Justin Darnell: 2010 Colorado Teacher of the Year

While a student in New Mexico's K-12 public schools, Justin Darnell saw "a divide" between what he and his classmates needed and what the local schools provided. Through his own school experiences Darnell found a personal goal as college student and young adult: to change "the educational experience for underrepresented students." Today Justin Darnell is the 2010 Colorado Teacher of the Year. Darnell, a Denver Classroom Teachers Association member, has worked as a science teacher for the last seven years, including the last five at Bryant-Webster K-8 School in Denver, where 95 percent of the student body is eligible for free and reduced lunch and 96 percent of the students are Hispanic, many English learners.

Darnell was chosen from among many exemplary classroom teachers nominated for the honor. Governor Bill Ritter made the announcement, saying, "Congratulations to all the superb finalists who are outstanding representatives of the many thousands of wonderful, dedicated teachers across this state. I don't know of a profession that matters more to the future of our state and our country."

In her comments about Darnell, Bryant-Webster principal Pamela Liñan wrote,"Mr. Darnell is respectful to students from cultures different than his own and has learned strategies in working with English language learners and applies them in his content area. He promotes oral language development within his science classroom. I truly believe that he is helping to foster great change and direction in the teaching of science for our student population."

Darnell thanked his family and school staff for supporting him. "I have unbelievable students and I work at a great, great school," he said.

Darnell received his bachelor's and master's degrees in biology from the University of Northern Colorado. He is currently working on his Ed.D. from the School of Education & Human Development at the University of Colorado-Denver. As Teacher of the Year, Darnell is also the state's nominee for National Teacher of the Year honors. In the next year, he will serve as a teaching ambassador to communities and organizations around the state as a representative of the teaching profession in Colorado.

Including Darnell, there were seven semi-finalists this year for Teacher of the Year. Lynn Jackson, Boulder Valley Education Association, and Michelle Pearson, District Twelve Educators Association, were honored at the reception as Teacher of the Year finalists. Jackson teaches fifth graders at Eldorado K-8 School in Superior. Pearson, a social studies and technology teacher, works at Hulstrom Options School in Northglenn.

The Teacher of the Year selection process includes a written application, letters of recommendation, classroom visits, endorsements from the teacher's district, and personal interviews. Nominees are judged on their ability to inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities. They are expected to play an active role in the community and to have earned the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues.

The Colorado Education Association (CEA) organized this year's Teacher of the Year nomination process in cooperation with the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) and with support and sponsorship from Adams State College, SMARTer Kids Foundation, Colorado Masons, Zack Neumeyer of Sage Hospitality, and the Lazof Family Foundation.