Nancy Taylor: Greene Publishing, Inc.
Cindy Vega’s name is probably familiar to most readers. She was Madison’s Teacher of the Year for 2016-17, as well as a recent recipient of the Governor’s Shine Award.
Vega is in her seventh year of teaching in Madison County, but she taught two years in Georgia before making the switch.
While in Georgia, she taught pre-kindergarten; however, since her move to the Madison County School District, Vargas has been entirely dedicated to first-graders.
Vega comes from a family of educators. Her father taught high school math to students and to pilots in the Navy. Her mother taught high school accounting and business applications. Vega says she knew from the time of her childhood that she wanted to grow up to be a teacher. She considers her occupation to be a privilege.
“Everyday is a new day. Discoveries are different each and every moment. Children are our future; they need our guidance and belief that they are capable of discovering, preserving and changing our world,” said Vega as she explained her favorite part of her career.
“We are all born with a growth mindset. Somewhere in our lives we are influenced by a fixed mindset, the type of mindset that makes us feel we cannot learn (as though) we are nothing. I had parents and a supportive community; therefore, I have always had a growth mindset,” said Vega.
“Through teaching, I have learned that not everyone has that gift. It is my mission to share with each and every student that positive, growth mindset,” explained Vega.
As passionate as Vega is about the classroom and her students, she has many things she loves to do away from school.
She and her husband will celebrate 25 years of marriage this year. They served in the military, moving every three years. They are currently building their “forever home” in Lake Park, Ga.
They have two children. Their daughter is also an educator; she is married and lives in Georgia. Their son “blessed them” with their first grandchild this summer.
“I love to cook; I enjoy being around others and sharing life experiences. I enjoy making others happy,” said Vega.
Vega feels “honored” to serve Madison County, and she says she is very blessed that God has called her to “this mission field.”