
In childhood, Cecelia Dean wanted to be a brain surgeon. Today, she’s the School Librarian at Nichols-Lawson Middle School in Sylacauga. She may love reading and learning, but during her 9-year career, she’s never simply sat in the library and read all day. She’s too busy building relationships with her students and providing the tools necessary for them to engage thoughtfully in online spaces.
One nominator praised her work with the after-school program Alabama Virtual Academy, saying, "Her dedication and leadership provide students a space to feel valued, heard, and empowered to take on new challenges and adventures that can offer exciting paths in learning beyond the regular school day."
What’s your favorite thing about your town?
Sylacauga is a beautiful city with lots of hidden gems. When I first moved here, I asked my husband to take me somewhere interesting. He took me to Lake Howard, and I fell in love with it.
What do you do outside of work?
I love spending time with my family. I also make earrings and love to read.
How did you get started in education?
I worked as a public librarian for 9 years. The last 7 were in Birmingham. My previous co-worker was working at Nichols-Lawson and called me to tell me about a position at Pinecrest. I loved my job but did not love the commute. I interviewed and got the job. I worked at Pinecrest for a year and then moved to Nichols-Lawson. I have been here for the past 8 years.
What part of your job do you wish you’d known earlier?
I wish I knew how many other things go along with being in education other than teaching. Meetings, documentation, professional development, etcetera.
Are you familiar with APT and PBS LearningMedia?
Yes. I use PBS LearningMedia resources in my classes to talk about digital citizenship and media bias.
What’s the most important purpose a teacher performs?
Building relationships with students. If you have a strong relationship with your students, they will want to work hard and be successful in your class.
What is your approach to teaching students?
I try to make learning fun. I try to do lots of fun activities in the library like digital breakouts, scavenger hunts, and other hands-on activities.
How do you encourage student curiosity?
Giving students the space to try new things and letting them know it is ok to fail as long as they keep trying and don’t give up.
How do you stay motivated in the classroom?
Whenever I want to just give up, my husband and daughters remind me that what I do makes a difference.
Tell us about one of your most challenging projects or experiences.
I had a student in my after-school program that was a behavior nightmare. He would constantly interrupt, bang his head on the floor, and bark at you just to distract. Through patience and prayer, he slowly began to realize he was in a space with people he could trust. He became one of my favorite students. He is in high school now and is doing well there.
What advice would you give a first-year teacher?
Classroom management is crucial for a teacher. I have struggled in the past with classroom management. You must start strong and then you can loosen up after that. It never works going the other way.
View More Extraordinary Teachers
Nominate An Extraordinary Teacher
Each recipient will receive $500 to be used for professional development, classroom materials, supplies, visiting experts, field trips or other resources, products, events, etc. that directly impacts the success of students and the promotion of learning.
"As a former classroom teacher, I understand the challenges that teachers face on a daily basis," says Dr. Briana Morton, Vice President of Educational Services. "Alabama has so many incredible classroom teachers and I am thrilled to showcase teachers who have inspired, engaged, and demonstrated innovative approaches to teaching and learning. The Excellence in Education award is just one way that Alabama Public Television can highlight these exceptional educators and inspire current and future educators across our state."
Follow Us