About Cindy

About Cindy

Hey there, I’m Dr. Bird!

teacher, mother, NoNI, reader, WRITER, hugger

In third grade, I knew that I would go to college and become a teacher. I did not know that before becoming a teacher I would work at a grocery store for 13 years, have three children, and receive a life transforming scholarship.

The Grow Your Own Teacher scholarship allowed me to stop taking university classes one at a time and be a fulltime college student. I was 28-years-old, recently divorced, and had an 8-year-old, a 5-year-old, and a 2-year-old. I struggled as a single mother/fulltime college student/nearly fulltime Dillons employee but with my parents’ and friends’ help graduated from Wichita State University with a bachelor’s degree in English education.

John Marshall Middle School was my first teaching assignment: seventh grade Language Arts. From Marshall I went to Safe & Drug Free Schools as a violence and drug prevention-teaching specialist. I received my master’s degree and began teaching university classes at Baker and graduate classes at Wichita State University.

The next step in my USD 259 career was entering adult alternative education; I always loved being a teacher but now had found my perfect niche. For the remainder of my 27-year career I helped adults who had previously dropped out return to school and earn a fully accredited high school diploma. While teaching at the Urban League Learning Center, I began pursuing a doctorate degree. I earned a PhD from Kansas State University in 2012. At the time of my May 2020 retirement, I was the director of the Chester Lewis Adult Learning Center.

Now, in addition to private tutoring, I am also the assistant director of Friendship Fields at Friends University. It is a university program for special needs adults. Teaching is not a job to me; it is a vocation, a passion, and a lifestyle.

I hope you will help me start a new chapter in my life as we work together to achieve your educational goals.

27+
Years of experience
2000+
former students
20+
graduations
testimonials about me and my work

Kind words bloom like flowers

One of the rewards of teaching is the positive comments from students who are working toward a goal AND from those who have achieved their dreams. Other blessings come from co-workers, past and present.

Dr. Cindy is amazing, patient, and kind. When I did not understand something, she would explain it in a different way. She took the time to see how I learned. She is very hands-on and dedicated. I unconditionally recommend her. Now that I am a college student, I will continue to use her services.

Rosalynda Hernandez
Butler Pre-Nursing Student

I graduated from Chester Lewis Learning Center in May of 2017. Dr. Cindy was there to not only encourage me but to also hold me accountable and remind me that she would be there, but I would have to put in the work. I literally struggled to the point of tears. I hated and was, quite frankly, terrified of math. Dr. Cindy took her time teaching me mathematial rules, she had a huge amount of patience with me, and never let me get down on myself about my lack of math skills. Her passion and ability to teach math in a variety of ways, along with her understanding that everyone learns differently is exceptional. Dr. Cindy has a special way of making you feel confident about learning an an aura that makes you so comfortable that things just flow. Dr. Cindy was my saving grace, from the basics to the very complicated parts of math.

Nacole Cole
2017 Graduate

Dr. Cindy always made sure that I not only turned in my assignments but that I understood them. She also made sure that I and all of the other students did not miss school. It was like having a school mom. I will never forget that because she motivated me every day to achieve high school graduation.

Janeli Garcia
2014 Graduate

I have known Dr. Cindy for many years. After I retired from Cessna, I volunteered as an aide in some of her classes. I can say without reservation that her ability to connect with and encourage students from all demographics is without equal. She is especially effective one-on-one. Her pedagogy is enhanced by her PhD in Curriculum & Instruction.

Rob Howes
Teacher’s aide

I am honored to write my perception of Dr. Cindy Cisneros McGilvrey as she is one of my favorite people. She came into my world because she was helping a student that was in our program for adults with disabilities. I was so impressed with her that I hired her to teach. Less than a year later, I hired her as my assistant director. She is quite remarkable in her skills, personal attributes, and organization. She is funny, loving, and kind. The students, parents, and staff are thankful for her presence, help, and work ethic. If you are wondering if she is worth hiring, wonder no more. She is fantastic!”

Valerie Wall
Director of Friendship Fields

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