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“I’ve always believed that teaching is among the most noble professions. Beyond that, it is one of the most critically important professions because it serves as the prerequisite to every other profession. Regardless of what profession was chosen, it began with a group of teachers,” said Dr. Don Haddad, superintendent for St. Vrain Valley School District.
St Vrain Valley Schools Education Foundation, or SVVSEF, held a virtual celebration Friday, April 25, streaming the Tribute to Teachers 2021 through YouTube. This is the second year that the Tribute to Teachers has been virtual due to concerns with the pandemic.
“One of the things I know about the teaching profession, it’s one of the most challenging jobs a person can have, and that’s in a great year. And with this pandemic, it’s been over the top challenging and stressful and I can’t thank you all enough,” Haddad said.
A total of 900 nominations from each of SVVSD’s 58 schools, development centers and virtual education programs, were sent to the SVVSEF, according to Executive Director Josh Atherton, a 50% increase from last year. Around 500 teachers were nominated, with one winner and two finalists from each program or school.
“We’ve seen a higher respect for teachers and all the work they do throughout this year, it’s important we recognize it,” Atherton said.
The presentation was a packed 40 minutes, with an intro from Atherton and a creatively arranged virtual performance of “A Million Dreams,” from the film The Greatest Showman, by the Niwot High School Chamber Singers. A slideshow with the winners and finalists from each program ran before Atherton presented the district’s Teacher of the Year and the finalists.
Despite being virtual, there were representatives from each program watching. The chat window for the stream was full of excitement, congratulations and pride for every teacher and school in the district. Shout-outs were given at every opportunity by enthusiastic staff.
In a call before the tribute, Atherton explained in years prior the event would be held in person, and the funding from the sponsors would be used to cover costs for the venue and fine dining to celebrate. Since there was no venue, SVVSEF was able to get creative with the tribute and express gratitude in a very direct way.
The Teacher of the Year from each program received a $100 gift card, while each finalist received $50. The four finalists for the district’s teacher of the year received $1,500, while the 2021 district teacher of the year took home $4,000.
“The stipulation we had is that the teachers were not allowed to spend any of that money on their classrooms, they had to use it for something personal,” Atherton said.
Haddad spoke, thanking the SVVSEF and displaying his gratitude for the teachers of the district for their work. Referencing President Biden’s proposed infrastructure plan, Haddad acknowledged that teachers were responsible for the human infrastructure.
“The human infrastructure that you develop and grow every day in your classrooms, that’s what makes America great and that’s what makes teaching the greatest profession. So, I want to thank you for your great work this year,” Dr. Haddad said.
After a spotlight on the 2020 teacher of the year Janette Rivera Gonzalez, a first-grade teacher at Northridge Elementary, the presentation moved on to the finalists and winners for 2021.
“This teacher never fails to show every student how to achieve the goals they set,” Atherton read from a student nomination.
Career Development Center’s Neil Shupe was declared teacher of the year for 2021. SVVSEF and SVVSD’s communications team worked together to make a video of Shupe in his classroom, with words of admiration and gratitude from his students and colleagues. The Career Development Center is one of eight Career and Technical Education centers in the state of Colorado, providing students with hands-on experiences for career paths and industry certifications.
“He’s made my future, actually. I hope to be like him when I’m older. He gets to know people on a personal level, not just like a teacher but someone you know will be there for you,” Kira, one of Shupe’s students, said during the video.
“Shupe, as a teacher, is just the most amazing teacher I’ve ever had. He’s super engaging, he wants to sit down and take the time to explain something that’s wrong or how to fix it,” Jasmin, another of Shupe’s students, said during the video.
In his closing remarks for the presentation, Atherton thanked teachers and district staff for their hard work and dedication to excellence. A full list of the awards and accolades can be found at the SVVSEF website.
