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2016 Colorado Teacher of the Year
Leticia Ingram, 2016 Colorado Teacher of the Year
Leticia Guzman Ingram, an English language development coordinator, history and math teacher at Basalt High School in Roaring Fork School District RE-1, was named the 2016 Colorado Teacher of the Year by Interim Education Commissioner Elliot Asp at a surprise assembly on October 26, 2015.
Ingram was selected for the honor based on her experience, passion, and expertise with English learners and their families. She demonstrates excellence in all levels: she has an outstanding rapport with her students, colleagues, parents, and administrators, while also contributing to world communities when she works with Teachers Across Borders. She constantly strives to perfect her craft, and her impact on the community is immeasurable.
Ingram has taught at Basalt High School for the last five years and at Basalt Elementary School for five years prior to that. She continues to volunteer internationally over the summers, working with Teachers Across Borders to support teacher development in high poverty areas around the world.
As the 2016 Teacher of the Year, Ingram will participate in many professional development opportunities through the National Teacher of the Year program and will even get to attend a ceremony at the White House and go to Space Camp for a week.
Adams State College, Colorado Education Initiative, SMART Technologies and Colorado Free Masons provided sponsorship for the award. In addition, Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Two Leaves Tea and Bristlecone Mountain Sports participated as local sponsors.
Leticia Ingram can be reached at:
Basalt High School
Roaring Fork School District RE-1
600 Southside Drive
Basalt, CO 81621
970-384-5959
tingram@rfschools.com
Q&A with Leticia Ingram
9-12 English Language Development, History, and Math Teacher | 8 Years Teaching
Why did you go into the teaching profession?
It has always been a part of me. I love being around people. I had a middle school teacher who pushed me to do and be more. I now push to help others. It doesn’t matter what their age - student or teacher - I’d like to continue to learn and be more.
What techniques do you use to keep your students engaged?
I have taught many subjects - geography, algebra, history and more. I want the students to have a love of learning. It doesn’t matter if you learn and remember all of the formulas, facts in history, or specific facts in any subject. Those things can now be found just by searching on a phone or computer. I want them to be excited to learn and continue to learn throughout their lives.
The other piece that I feel is very important is experiential learning - to get them out and to see the relevance of their learning and why it is important in their everyday life.
My most important class rule is ___________.
To hear your voice. One of my pet peeves is when you ask a student a question and they say “I don’t know” in response. When students would use that response in my classroom they would have to do jumping jacks or put a quarter in the jar. It is important that they ask and say what they think about any subject. Not only for them to be heard but to also ask questions when they wonder why? It is also important for the other students to hear their voice. In the beginning they are normally shy, but now they do not have that problem as they once did. They need to talk out loud, process their thoughts, ask questions, and know that their voice is valued.
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