CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A kindergarten teacher from Marion County was honored this week with the U.S. Department of Education’s American Star of Teaching award. Lucinda “Cindy” Gouzd from Fairview Elementary School received the recognition during a surprise assembly on Tuesday, Sept. 22.

 “Teachers like Lucinda Gouzd combine a passion for teaching with high expectations that every child can learn,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings.  “We at the U.S. Department of Education are proud to recognize these dedicated, hard-working professionals, who are committed to closing the achievement gap and challenging every child to achieve his or her potential.”

 Teachers across all grade levels and disciplines will be honored this fall as American Stars of Teaching.  One teacher will be recognized in every state and the District of Columbia.  A committee of former teachers at the U.S. Department of Education selected the American Stars from among 4,000 nominations based on their success in improving academic performance and making a difference in their students’ lives. 

“Gouzd is a motivated teacher who loves children,” said West Virginia Superintendent of Schools Steve Paine.  “She has connected with children that others thought were impossible to reach.  The students of Fairview Elementary are fortunate to have her as a teacher.”

Started in 2004, the American Stars of Teaching is part of the U.S. Department of Education’s Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative, which includes regional and district workshops, roundtables for teachers and principals, regular e-mail updates, and digital learning.  By the end of this summer, the teachers of more than one million students will have benefited from these Teacher-to-Teacher activities.

For more information about the American Star of Teaching award, contact the West Virginia Department of Education’s Communication Office at (304) 558-2699.

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