Two Colorado elementary-school teachers played hooky Wednesday in order to spend the afternoon at the White House.
Kathryn Eyolfson and Lana Han sen received the Presidential Award for Excellence for Mathematics and Science Teaching.
Eyolfson, a fifth-grade science teacher at Coyote Hills Elementary School in Aurora, and Hansen, a first-grade math teacher at Willow Creek Elementary School in Centennial, each won $10,000 and their trip to Washington, D.C.
Eyolfson and Hansen were among 87 recipients to meet with President Barack Obama, who thanked them for their service and discussed the importance of student success in math and science.
“This has been all about me, but it’s really about what goes on in the classroom everyday,” Eyolfson said.
Eyolfson, a Colorado native and 18-year veteran in the Cherry Creek School District, has taught since 2006 at Coyote Hills, where she created programs such as “Reading With Reptiles.” Students who have difficulty reading are drawn in by holding a class reptile while reading a book, principal Jim McDevitt said.
“She’s one of those teachers parents want to be a part of their kids’ lives,” said McDevitt, who nominated Eyolfson for the award.
Fellow fifth-grade teacher Leigh Curnett said students were eager to know when Eyolfson was meeting the president Wednesday.
“They are so excited, and they are very proud,” Curnett said.
The two spent about a year producing the written and video materials needed for consideration. The award honors teachers’ commitment to instruction and learning how to advance students in math and science.
Helping students find inspiration in math, science or any subject requires enthusiasm from students and teachers, said Hansen, who started teaching at Willow Creek in 1993.
“I teach first-graders, but they are learners,” she said. “They are writers, they are mathematicians, and it’s my job to open the door for them.”
Discovering ways to inspire students requires enthusiasm and a sense of humor, both of which are Hansen’s strengths, Sharon Rodgers said.
Rodgers, who has taught with Hansen for 10 years, said Hansen is a leader among teachers and throughout the district.
Jordan Steffen: 303-954-1638 or jsteffen@denverpost.com
