Niwot High School's Teacher of the Year - Teresa Ewing

What does it take to be a "Teacher of the Year?" According to the St. Vrain Valley School District Education Foundation, this honor requires someone who is innovative, goal-oriented, a motivator, an expert in their subject, and connects subject material to the real world.

Recognition for this title must be made through nominations from students, staff, parents, community members, and other affiliates of the school. Only teachers who are licensed educators in the State of Colorado and employed by SVVSD during the current school year are eligible.

Teresa Ewing has been with Niwot High School since 2017, teaching computer science. With a degree in electrical engineering and a previous career working on atmospheric radars and researching liquid crystal adaptive optics, Ewing has no shortage of expertise when it comes to computer science.

Prior to joining the Niwot High School faculty, though, Ewing was since 2005, and continues to be, a mentor for the Up-A-Creek robotics team, which is what convinced her to transition to teaching. Part of Ewing's role is to help manage the umbrella non-profit organization and the building from which they operate while still working with students and industry mentors. Ewing began teaching middle school at Flagstaff Academy in 2014 before moving to NHS three years later.

"I love teaching and am so glad that I made the decision to try it," said Ewing. "I really love the team of dedicated professionals I work with - they have all taught me so much about the teaching craft."

Ewing also says that her love for Niwot is so strong because "Niwot is such an interesting school, as we attract students from all over the county." Ewing has computer science students who range from having three years of middle school coding experience, to having introductory level students with little to no experience. "That diversity is so fun and nothing is more rewarding than to instill coding confidence," she said.

Ewing attended the "Tribute to Teachers" dinner hosted by the SVVSD Education Foundation, along with the other finalists, Nicole Endres (Family and Consumer Science) and Amy Holle (Special Education). Also in attendance were Eric Rauschkolb and Erin Roe, the principal and assistant principal, respectively, at Niwot High School. All three finalists received a certificate of recognition. Ewing also received a financial gift from the district in addition to her recognition as Niwot High's Teacher of the Year.

"It's always so nice to be recognized for all your hard work," said Ewing. "It was particularly impactful to look around the room (at the Tribute to Teachers dinner) and see so many teachers that I knew and respected there. I was really honored to be considered their peer." Ewing thanked the St. Vrain Valley School District and the Education Foundation as well as the support in the Longmont area for public education.