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News Release - Elementary teacher named 2018 Colorado Teacher of the Year

Oct. 27, 2017

Elementary teacher named 2018 Colorado Teacher of the Year

COLORADO SPRINGS – Colorado Education Commissioner Katy Anthes announced today that Christina Randle, a first-grade teacher at Soaring Eagles Elementary School in Harrison School District No. 2, is the 2018 Colorado Teacher of the Year.

As the new Teacher of the Year, Randle will represent the entire teaching profession in Colorado and be the face of all Colorado teachers who are working hard to help students succeed. She will become Colorado’s nominee for the National Teacher of the Year Program competition and will get many professional development opportunities.  The President of the United States will honor Randle at a ceremony with the other state teachers of the year at the White House and she will get to go to NASA’s Space Camp for a week.

Randle was selected for the honor based on her passion for teaching, dedication and collaboration with her peers and commitment to engaging parents in their students’ learning. Building young problem-solvers through equity to ensure a solid academic foundation is what defines her as a teacher. She provides training to her colleagues at Soaring Eagles Elementary, as well as to kindergarten and first-grade teachers in her district, on the implementation of the district’s curriculum. She goes above and beyond her regular duties by sending pictures, texts and short messages to families, keeping them up to date on their student’s day. She recognizes the special abilities of each of her students and makes a difference in lives.

“Christina Randle embodies Colorado’s commitment to building strong foundations by supporting high-quality early learning,” Anthes said. “Her focus on building skills, such as problem-solving and collaboration, will benefit students through their entire life. In this role, she will be able to share her passion for teaching across the state just like she has in her school and district.”

Adams State University, Colorado Education Association, and Colorado Springs Downtown Partnership provided sponsorship for the award.

Dr. Andre Spencer, superintendent of Harrison School District No. 2, said Randle is an example of what the district stands for.  

“Our district family is excited to have Ms. Randle as the state Teacher of the Year.  She truly exemplifies the epitome of excellence and distinction.  Ms. Randle is an extraordinary example of what our district stands for…character through diversity, challenge, and accomplishment,” Spencer said.

Ms. Randle has been a first-grade teacher in Harrison School District for 14 years and has been at Soaring Eagles Elementary for 10 years. Ms. Randle provides an enthusiastic, nurturing classroom environment that produces confident, respectful learners. Her classroom has been used as a model classroom for visits from schools around the state.

Learn more about the Colorado Teacher of the Year program.