridge High School, has been named District Teacher of the Year, according to a release from the Cedar Ridge School District.
Decker, who graduated from Cedar Ridge High School in 2010, was surprised by the administration in her classroom with a bouquet of flowers, a gift basket, and a $100 check sponsored by Merchants and Planters Bank.
Her journey to becoming a teacher was inspired by her experiences growing up in Thida and by volunteering through numerous outreach ministries and at the Children’s Home.
“During my time there, I worked with so many children, and among them were those with special needs,” she said. “Working with them inspired me to go back to school and work towards obtaining a degree in special education.”
After seven years at the Children’s Home, Decker obtained her Master’s in Special Education from Arkansas State University.
With four years of teaching experience at Cedar Ridge School District, Decker plans to enroll in the National Board Certified Teacher program later this school year.
“I truly love my job, the kids I work with, and the work-family that I have made,” Decker said.
Image provided by Cedar Ridge School District
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