Cedar Ridge High School Special Education Teacher Lindsey Decker was recently named District Teacher of the Year. Administration surprised her in her classroom with a bouquet of flowers, a gift basket, and a $100 check sponsored by Merchants and Planters Bank.
Decker graduated from Cedar Ridge High School in 2010. She grew up in Thida and spent a majority of her time volunteering through numerous outreach ministries. She found herself falling in love with helping the individuals at the Children’s Home. “Growing up, I always wanted to be a teacher, however as time approached things changed,” says Decker. “They faced and saw things that no child should ever have to. Therefore, I decided to pursue a degree in social work.” She eventually moved into an administrative position at the Children’s Home. Decker says, “During my time there I worked with so many children, and among them were those with special needs. Working with them inspired me to go back to school and work towards obtaining a degree in special education.” After 7 years at the Children’s Home, she obtained her Masters in Special Education from Arkansas State University.
Decker has 4 years of teaching experience, all at the Cedar Ridge School District. She plans to enroll in the National Board Certified Teacher program later this school year. “If I could go back in time, I would do it all over again,” says Decker on her journey to becoming a teacher. “I truly love my job, the kids I work with, and the work family that I have made.”