Doctoral candidate awarded one of the nation's highest teaching honors
Cicely Woodard recognized as the NEA Foundation's Member Benefits Award recipient
Anna Moseley |
Woodard has been teaching seventh and eighth grade mathematical sciences for over 13 years.
Cicely Woodard, a doctoral candidate in Lipscomb University’s Doctor of Education program, took home one of public education’s most prestigious honors at the 50th annual NEA Foundation’s "Salute to Excellence" Gala on Feb. 8.
Woodard, who was honored as the Tennessee Teacher of the Year in 2018, won the NEA Foundation’s Member Benefits Award for Teaching Excellence this year.
The NEA Foundation is a public charity founded by educators for educators to improve public education for all students. This year, 46 educators nominated by their state affiliates were selected and awarded for their teaching excellence.
“Cicely has been selected for this award by her peers not only because of her mastery as an educator, but also because of the empathy and compassion she shows for her students,” said Harriet Sanford, president and CEO of the NEA Foundation. “Like so many educators across the country, she is dedicated to making sure that her students develop confidence, resilience, and a love of learning.”
A Memphis, Tennessee native, Woodard taught seventh and eighth grade math in Metro Nashville Public Schools for 13 years and currently teaches eighth grade math in Franklin Special School District at Freedom Middle School in Tennessee.
“It was an unforgettable moment,” said Woodard. “They said my name and my mom hugged me so tight. I am so glad my parents and my husband were there to experience this honor with me. I feel grateful, blessed and thankful that these sponsors, California Casualty Insurance Company, Horace Mann and NEA Member Benefits, would take the time to honor teachers in this way.”
“Teaching can be time-consuming, challenging and sometimes overwhelming,” says Woodard. “But the impact that we make on the lives of students and that they make on us is powerful, life-changing, and enduring.”
Cicely Woodard, pictures third from right, with NEA and NEA Foundation members at the NEA Gala.
Woodard said that while she was growing up her parents always communicated the value of education and always worked to give her the best education possible.
She received a bachelor’s degree in mathematical sciences from the University of Memphis. She then went on to earn her master’s in education from Vanderbilt University and is currently pursuing her doctorate at Lipscomb.
Woodard said she values encouragement in the classroom, and she teaches her students how to be good encouragers through class cheers and circle time, providing them the opportunity to compliment a friend.
Every Monday, Woodard uses a random online number generator to rearrange her students in the classroom, allowing them the opportunity to work with each of their classmates.
“Changing seats allows the students a chance to build community and work with different people – I really want them to have the opportunity to work with others, even in math class,” said Woodard. “They will have the opportunity when they become adults to collaborate with others and to engage with other people, so I want them to experience that now.”
Because she values collaboration skills, finding a doctoral program that promotes cooperation and team learning was important to Woodard.
The experience her husband, Ronald Woodard (’12), had as part of Lipscomb’s Doctor of Education inaugural cohort in combination with the collaborative cohort model first attracted Woodard to the program.
“When I think about getting a doctorate, I think about how hard it is to do by yourself,” said Woodard. “This cohort model means, yes, it will be challenging, but I will be able to tackle the challenge with a community of learners throughout the entire process, and that to me is pretty powerful. I really appreciate the cohort model Lipscomb provides and the opportunity to collaborate with others throughout.”
Woodard said she is grateful for the intentional feedback provided by her professors to stimulate growth, both academically and spiritually.
“I appreciate that the professors love God and are Christ-centered,” said Woodard. “We often start class with a prayer or devotion and it makes for an environment where people are kind to each other and they want to learn and grow. I believe that the professors want to make a positive impact on us so that we can go and make a positive impact on the world.”