2009 Colorado Teacher of the Year

Susan Elliott

National Teacher of the Year Finalist

Teacher, 9-12 English and Social Studies
Douglas County School District

Highlands Ranch High School

9375 Cresthill Lane
Highlands Ranch, CO 80130
303-973-2969
sjsuz@aol.com

Susan's love of learning emerged early as a child playing "school" in neighborhood backyards. From her mother, a family services worker, and father, a teacher, she learned the delicate relationship between self-esteem and academic achievement. Susan has compassion and empathy towards others who have disabilities like herself and she vowed at age sixteen to bring a positive change to the field of teaching.

"Teaching is an art that holds the power to shape the future of America and every student deserves a great teacher who is committed to continuous improvement" says Susan. She believes that responsible teachers must produce adaptive, resourceful adults who have the capacity to excel in higher education and the workplace. Susan feels richly rewarded when students are so absorbed in learning that they express disappointment when the bell rings.

For additional information about this program please contact Kim Burnham at: Burnham_K@cde.state.co.us.