Blog
This ‘Teacher Appreciation Week’, I am inspired by educators across the Treasure Coast, whose dedication to seeing our children succeed reminds us that strong students—and communities—are built one teacher at a time.
It’s the people closest to our children’s development: the teachers in the classroom and the families at home, that know best when it comes to what they need to thrive.
One of these educators is Mrs. Cyndee, a math teacher in Fort Pierce.
Following three decades in the classroom, her students recently dedicated their 2025–26 yearbook to her—an honor that speaks volumes about her impact. With thirty years of experience, what follows are reflections from Mrs. Cyndee from throughout her career.
As a ninth grader, I struggled to understand the “why” behind algebraic concepts. I asked so many questions that on October 16, 1982, my teacher literally told me: no more questions. I later found out he was actually a history teacher assigned to teach math.
Thankfully, my mother, God bless her, recognized my frustration and transferred me to Mrs. Cruz. Within two days, everything clicked. It was as if a light had been turned on. Looking back, I truly believe that was a moment of grace, God placing the right person in my life at exactly the right time.
It’s a mindset I invite every student to embrace the moment they walk into my classroom. The room is designed to be welcoming: positive messages on the walls, flexible seating, a comfortable place to learn. But the philosophy underneath it is simple. Growth requires perseverance, and perseverance builds character.
I tell my students to think of a baby learning to walk. He falls again and again before he figures out how to stabilize himself and move forward. Learning math, or learning anything, works the same way. You have to be willing to fail, reflect, and try again until you understand.
2025 yearbook dedication
“Trust that there is purpose in the challenge. The struggle in learning is what leads to growth and true understanding.”
Real learning doesn’t come from being given the answers. It comes from engaging deeply with the process of discovering them.
Mrs. Cyndee's yearbook dedication page.
It is a blessing to be a high school math teacher. My late father always said, find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life. I am a true testament to that.