Warner University is thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievement of our alumna, Cynara Appling (Class of 2011), who has been named Polk County Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year for 2024-2025. A dedicated educator, Cynara has earned a reputation for her creativity, compassion and unwavering commitment to her students and colleagues.
Cynara’s current role at Spook Hill Elementary highlights her exceptional ability to uplift schools needing additional academic support. Through her innovative, hands-on science lessons, she has significantly improved student proficiency, showcasing the power of creativity in the classroom. Her impact is evident not only in the academic achievements of her students but also in the culture of collaboration and positivity she fosters among her colleagues.
Known for her warm demeanor and tenacity, Cynara’s approach to education goes beyond academics. She finds joy in building confidence in her students, calming their nerves, and encouraging them to reach for excellence. As noted in a press release from Polk County Schools, “Cynara Appling makes an impact wherever she goes.”
Reflecting on her journey, Cynara credits Warner University for laying the foundation for her career. “I was expecting my first child while pursuing my degree and working as a substitute teacher. The support I received from the faculty, especially my mentor Donna Barringer, gave me the confidence to overcome challenges and pursue my destiny. Warner’s faculty showed me the importance of balancing life’s valleys and mountaintops. Their passion for education inspired me to pay it forward in my own teaching.”
Cynara now teaches 5th graders in the mornings and adult learners in the evenings, embodying her belief in the transformative power of education for all ages. She also seeks grant opportunities to enhance her students’ learning experiences and collaborates with colleagues to create effective lesson plans.
Her advice to future educators is profound: “Never forget how big God is. This profession is so wonderful, powerful, and unique. The difference you make in a student’s life creates a ripple effect in their family, the community, and your own spirit. If you believe in it, God will manifest it.”
