DAVENPORT

Cindy Acord teaches 7th-12th Science as well as Aviation at Davenport Public Schools. This is her 25th year to teach; 22 of those have been at Davenport. She is also the 8th grade class sponsor. Cindy grew up and attended school in Pernell, Oklahoma; a very small community, the school has now consolidated with Elmore City. She says Davenport Schools reminds her of Pernell in many ways. Cindy graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Education from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant.

Q  Why did you choose to pursue a teaching career?
A  I did not begin college with a declared major, however after spending time with friends that had chosen education as their major and visiting with professors on campus, I soon declared education as my major.

Q  What motivates you to teach?
A  My students are what motivate me to teach. I enjoy getting to know each of their personalities and being a part of their growing and learning. My goal is to be a positive influence on them, let them know someone is in their corner to support them and hopefully teach them some content along the way.

Q  What do you find most challenging about being a teacher? 
A  The challenges that teachers face seem to grow every year. Everything from mandated regulations for schools to social media that kids are exposed to, to society as it is today; all of these play into the greatest challenges that I face as a teacher. It’s almost impossible to just teach and take care of the students. You have to address of all the other “stuff” too.

Q  What are three things every teacher should have?
A  Expectations for your students, Sense of Humor, and Grace

Q  What profession other than your own would you most like to attempt?
A  I would love to be a professional Beach / Lake Bum. I’m still exploring the financial aspect of that profession.

In addition to teaching Cindy is also part owner/ manager of Old Magnolia Garage. She and her husband Joe have four children who all graduated from Davenport. They are members of First Baptist Church of Davenport. In her free time Cindy loves to spend time with family and friends, reading, cooking and just relaxing.