With 14 years of teaching experience, Lydia Hinnard has dedicated her career to helping students grow both academically and personally. She earned her Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2006 and later completed her Master of Education as a Mathematics Specialist in 2012.

As a Special Education teacher at Celeste ISD, Lydia’s favorite part of teaching is building meaningful relationships with her students. She works hard to create a classroom where students feel safe, valued, and comfortable being themselves without feeling the need to hide their disabilities. She emphasizes communication and encourages students to understand that asking for help is part of success.

Lydia was inspired to become a teacher by a high school math teacher who encouraged her to pursue education. Today, she shares that same encouragement with her own students, especially through teaching high school math. She loves helping students experience those “light bulb” moments when difficult concepts suddenly make sense.

Her ultimate goal is for students to graduate feeling proud of what they have accomplished and prepared for a productive future. One of her greatest joys is watching students walk across the graduation stage after overcoming challenges and growing in confidence.

Outside of school, Lydia enjoys paper crafting, reading, camping with her husband, and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and extended family. She is also deeply involved in her church, where she serves in ministry leadership and leads a children’s sign language choir.

Through her compassion, encouragement, and dedication, Lydia Hinnard continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of her students every day.