Think back to when you were a student, back-to-school shopping, finding your classroom, and the exciting lessons that would soon fill your day. The first day of school jitters that were calmed by the friendly, welcoming face, and celebrating the “ah ha” moments when you finally figured out how to solve the problem. Then there was the time in kindergarten, when you went to the restroom but couldn’t remember the way back to your classroom. As panic set in, that friendly face walked around the corner and they knew exactly where your classroom was. These champions make math exciting and words come to life through reading and writing, they stood beside you and cheered as you mastered kickball, that difficult note, or the masterpiece that needed a little finesse. Although everyone’s school experience was different, teachers are the common thread throughout classrooms and schools. They are the first to welcome you to a new class, they spend extra time working through a challenging problem, and they give you a high five when you accomplish your goals.
St. Vrain is the proud home to nearly 2,000 teachers who spend their days preparing our students for the future. Join us in celebrating our teachers and learn what they enjoy about teaching, why they became teacher and what their favorite memory is from the days they spent as a student in the classroom.
Thank you to all of our teachers.
Getting to know:
Tanisha Lucero
Grade 5
Columbine Elementary
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
I am enamored with teaching as a living puzzle-it is always engaging, because there are always new student needs and new strategies. I love the process of finding great ways to connect my students to meaningful content. I love playing a part of human development. It is an awesome feeling when a concept really clicks into place for one of my students. Teaching is an amazing job!
Briefly tell us about the path you took to becoming a teacher?
I worked in a treatment center classroom after earning my bachelors in Sociology. Through the challenges and successes with this impacted population I became smitten with education. I worked in several human development sectors- from preschool to adult computer GED instruction and eventually got my masters in education.
What is your favorite memory from when you were a student?
In Mr. Nahikian’s class in fourth grade, everything was a little bit different. Mr. Nahikian really took time to make his class a unique community. As a student of his, you new you were part of something special. I remember making oobleck, making sushi, completing a giant wildlife project, and all the while thinking how lucky we were to have such an amazing and interactive class.