The Power of Great Teachers in Cy-Fair ISD

By George Edwards, CPA

Behind Every Success is a Teacher Who Cared

My boys had exceptional teachers in Cy-Fair ISD. Out of respect for privacy, I will use generic names such as Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Jones.

When my son George III entered Lowery Elementary in the second grade, he transferred from a private school. Although we provided his report card and teacher recommendations, he was placed in an on-level classroom. Almost immediately, we began receiving calls about his behavior—finishing his work too quickly, talking too much, and struggling to stay engaged.

I visited his classroom and quickly realized the problem: he needed more rigor. After speaking with his principal, Mrs. Smith, she agreed to observe him. Within days, she confirmed what we suspected—George III was highly intelligent and needed to be clustered among the gifted and talented. That simple but crucial decision set the course for his academic success. He went on to excel in Cy-Fair ISD and today he is a successful attorney. I credit Mrs. Smith’s keen observation and advocacy for helping unlock his potential.

My youngest son, Brian, also entered Lowery from a private school, beginning in the first grade. By the third grade, he had the good fortune of landing in Mrs. Jones’ language arts class. She was a passionate reader and writer, and she passed that love on to her students. Homework in her class was centered on creative writing—telling stories, using vivid descriptions, and learning to think critically about how to improve.

Brian was encouraged to keep a journal, a habit he maintains to this day. Mrs. Jones pushed her students to read above their grade level and was unafraid to mark up their papers with red ink if it meant challenging them to improve. She taught her students not just to write but to imagine, to express themselves, and to use the written word as a tool for success. Brian later became the author of a children’s book, and I believe his foundation in writing was built in Mrs. Jones’ classroom.

Looking back, I am deeply grateful for the teachers who guided my children through Cy-Fair ISD. They laid the foundation for both of my boys’ success—not just academically, but in life.

To every teacher who had a hand in shaping their journey: thank you.

Teachers are the foundation of every student’s success. As a candidate for the Cy-Fair ISD School Board, I am committed to ensuring that every child has access to excellent teachers who can provide the same foundation of opportunity and success that my boys experienced.