Del Norte High School鈥檚 math teacher makes sure students 鈥榞et it鈥
Math is one of those important subjects where a teacher can make all the difference. At Del Norte High, Katie Turner, Adams State Class of 2011 and 2016, is that math teacher.
For her excellence in the classroom in teaching Algebra I, Algebra II, Trigonometry, College Algebra and an occasional Calculus class, Turner was presented with the Educator Highlight Award by the 91猫先生 School of Education during a surprise ceremony Tuesday.
鈥淓very student can do math. Every student can do their absolute best and that鈥檚 going to be different for each of them,鈥 Turner said upon accepting the honor.
The Educator Highlight Award recognizes alumni of the Adams State teachers program as well as other educators working in the San Luis Valley.
Del Norte Principal Annie Hardy said Turner鈥檚 effectiveness in the classroom comes through in her ability to connect to her students.
鈥淪he鈥檚 a natural in the classroom. That mutual respect between teacher and student is there,鈥 Hardy said.
鈥淭he beautiful thing about teaching at Del Norte is our small classroom sizes. I think she makes the most out of having those small classroom sizes. She speaks directly to each student every class period, and usually multiple times.鈥
Like other honorees of the Educator Highlight Award, Turner had no idea she had been selected to receive the recognition and was surprised by the announcement. Adams State School of Education leaders launched the award program to highlight the outstanding work occurring in K-12 education across the San Luis Valley.
鈥淏eing an educator to me means helping students to learn the joy of math and also to encourage students to problem solve and work through the tough things that they feel like they can鈥檛,鈥 Turner said.
Every day, educators in the Valley make a difference to our kids and families. To make a nomination for the Adams State Educator Highlight Award, please email teachered@adams.edu.
鈥淥ur community needs to know the quality of education that we provide,鈥 Hardy said of how the award extends into the community. 鈥淪he has an organized way of teaching math so kids get it. She has an open communication with parents about the students as well as with students.鈥
鈥淚 greatly love my job,鈥 Turner said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the only career I could ever see myself doing.鈥
Past winners:
Presley Garcia, Monte Vista special education teacher, January;
Nick Dionisio, Alamosa High English teacher, February;
Aaron Miltenberger, Boys & Girls Club executive director, March;
Anna Bishop, Center High School CLD teacher, April;
Phyllis Vigil, Sierra Grande first-grade teacher, May;
AlexAndria Moore-Guenter, Moffat Schools secondary counselor, June:
Omar Gonzalez, Alamosa Elementary visual art and music teacher, July;
Leanna Brazel, Alamosa Elementary kindergarten teacher, August;
Freddy Lawrence, Alamosa Elementary custodian, September;
Joe Guenther, South Conejos School District, October.
