Oct. 26, 2012
Aurora social
studies teacher named Colorado Teacher of the Year
State Education Commissioner
Robert Hammond announced today Amanda Westenberg,
a social studies teacher at Rangeview High School in
Aurora Public Schools, is the 2013 Colorado Teacher of
the Year.
As Teacher of the Year, Westenberg will get many
professional development opportunities through the
National Teacher of the Year program, will attend a
ceremony at the White House, and go to space camp for a
week.
The Colorado Legacy Foundation, along with Adams State
College, SMART Technologies, Colorado Free Masons and
Blue Bell Ice Cream will provide support to Westenberg
to allow her time to be gone from her school to attend
these events and speaking engagements.
“We know that there is no more important school-based
factor in a child’s education, than an effective teacher
in the classroom,” said Dr. Helayne Jones, President and
CEO of the Colorado Legacy Foundation. “We are pleased
to make this investment in the 2013 Colorado Teacher of
the Year.”
Westenberg was selected for the honor based on her
expertise, the student achievement results she receives
from her classroom instruction, and her ability to
inspire students. She says she made the decision to
enter into the field of education hoping to create a
community in which students could feel safe, cared for
and cherished.
Ron Fay, principal of Rangeview High School describes
Westenberg as a “dedicated, talented educator who has a
positive impact on students and colleagues. She
understands the learning process to a degree that is
rare.”
Westenberg has been in education for eight years and
serves as the social studies department chair at
Rangeview High School. She’s developed interactive
Advanced Placement curriculum and feels her mission is
to enable students to become literate thinkers with the
skills to succeed in their post-secondary pursuits.
Westenberg believes education must be rigorous, relevant
and engaging. She has developed a supportive classroom
community grounded in positive teacher-student
relationships. She feels it is teachers’ obligation to
students, parents, and society to provide the highest
quality education.
For more information, visit
http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdeawards/trtoyinf.htm
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