"As the instructional lead in the Sheridan School District, I have relied heavily on Cindy's expertise to assist me in leading the district toward academic excellence. She has responded tirelessly to my requests in the following ways:
Created and provided research-based strategies to support system-level actions
Provided time and expertise with district action planning including extensive systems review
Provided "real time" professional development to district and building leaders
Partnered with district administration to secure grant funding needed for system improvement
Provided one-on-one coaching support to me as a professional
Offered continual support and advocacy at the state level on Sheridan's behalf
Above are a few examples that speak to Cindy's commitment to the district. I hold a tremendous amount of respect and appreciation for Ms. Cindy Ward. She is a professional who understands the science and heart that is required to be an effective leader." - Jackie Webb, Deputy Superintendent, Sheridan School District
"As a member of the CDE Turnaround Team, we relied heavily on Cindy to bring her deep knowledge of instruction, leadership, and effective school improvement practices to support the work of CDE's Turnaround Network. Cindy led the charge of developing a core set of practices and conditions that currently guide the state's improvement planning work at both the district and school levels. Cindy's past experiences as a school leader, instructional coach, and special education teacher equip her with a keen understanding of how different systems across a school and district work together to support strong student outcomes. Cindy's work serves as the foundation for our school-level diagnostics and improvement work within the CDE Turnaround Network. In my current role as the Director of School Turnaround for the Colorado Department of Education, I value my continued relationship with Cindy as a trusted partner in the work of school improvement. Without hesitation, I give her my highest recommendation." - Lindsey Jaeckel, Assistant Commissioner, School Quality and Support, Colorado Department of Education
"I had the opportunity to work with Cindy Ward through a CDE Diagnostic Review and Improvement Planning Support Grant. Cindy is a great listener and worked to value the work my staff had done in addition to helping us identify a path forward. Cindy helped me identify ways to meaningfully involve my staff in the process, and from the beginning my staff felt at ease with her presence. Cindy is well-versed in leadership, instructional strategies, data protocols, and school culture. She works to engage in dialogue with both staff and administration to help make change as well as gain insight into the daily work. This was a great process for learning and addressing the needs of my building. Cindy is an amazing consultant for the field of education." - Nativity Miller, Assistant Superintendent of Opportunity & Access, Boulder Valley School District
"I contacted Cindy Ward because I know her as an excellent cognitive coach and passionate instructional leader. I had found myself stuck; my thoughts continued to run circles in my mind, never drawing a conclusion to my question, "How am I going to impact student achievement for students with disabilities?" Because of my work with Cindy, I now have an answer to that daunting question. I designed a viable system of support with Cindy's coaching that addresses the key factors to move student achievement in a positive direction based on the community and culture I serve. My mind is now clear. I have clarity of direction and purpose. I am impacting student achievement and leading my staff to implement this system of support in their daily work. Without reservation, I highly recommend the services Cindy Ward provides to support educational leaders in their work." - Jocelyn Walters, Director of Special Education, Centennial BOCES
"Cindy Ward is an outstanding mentor and coach. For two years, she supported me as I worked as an elementary principal in a turnaround school. Cindy always listened intently to the challenges and successes I encountered and asked thoughtful questions that helped clarify my thinking in order to plan appropriate next steps. Her extensive knowledge of effective instruction and her understanding of school, district, and state initiatives helped me plan and implement critical systems to improve my school. Always encouraging, Cindy helped me as a school leader to stay positive and focus on the key strategies to improve instruction. The impact of Cindy's coaching has been very positive. Our school has moved out of turnaround, and I now have the skills needed to continue improvement initiatives. I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to work with Ms. Cindy Ward." - Linda Slothower, Principal, Will Rogers Elementary School, Colorado Springs District 11
"I had the opportunity to work in partnership with Cindy Ward during my time as a turnaround middle school principal in Denver, Colorado. She was fantastic to work with and incredibly helpful. She had a clear understanding of district initiatives, building level needs, and how the two could work in conjunction with one another. Her ability to facilitate transformational change, while listening to all stakeholders, speaks volumes about her leadership." - Ian Wells, Executive Director of Schools, Douglas County School District
"I was coached by Cindy Ward during my first year as a principal in Denver Public Schools. Cindy's educational expertise, knowledge and experience, and her professional, strategic style supported me in improving both the culture and achievement at my school. Cindy is an extraordinary thought partner who provided me with specific feedback and guidance that strengthened my leadership skills, helped me evaluate the needs of my school, and grew my teachers into stronger, more effective educators." - Sally Whitelock, Principal, Edison Elementary School, Denver Public Schools