Weaver Elementary School principal Cindy Webster was named Missouri’s National Distinguished Principal for 2021. Webster graduated from Adrian High School in Missouri, and is an alumna of Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar and Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau.
Surrounded by cheering SPS elementary principals, Webster received the honor at the annual statewide Distinguished Elementary Principals Recognition Banquet for Missouri elementary principals Feb. 27. The Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals (MAESP) selected Webster from 11 outstanding elementary principals across Missouri.
“I would consider Cindy to be the highest level of professional educator and leader,” said J Anderson, executive director of elementary learning. “Her high hopes and desires for Weaver students and staff are surpassed only by her expectations of herself. She does not accept barriers as an excuse, and she’s living proof that being intentional builds capacity and capability toward success.”
As principal of Weaver, Webster has helped build a community of learners who are committed to excellence. By using Conscious Discipline, Positive Behavior Intervention Systems, trauma-informed approaches and a team mindset of academic support, Webster was able to help Weaver exit its Focus School status after three years of positive academic gains, a huge milestone for academic achievement for the Title I school.
But throughout her career as an elementary leader, Webster has been recognized for her outstanding efforts by her peers in MAESP before. She was named MAESP Outstanding Assistant Principal, as well as MAESP Exemplary New Principal previously to her statewide honor.
But at her core, Webster remains committed to a growth mindset with a teacher’s heart.
“SPS has grown me as a leader in multiple ways,” said Webster. “The Elementary division has provided the best collaboration and teamwork to improve our effectiveness across the district. The sharing of ideas and best practices among colleagues has helped me address needs, such as improving student behavior, collaborating with parents, building community partnerships and so much more. I am so thankful for the opportunity to learn and grow with the SPS team.”
As Missouri Distinguished Principal, Webster will participate in the National Association of Elementary School Principals National Distinguished Principal program. As Missouri’s representative, Webster will attend a national conference, where her perspective will be shared with those making educational policies in Washington, D.C.
“I am so honored to represent Missouri as a National Distinguished Principal, and having been recommended by my peers and professional colleagues means so much to me,” she said. “I am touched by their kind words and support.”
Webster graduated from Adrian High School in Missouri, and is an alumna of Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar and Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau.
Cindy is the daughter of Mark & Debra Umstattd.
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