In APS, we believe student achievement and growth are driven by a highly-effective and respected staff working as a team. This belief rings exceptionally true for these staff members who have earned national and state awards. Join us in congratulating the following individuals for these well-deserved achievements.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Martha Chang | APS Crossroads School Nurse
2021 School Nurse of the Year, Colorado Association of School Nurses
Chang goes above and beyond her assigned duties as a school nurse. She has an unwavering dedication to her colleagues, her community and to the students enrolled at Crossroads. Chang excels at building trusted relationships with her students and is known for her caring attitude toward others.
“As the saying goes, ‘do what you love and call it work.’ That has always been my approach as a school nurse, never expecting any special recognition beyond the smiles and thank yous that occasionally roll my way. To be named the Colorado School Nurse of the Year is a real honor and a humbling moment in my well-seasoned career.”
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Marnie McKercher | APS Health Services Lead Nurse Consultant
2021 School Nurse Administrator of the Year, Colorado Association of School Nurses
McKercher demonstrates excellence in school nursing practice and leadership in school health. During her nine year tenure as Lead Nurse Consultant at APS, McKercher has worked tirelessly to keep school nurses and school administrators informed and empowered in all things nursing and school health. She is regarded as an outstanding role model by her peers, and most recently, became a pivotal leader in guiding the district’s pandemic response plan.
“There is no greater honor than to be nominated and awarded by one’s professional peers. The award shows a belief in the leadership, direction and training that I provide to APS school nurses that, in turn, supports the health and wellness of the entire APS community. This has never been more evident than during a worldwide pandemic and it’s huge impact on our school community.”
Chang and McKercher earned two of three awards given by CASN. Both will now compete for their respective awards at the national level.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Guillermina McLean | Fulton Academy of Excellence Kindergarten Paraeducator
2021 Bilingual Paraeducator of the Year, Colorado Association for Bilingual Education
McLean has an unwavering commitment to emergent multilingual and multicultural students. Her background has been a driving force behind her belief that every student deserves a quality education, regardless of their origins. The Fulton community regards McLean as a team player and someone who works tirelessly to ensure that every student achieves their full potential.
“When a newcomer child from Latin America comes into our Kindergarten classrooms for the first time, you can feel how anxious and fearful they are. I am proud of my ability to help the teacher reassure these children using my bilingual gifts, to help the students feel safe, included, welcomed and on the path to real learning in their new home and school.”
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Randy Mills | Rangeview High School Teacher
2021 National Computer Science Teacher of the Year, Project Lead The Way
Mills creates transformative learning experiences through PLTW programs that inspire, engage and empower students. Mills has made a positive impact as a Rangeview Raider for the last 20 years and uses his expertise to teach students valuable computer science, engineering and biomedical science skills. Mills is so well known for his work in education that he received nominations from across the country!
“I am humbled and honored to be recognized and singled out as a leader among thousands of PLTW teachers nationwide. It is a very nice honor and one I never expected. In all that we have faced in the last 18 months, it is nice to see some positive things going on.”
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Kenneth Webb | APS Instructional Coordinator for Physical Education and the Arts
2021 Supervisor/Administrator Art Educator of the Year, Colorado Art Education Association
Webb is a highly-qualified art educator, leader and advocate who goes above and beyond to support hundreds of K-12 teachers across the district. Having been a PE teacher, he knows first hand of the challenges unique to being an electives teacher and has found unique ways to reward and professionally develop APS art teachers.
“It is a great honor for me to be named the CAEA Administrator of the Year. This would not be possible without the amazing team that I have on our Arts Advisory Group, as well as the Art Educators in APS. It is my pleasure to serve them and support them in the ways that they need. They continue to make my job fun and exciting on a daily basis.”