Meet the Colorado educators who "go the extra yard" in their schools
We asked our community: Who are the Colorado educators who are 鈥済oing the extra yard鈥 this year in their classrooms and schools?
Four finalists emerged from a nomination pool of outstanding Colorado educators and were recognized at the Buffs football game against Weber State on Sept. 12 on Folsom Field. Educators and their families were also invited to purchase discounted tickets to the game and received an exclusive 蜜桃传媒破解版下载 educator pennant to display in their classrooms.
The School of Education teamed up with CU Athletics to celebrate Educators Day at the game, and the celebration for "extra yard" educators reflects a partnership with and the . All finalists received a gift card they can use towards their classrooms, and the overall winner, Kindergarten Teacher Lindsey Hand, received a $1,000 DonorsChoose Gift Card for her school.
The College Football Playoff Foundation is a nonprofit organization and works in partnership with institutions of higher education, sports organizations, corporations and nonprofits to support educators and improve U.S. student outcomes. The Extra Yard for Teachers initiative is dedicated to elevating the teaching profession by inspiring and empowering teachers.
From a Kindergarten teacher who always puts her students first to a middle and high school coach and counselor who believes in his students鈥攐ur finalists show what it means to be a Teacher Buff in their schools.
Meet the finalists:
Benjamin Pruitt听
Benjamin Pruitt graduated with his BA in English in 2010. After earning his MA in Literature at University College Dublin in 2013, he enrolled in the teacher licensure program at 蜜桃传媒破解版下载. He has taught English Language Development, English, coached a variety of sports and more recently, served as an instructional coach in Denver Public Schools. Now, he teaches in Aurora Public Schools and is also enrolled in the MA in School Leadership through CU Denver.
"Ben consistently goes above and beyond to create opportunities that challenge, inspire and prepare middle and high school students for success beyond the classroom," said his nominator.听
"He doesn't just teach content. He genuinely invests in helping students discover new possibilities and believe in what they can achieve."
What does this nomination mean to you as a teacher and Forever Buff?
"I love the Buffs and being a CU Alumni. I am so grateful for all the ways that my associations through the university have shaped and enriched my life. I feel so lucky that my wife supports the work I do and that she nominated me for this recognition. I also want to say that there are so many other people that I would point to that deserve recognition far more than I鈥攖hough I humbly accept the honor of being given this opportunity for recognition. 听
We have wonderful students in Colorado. I feel so lucky that my wife and I get to raise our little girl, Lucia, in this great state and hope that one day (should she choose!), she will want to be a Buff too. Go CU!"
Carla Cari帽o
Carla Cari帽o is a high school Social Studies educator in Denver Public Schools and a current doctoral student at CU Denver. Her teaching passions center around Ethnic Studies and liberatory teaching practices with a particular focus on young women of color. She just entered her 28th year of teaching. Her classroom centers student voice, community, ancestral knowledge and critically conscious pedagogies. She believes that education should empower students to understand their histories, analyze systems of power and imagine more just futures. Some of the work she's most proud of is her collaboration with 蜜桃传媒破解版下载 Rap Lab. There, they use a hip hop art based curriculum in which students create soundscape stories as a unique way to share about their lives.
"Mrs. Cari帽o is the ultimate champion for her students, who constantly highlight her classroom as their safe space," said her nominator.听
"She is a bold advocate who fearlessly helps youth navigate barriers, yet she balances that strength with a hilarious sense of humor and a passion for letting students be creative. Mrs. Cari帽o is always fighting for her students, ensuring they feel protected, seen, and uplifted to succeed."
What does this nomination mean to you as a teacher and Forever Buff?
"To be nominated for the Buffs Extra Yard award is an honor coming from my alma mater. I received my Masters and Teaching degree from 蜜桃传媒破解版下载 in 1999 and have a lot of gratitude for the skills I learned there and still use 28 years later. I discovered my love of teaching at CU and it has been the center of how I show up for students, families and communities. Teaching is the best profession because it allows you to develop deep relationships with amazing young people. That spirit was developed in me as a result of my time at 蜜桃传媒破解版下载."
David Auday
David Auday graduated 蜜桃传媒破解版下载 as a political science major in 1984. Right away, he fell in love with the Buffs, never missing a football or basketball game. Having a passion for the sports, he played club lacrosse at CU and was captain his junior and senior season. He went back and received his teaching certificate in 1987 from the School of Education. He is a lifelong educator entering his 38th year in public education and also coaches middle and high school athletics. He taught social studies in the Mapleton Public Schools his first eight years and the last 30 has been a counselor at Louisville Middle School at Boulder Valley School District.
"For 35 years 'Coach' has dedicated himself to students and athletes at the middle and high school levels," his nominator said.听
"This year Mr. Auday has worked tirelessly to support over 600 students in getting the school year off to a good start. In addition, Mr. Auday welcomed over 30 students who were new to our school this year. Whether students need school supplies, a backpack, or just a friendly greeting, Coach provides individual support to any student who needs a little extra encouragement in getting the school year started."
What does this nomination mean to you as a teacher and Forever Buff?
"Being a forever Buff and stepping back on this field is a lifelong dream. My love for CU and the university is a lifelong passion and I will never forget going to the Orange Bowl in Miami and watching the Buffs beat Notre Dame and winning the national title. As an educator I constantly communicate to my students the four most important words, 'I believe in you!'"
Lindsey Hand听
Lindsey Hand is a proud educator in her sixth year of teaching Kindergarten, currently at Weld County Re3J. She is from Pueblo, Colorado, and moved to Denver in 2017 to earn her degree in elementary education through Metropolitan State University of Denver. She is a current Buff, working towards her master's degree in educational equity, biliteracy and bilingualism through the BUENO program here at 蜜桃传媒破解版下载.听
"Kindergarten is such an important year because it lays the foundation for everything that comes after, and Lindsey understands that," her nominator said.听
"She creates a classroom where her students feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. She puts a lot of thought into making lessons engaging while helping her students build confidence from the very beginning of their school experience. What stands out most to me is how much she genuinely cares about her students. She takes the time to get to know each child and works hard to make sure every student feels valued and capable of succeeding."
What does this nomination mean to you as a teacher and Forever Buff?
"This nomination means so much to me as both a CU student and an educator. Teaching is such a rewarding career, and I am beyond grateful to be recognized for the work I do and for the opportunity I have to educate future Buffs!"