Four CMC students studying elementary education have been named to the Colorado Department of Higher Education’s Future Educator Honor Roll. From left, CMC students Kelli Ludwig, Tiffany Simonson, Diana Hernández and Ana Chavira. Hernández and Ludwig attend CMC Vail Valley, and Simonson and Chavira attend CMC Glenwood Springs.

Colorado Mountain College students Diana Hernández, Kelli Ludwig, Ana Chavira and Tiffany Simonson were recently selected for the Colorado Department of Higher Education’s Future Educator Honor Roll and were acknowledged at a ceremony at the state capitol.

In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week in May, the ceremony recognized outstanding students from Colorado’s educator preparation programs. At the ceremony CDHE Executive Director Dr. Kim Hunter Reed gave remarks, followed by Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne.

“This ceremony recognizes the tremendous impact our future educators will have on their students and the state of Colorado broadly,” said Reed. “Educators are training the next generation of artists, engineers, scientists and health professionals that will power our economy and enliven our communities. They truly make all other professions possible. We want all teachers and administrators — and especially our young educators — to know Coloradans support and appreciate their invaluable work.”

“Our four teacher candidates have implemented promising practices for all students,” said Dr. Leticia Burbano de Lara, Colorado Mountain College’s teacher education program associate professor. “Their strong lesson plans, instructional conversations, and ways of contextualizing the teaching and learning process create a classroom ecology in which students’ assets are embraced. Those are elements and conditions needed for engaging, relevant and meaningful learning.”

Profiles of the candidates are available at the CDHE’s website at https://bit.ly/2G27njk and below.

 CMC student profiles on the Future Educator Honor Roll

Student: Diana Hernández
Institution: Colorado Mountain College – Vail Valley at Edwards
Program: Bachelor’s in Elementary Education with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Endorsement
About Diana: Diana is originally from San Diego, California. She came to Colorado hoping to improve her English language skills and decided to pursue her passion for teaching. She currently teaches English and Spanish math and literacy to moderate needs students from K-5 and is a full-time student. As a Spanish heritage speaker, Diana develops strong lessons for English and Spanish literacy and math to differentiate the needs of newcomers and students with moderate needs students. She incorporates the Social Justice Standards in her lessons to address identity, diversity, justice, and action issues to create spaces for mutual accommodation.

Student: Kelli Ludwig
Institution: Colorado Mountain College – Vail Valley at Edwards
Program: Bachelor’s in Elementary Education with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Endorsement
About Kelli: Kelli lives in Gypsum and currently owns a small event and marketing company that subcontracts with outdoor companies. Two years ago, Kelli downsized her company when she decided to return to school and pursue her dream of becoming a teacher for children. She will be entering her internship year in the 2018-2019 school year. Kelli has implemented strategies and techniques, such as biography cards and cultural quilts, to know her students in four dimensions: linguistically, cognitively, academically and socioculturally. This information has been used effectively during planning instruction and assessment.

Student: Ana Chavira
Institution: Colorado Mountain College - Glenwood Springs
Program: Bachelor’s in Elementary Education
About Ana: Ana Chavira grew up in the Roaring Fork Valley. She is Mexican-American and the daughter of Mexican immigrants. She has worked in the field of education for five years. Currently, she is pursuing her bachelor’s in elementary education with an endorsement, and she is proud to say she will be the first person in her family to have a college degree come May 2019. She values her family and community: her six-year-old son is her drive and motivation. She is passionate about teaching and strives to meet every student’s needs. Her strongest skills are her work ethic and compassion. She considers herself a lifelong learner that wants to be a force of good.

Student: Tiffany Simonson
Institution: Colorado Mountain College - Glenwood Springs
Program: Bachelor’s in Elementary Education with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Endorsement
About Tiffany: Tiffany is a dedicated, caring, skilled, reflective and passionate teacher candidate who builds strong relationships with her students. Tiffany demonstrates a high level of commitment to her scholarship and field experiences. This is apparent in her growing leadership in her school, as school leaders seek her out to train other paraprofessionals. As a teacher candidate, Tiffany consistently incorporates best practices in lesson design, instructional strategies and strategies specifically intended to include cultural and linguistically diverse students. Tiffany’s high level of professionalism and commitment to culturally and linguistically diverse students makes her a great candidate for recognition as one of Colorado’s top teacher candidates.