A teacher at Flagstaff Academy Charter School in Longmont has been named a finalist for Colorado’s 2023 Charter School Educator of the Year award.
Stacy Wolff, a science teacher at Flagstaff Academy, has been recognized by the Colorado League of Charter Schools for demonstrating “significant influence in developing or maintaining a charter school, improving school accountability and performance, or driving other aspects of school excellence,” the organization said in a news release.
“I was thrilled and honored to have been nominated for this award,” Wolff said. “I also wish that all our staff could be nominated because they work tirelessly to bring out the best in our students!”
Wolff has worked at Flagstaff Academy for 12 years, and said she keeps “coming back because of the staff, students and families.”
“We strive to help students see their potential, learn how to communicate effectively, and be critical thinkers so that they can thrive in and out of school,” she said. “The students at Flagstaff are kind and hardworking; they too face the same challenges that students have at other schools and we hope they feel supported when they are in our building.”
The educator said her job allows her to be innovative with her programming and help students “foster their sense of self.” Wolff goes the extra mile so she can help her students become life-long learners, she said.
“There’s only so much time in a day and in a class period, so taking that extra time during my lunch period or after school to help students really excel and recognize the best in themselves is worth the time and effort,” Wolff said.
The science teacher said she believes students need to make their own observations and “engage in authentic inquiry.”
“Allowing that freedom to be curious and ask questions is a huge component of who I am, and I try to create that opportunity for my students and my classroom.”
Wolff also believes students need to head outside the school for a complete learning experience.
“As many of us have experienced ourselves, it’s easy to spend more and more time inside rather than playing outside and interacting with the world,” she explained.
Wolff said she also strives to boost students’ self-esteem.
“Students need to have confidence in themselves, so all of the social-emotional components that I and my colleagues weave into our daily lessons and just our interactions is going to help the students be successful, and I think all of that is what the next generation needs.”
The Colorado League of Charter Schools has chosen a dozen educators for its Hall of Fame award. The winner will be announced at a conference on Feb. 27 at the Westin Westminster.
