Math teacher Cyndi Kinder has dedicated many years to Rolla Public Schools. This year, Kinder is retiring from teaching and coaching.

“This is my 29th year [teaching] overall. I taught for two years at Bourbon High School, three years at Owensboro High School, and then when I first moved back home, I did 10 years at the junior high school,” stated Kinder. “Then this is my 14th year at RHS.” 

Kinder has many good memories around teaching. She shows her love for students in many ways, and that love has definitely reflected back to her. 

“It’s kind of hard to pick just one memory. I think the biggest memory is when students take the time to stop, pause, reflect and think and be so appreciative,” explains Kinder. “I’ve gotten emails and  handwritten cards, thanking me for making a difference in their lives. They provide motivation to help me keep putting up a good fight.” 

As Kinder’s years of teaching have gone by, she has become accustomed to the daily routine and seeing students and their families grow up through her classes.

“I really enjoyed teaching students in Algebra I and then they leave for a year and I get to be their teacher again. I get to watch the growth that occurs between the typical ninth grade students only year and then when they’re almost done with high school when they take Algebra II,” referenced Kinder. 

While most students know Kinder from her being their Algebra teacher, some know her from track. She has been the assistant track coach for RHS for multiple years. Throughout the years, she has compiled many of her favorite parts and memories of track. 

“I think [one special aspect is] using Track and Field to better the world, whether it be out in the community or athletes’ lives. Reflecting on our Rolla Track Classic, one year we did Breast Cancer awareness and the next we did a fundraiser for NKH. It kind of just became a tradition. I just love track because it allows us, as a community, to come together,” explained Kinder.

As Kinder’s years of teaching are coming to an end, she is excited to start the next chapter of her life. As teachers retire, they tend to look back at where they started. They realize how the people they have taught with and the students that passed through their classes have shaped who they are whenever they retire. For Kinder, gratitude is the feeling that rises up as she leaves RHS. 

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to have taught at RPS and for all the support that I’ve received from my co-workers. I’m so thankful to have been a part of Bulldog Nation and I’m looking forward to cheering everyone on from the sidelines as I step away,” remarked Kinder.