Mrs. Cindy Gaston

Cindy Gaston is a dedicated educator and lifelong learner with a passion for instructional excellence and student-centered learning. She has spent the majority of her career at Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts (CSLA), a K–12 public school in Hamilton County, TN, nationally recognized as a Paideia School for Creative Thinking by the National Paideia Center. With experience teaching both elementary and middle school, Cindy transitioned into the role of Instructional Coach in 2006. Since then, she has supported educators across all grade levels—elementary, middle, and high school—helping to foster a culture of collaboration, inquiry, and continuous growth. She played a key leadership role in guiding CSLA through its expansion to include a high school. In 2024, Cindy was honored with the William Friday Award by the National Paideia Center, recognizing her outstanding commitment to Paideia teaching and learning. She works hard alongside other educators to embrace thoughtful dialogue, rigorous instruction, and lifelong learning.