Del Norte High School’s math teacher makes sure students ‘get it’
Math is one of those important subjects where a teacher can make all the difference. At Del Norte High, Katie Turner, Adams State Class of 2011 and 2016, is that math teacher.
For her excellence in the classroom in teaching Algebra I, Algebra II, Trigonometry, College Algebra and an occasional Calculus class, Turner was presented with the Educator Highlight Award by the Adams State University School of Education during a surprise ceremony Tuesday.
“Every student can do math. Every student can do their absolute best and that’s going to be different for each of them,” Turner said upon accepting the honor.
The Educator Highlight Award recognizes alumni of the Adams State teachers program as well as other educators working in the San Luis Valley.
Del Norte Principal Annie Hardy said Turner’s effectiveness in the classroom comes through in her ability to connect to her students.
“She’s a natural in the classroom. That mutual respect between teacher and student is there,” Hardy said.
“The beautiful thing about teaching at Del Norte is our small classroom sizes. I think she makes the most out of having those small classroom sizes. She speaks directly to each student every class period, and usually multiple times.”
Like other honorees of the Educator Highlight Award, Turner had no idea she had been selected to receive the recognition and was surprised by the announcement. Adams State School of Education leaders launched the award program to highlight the outstanding work occurring in K-12 education across the San Luis Valley.
“Being an educator to me means helping students to learn the joy of math and also to encourage students to problem solve and work through the tough things that they feel like they can’t,” Turner said.
Every day, educators in the Valley make a difference to our kids and families. To make a nomination for the Adams State Educator Highlight Award, please email teachered@adams.edu.
“Our community needs to know the quality of education that we provide,” Hardy said of how the award extends into the community. “She has an organized way of teaching math so kids get it. She has an open communication with parents about the students as well as with students.”
“I greatly love my job,” Turner said. “It’s the only career I could ever see myself doing.”
Past winners:
Presley Garcia, Monte Vista special education teacher, January;
Nick Dionisio, Alamosa High English teacher, February;
Aaron Miltenberger, Boys & Girls Club executive director, March;
Anna Bishop, Center High School CLD teacher, April;
Phyllis Vigil, Sierra Grande first-grade teacher, May;
AlexAndria Moore-Guenter, Moffat Schools secondary counselor, June:
Omar Gonzalez, Alamosa Elementary visual art and music teacher, July;
Leanna Brazel, Alamosa Elementary kindergarten teacher, August;
Freddy Lawrence, Alamosa Elementary custodian, September;
Joe Guenther, South Conejos School District, October.
