The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word institution as “something or someone firmly associated with a place or thing,” while the Britannica Dictionary defines it as “someone or something that is very well known and established in a particular field or place.”
Advanced math teacher Cil Guerrero checks both of those boxes at Bossier High, and then some. Although she did not graduate as a Bearkat, Guerrero got there as fast as she could, and there are few people who could match her allegiance. She bleeds green and is a firm believer there’s “Nothing Bigger Than the B.”
“I like to tell my students that some people are born Bearkats and others get to become one!” Guerrero said.
Her story as a Bearkat began to unfold in 2003, two years into Guerrero’s teaching career. She fell in love with Bossier High on her first day, and has been “all in” ever since.
“My family believes in service and unconditional love, so when you get one of us, you have all of us!” she explained. “That is how the deep roots started. At times during my tenure here, other siblings have taught here and coached, as well. My family recognizes the special nature of Bossier High and wants to be a part of it! When you invest and serve students, it is hard not to fall in love with them!”
And when someone invests, serves and loves as hard as Guerrero, it is seen and felt by others. Bossier High teacher Colene Pipes is one of the many who is marveled by her co-worker and friend.
“You wish your own child could have had her class and not just because she knows her subject,” Pipes professed. “She is in attendance at nearly every Bearkat event and cheering the loudest of all or running the show. She does it all! And with such genuine joy and generosity of spirit. The world would be a better place if every child could have a teacher like her.”
Other colleagues cite Guerrero’s unmatched positive spirit, tireless commitment and willingness to help new teachers find their footing. Just a few of the titles she proudly wears include sponsor of the senior class and National Honor Society; organizer of Homecoming and Prom; and that still doesn’t scratch the surface.
“Math teacher, Master teacher, basketball First Lady, dual enrollment teacher, duty teacher … and the list goes on,” added Assistant Principal Marie Boudreaux. “Mrs. Guerrero is part of the backbone of Bossier High. When something is needed, she fills the gap … Bossier High would not be the place it is without Mrs. Guerrero.”
“There is NO ONE on Bossier High’s campus who works harder than Cil,” librarian Stacy Smith affirmed. “And the best thing about her is that she does it without extra pay (helping teach three Algebra I classes with no certified teacher while still managing her own classes) and the countless other things that she does simply because Cil thinks it is the right thing to do. She takes ‘show the love of Jesus’ to a whole new level.”
With her own cheerleading squad rooting for her, it was with great fanfare that a crowd of well-wishes barged into Guerrero’s classroom one recent morning to announce she was not only Bossier High’s brightest star, but also the recipient of Bossier Schools’ Gold Star.
“I truly love every single second of my day. I love teaching,” Guerrero later reflected. ”The classroom is where God has placed me and, I believe, where He will keep me. The relationships I make in Lampkin 105 are what it is all about.”
In an interview following the Gold Star announcement, we took a deeper dive to get to know Cil Guerrero better. Here is what she had to say:
Let's start with the year you started working at Bossier Schools and share with us your career journey. What grades/subjects have you taught and where? Have you been at Bossier High the entire time?
Cil Guerrero: “I graduated college at ULM with a degree in Mass Communications and Pure Mathematics. My senior year of college I knew that God had a path for me in education. I taught my first two years at Plain Dealing Academy while pursuing my secondary math certification. Once certified, I headed straight for Bossier High. Again, I had the calling on my life to serve the students and staff here. I have never once looked to leave, thus I am completing my 25th year in education and my 23rd year at Bossier High School. I have had the privilege to teach many different subjects including Algebra I, Algebra II, PreCalculus, Advanced Math I and II, Calculus and Dual Enrollment courses. Beyond these courses, I have been given the opportunity to teach generations of students and their families. This is the most rewarding part of teaching - the relationships.”
You are all in at Bosser High, and that love seems to be deeply rooted in your family. Where does that love for the Bearkats come from? Did you attend high school there?
Cil Guerrero: “I like to tell my students that some people are born Bearkats and others get to become one!That is my story - I became a Bearkat in 2003 and fell in love with Bossier High immediately. Anything you do should be done with all your talent and ability - all in! Also, my family believes in service and unconditional love so when you get one of us, you have all of us! That is how the deep roots started. At times during my tenure here, other siblings have taught here and coached as well. My family recognizes the special nature of Bossier High and wants to be a part of it! When you invest and serve students, it is hard not to fall in love with them!”
What do you love most about teaching?
Cil Guerrero: “I love everything about teaching! Well…. Maybe not the paperwork. I am kidding. I truly love every single second of my day. I love teaching. I am often asked why I do not move into another position like administration for example. That is easy to answer - I would have to leave the classroom. The classroom is where God has placed me and, I believe, where he will keep me. The relationships I make in Lampkin 105 are what it is all about. I love ALL the extracurricular activities as well. I love helping students find success outside the classroom, on the courts/fields, as well as inside the classroom walls. My service and support of Bearkat teams and coaches comes from a place of love. I believe our students deserve it all, and I intend to work tirelessly to offer that opportunity every single day! Another love I have is helping teachers. I love working with new teachers to help them find their path in the field. We better spend our time and talents cultivating the next generation of teachers. The next generation of students deserve great teachers! I went through the mentor certification program and continue my education in that area in order to build capacity in teachers. This is a passion of mine. So, back to the question - what do I love about teaching - ALL of it!”
Not everyone loves math, so what do you find most rewarding from teaching this subject?
Cil Guerrero: “Not everyone loves math. I know this and make it my mission to change this. I love that math is just a beautiful story. Everything you learn leads and connects to another skill. When these all come together, it makes for an exciting tale. I love helping students understand that math was not made up; math was discovered and figured out. Math was always there! We just have to look for it and find it. I love to tell stories of Pythagoras and his cult-like following and Rene Descartes demise! When you look past number 17 on page 39, you will find the drama and excitement of mathematics! When those connections are made and that light bulb comes on, you can see it on a kid’s face. The smile they get as I show them how Mobius takes a two sided object and removes the edge is worth all the work and the stress. This is the most rewarding part of teaching!”
You received glowing accolades from your admins and colleagues. They see all that you do, which is a lot. How does it feel to be singled out by them, and why do you do "all the things" well beyond 3 p.m.?
Cil Guerrero: “It is overwhelming, truly overwhelming. I am not one who needs the pat on the back or the thank you. I want to see students happy, healthy, successful, included, affirmed, etc. This is my reward. I do my best in the classroom because the students deserve it, but they also deserve the best athletic experience and the best prom or homecoming experience as well. After 3 pm, the fun starts. I coordinate DJs and senior nights and dance performances, etc. I want every activity or event at Bossier High to feel exciting and to highlight Bearkat Excellence in every way. When you come to an event at BHS, I want you to leave having had an experience!”
Here's the fun part. Share a little personal lagniappe about yourself. What are your hobbies? What is something surprising people might not know about you? Anything on your bucket list that you have crossed off
Cil Guerrero: “People may not know this but I am a kid at heart. I love having fun! In my “spare” time I love to read, watch documentaries, and solve puzzles. I love spending time with my family and friends as well. I have 7 nephews who I adore, and I love doing things with them. I am very active in my church. I work with the students; one of my most favorite activities is church camp. This is where my inner child gets to be on display. I participate in epic kickball battles, dance battles, and games. One of my friends and I have a podcast called “Campcast”. We tell people it is the chaperone chronicles. We highlight all the fun, the crazy and the wonderful aspects of church camp! One thing I have crossed off my bucket list is seeing Cher perform live - that was amazing!”
Here's your chance to add anything I am not asking, people you want to thank, etc. The floor is yours!
Cil Guerrero: “I would love to thank all those who nominated me and said such lovely things. I truly treasure and appreciate every single word. I also would like to thank my family. What I do each day requires sacrifice - mine and theirs as well.While some say I am blessing students and staff at Bossier High, I would like to thank my Bearkat Family for the abundance of blessings I receive each day. Most importantly I want to thank God for giving me the talent and the ability to do what I do. I thank Him for direction and sustainment during my career as well as the calling he has placed on my life. When what you do is part of your calling, it becomes less work and more fulfillment.”
Editor’s note: Know someone who works for Bossier Schools that is deserving of recognition for going above and beyond? Nominate them for the Gold Star award, proudly sponsored for the 13th year by Bossier Federal Credit Union. Visit https://bit.ly/GoldStarForm to tell what sets them apart and be watching for our next Gold Star surprise.