10/20/2026
Continuing our 2026-27 Teacher of the Year finalist spotlights today with just some of the messages of support for Cindy Alexander of Whitehead Road Elementary School! Over and over, colleagues, parents, students, and family members used the words "supportive," "dedicated," and "loyal" to describe Ms. Alexander and agreed that she is at her happiest and most excited when her students' determination and belief in themselves and hard work lead to wins in the classroom, on the volleyball court, and in life.
Here's part of what her husband, Hank Alexander, wrote:
"Since we began dating, I knew my wife had a big heart. It didn’t take too long to discover that she had a special place in her heart for children. She was a mentor in college to two young children in the Athens area that were part of a mentorship program that she was involved with. She covered them with love and support because she knew that they were not getting it from areas that they should have because of circumstances beyond their control. Her love for children only grew from there. No matter the background, she was always drawn to help children.
"I love to see the smile on her face when she is able to make one of her students happy and bring a smile to her face. I get to see that at home when she tells me about how one of her students has a lesson click in their mind and gets truly excited about it, or calls her the 'best teacher ever.' She doesn’t love it because she’s getting praise. She loves it because she is getting the feedback from her students that she has made an impact.
“Cindy told me once that one of her co-workers had described her as ‘fiercely loyal.’ I have had the privilege to share life with her for almost 27 years now, and I’ve never heard a more fitting word for how she does everything. If you’re wondering if there is love in her heart for you or your student, I guarantee you there is. The academic success of her students is very important to her, but the personal growth and feeling of being truly loved and cared for is just as important.
“William Butler once said, ‘Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.’ My wife embodies the kindling and matches to the students of Clarke County every day she steps into that classroom.”