A Student and Faculty Family: Cindy Allen Recognized as Spring Creek’s Teacher of the Year
Cindy Allen is the very last person who seeks attention for herself. But those who know her best say that she is the first to cheer for the successes of those around her. Perhaps this is why, when she was presented to the CCSD Board of Education as Spring Creek Middle School’s Teacher of the Year, droves of her colleagues and friends showed up to celebrate her. True to form, however, she insisted that they join her in a large group photo rather than receiving an individual portrait.
Allen beamed when her request was granted. “That was absolutely a bucket list item for me– a life moment,” she said. “Being there with all my faculty friends, having the words ‘Cache County School District' on the screen behind us, I just thought, ‘This is so beautiful.’ I’m going to frame this picture and hang it forever.’”
As her Spring Creek family eagerly crowded around her, their smiles made it clear: She was the source of their delight.
“It is important for us to take a moment to recognize Cindy,” Principal Blair Powell shared. “She always defers to others as far as letting them get recognition. Tonight, we are eager to celebrate her.”
There was a round of applause and good-natured cheering at this.
“Cindy takes caring and compassion very seriously,” he continued. “That is the business she is in. Her students recognize it, her colleagues recognize it, and I’m sure her family recognizes it as well.”
The praise is well-founded. Asked about their teacher, Spring Creek students described her as “patient”, “the best”, and “so kind– the kindest teacher I have ever had.”
For Allen, the award isn't a personal milestone—it’s a celebration of the collective "village" that makes her school run.
“Every teacher at Spring Creek deserves this award,” she insisted. “I’m honestly a bit embarrassed to be receiving it. We all bring something different to the table, and combining our talents is what makes our school work. I wish that everyone could be Teacher of the Year.”
Her humility and kindness have shaped her twenty-year career. Be it students or staff, everyone in Cindy’s circle becomes family.
“I think the most important thing about being a teacher is loving the kids,” she said. “I can see the difference that makes for them. I have no grandkids, but I teach every single seventh grader in the school. So each year, I get 400 new grandkids. That’s how much I love them.”
Students walking into her classroom find an oasis of optimism and empowerment. Her space is brightened by inspirational quotes lining the walls, plants growing in the corner, and a fun tribute to the Spider-Man universe. But most importantly, her students are greeted each day by a teacher who is always happy to see them, who always believes in the best for them.
Whether giving them opportunities to reflect, cheering them on before a test, or singing songs together to practice the curriculum, Allen makes health class a joyful place to be.
“I love teaching health because it’s going to help them have better lives,” she said. “That’s the whole reason we do this: so they can have happier lives.”
Her former students’ response is another testament to her impact. When she started singing a peppy song about hope with her students, a flood of eighth graders filed into the classroom impromptu to sing along. “We love Mrs. Allen,” they said. “She’s just the best.”
While Cindy might still claim the award "doesn't really apply" to her, the faculty and students of Spring Creek emphatically disagree. In a world of individual accolades, Mrs. Allen stands out by standing with everyone else.
