Cyndi Norman, a longtime special education teacher at Meredith Nicholson Elementary, has been named a top 10 finalist in the Indianapolis Colts’ Classroom Quarterbacks program, presented in collaboration with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
Norman, who has dedicated 33 years to teaching special education at Crawfordsville schools, currently leads the Essential Skills class at Nicholson. Throughout her career, she has taught at all three Crawfordsville elementary schools: Nicholson, Hoover and Hose.
“Special education is exactly what it means. It’s specializing and being there for kids of many abilities,” Norman said. She emphasized the importance of love and flexibility in her teaching approach. “I come into it with a lot of love for these kids, and passion for them. I want to see them be successful, whether it’s something small or something big. I’m proud of them, because they work hard.”
Norman’s impact on students is one of the biggest highlights of her career. She said that she has students she’s taught that are now in high school and knowing that they remember her and she has made a lasting impact only furthers her passion for teaching.
Her commitment to students goes beyond the classroom. Norman is actively involved with Special Olympics, Autistic Rhythm, a golf fundraiser organization, and respite care services for families of children with disabilities. She’s even opened her home to a mother and child in need.
“I want to make a change for someone, and I want to help them,” she said.
Norman, who earned her undergraduate degree from Anderson University and a master’s in Special Education from Ball State University, said the recognition as a Classroom Quarterback is shared.
“This recognition isn’t just mine. I couldn’t do what I do without my two aides and support from other educators.”
Her dedication to her students is echoed in her personal life, both of her daughters are teachers, one of which teaches special education alongside her at Nicholson.
This year is especially emotional for Norman as she prepares to say goodbye to one of her students who has been with her for four years. “She’ll be going to Hoover. It’s hard without her,” Norman said. “Because she’s come so far. Coming from a child that couldn’t do a whole lot, that is actually walking up and down the halls and doing things now that she couldn’t do. They’re all different, and it’s different with each child. But I enjoy seeing them grow.”
As a Classroom Quarterbacks finalist, Norman received two tickets to the Colts’ first regular-season home game, a $100 Amazon gift card, a $50 Walmart gift card, a swag bag, and other prizes.
She lives by a favorite quote from Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”
