As students prepared to return to the classroom in Denver, Boardhawk asked teachers to share what they were hopeful for in the new year and what they wished for their students. As we begin a new school year, we are wishing all the best to Denver students and teachers this year. Thank you to all those who participated and submitted answers.
I learn just as much from the students as they learn from me so I’m very much looking forward to being challenged by my students this year. My hope for the year is for the students to have a joyful learning experience where they can see themselves represented in the classroom. My goal is for them to feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes. I want them to see themselves as strong, capable learners because that is what they are. They are all so bright, compassionate, and deserving of the chance to reach their full potential.
—Katie, 6th grade English Language Arts teacher, DSST: Cole Middle School
I have been a Spanish and Social Studies teacher for a quarter of a century. With the beginning of each school year, new expectations arise about what the new students will be like and what direction to take in the development of the classes. The truth is that every school year I try to give my students the best of me in the form of all those experiences I have treasured through my years, in order to turn them into the true generators of the changes that humanity needs so much. Every day is a journey of knowledge, let’s make it fun!!!!
—Eduardo Verna, Spanish and Social Studies teacher, Compass Academy
I teach second grade, which is the year we try to transition our students from ‘learning to read’ to ‘reading to learn’. So, an immense hope I have for this year is that my second-graders end the year not only as proficient readers, but with the confidence, independence, love of learning, and belief in themselves that being readers affords them. I hope that my students feel a sense of community in our classroom. Ideally, I am providing the space and conditions for it to be their classroom, where their ideas, strengths, and contributions are the center of everything we do. I hope that my classroom is able to be a truly inclusive space for all of our students, particularly our multilingual learners. I want my students to feel like every part of the day is for them, and feel comfortable speaking up and asking questions or asking for what they need, regardless of what language they need to ask in.
–Rebekah Oviatt, 2nd grade teacher, University Prep Arapahoe Street
This year I am looking forward to growing as an educator and learning alongside my students. Compass has demonstrated that it is dedicated to the continuous growth of its educators towards goals like equity, inclusion, and best teaching practices in service of students. I wish for my students to have a year of personal and academic growth, where they feel safe to learn and gain the skills necessary to reach their full potential.
—Eileen Bennett, Diverse Learners Teacher, Compass Academy
This year, I’m really looking forward to building strong relationships with students as well as cheering them on as they begin their high school journey. I love teaching ninth grade because I get to see my students grow up as they progress through high school. When they graduate in four years, I will be able to remember where they started. It always brings me a lot of joy and fills me with immense pride to see how my students develop socially and academically throughout their time at school. I’m also looking forward to growing as a teacher. Although I have been teaching for the better part of a decade, every class teaches me something new and makes me a better teacher. I’m grateful to be learning and growing as an educator, so I can show up better and better every day for my students.
–Stevie Agostinelli, 9th grade Composition and Humanities teacher, DSST: Conservatory Green High School
This year I hope that my students and I can grow alongside each other. I hope that my students take pride and ownership of their spaces this year. I also hope that I can provide a space for my students to feel safe, regardless of what is going on in or outside of school. I hope to bring curiosity and joy to my students through engaging content in class, but also by being someone who consistently shows up for them every day.
—Theresa Danetti, 8th grade Science teacher, Compass Academy
I have found a lot of excitement and hope for this coming academic year. My biggest hope is finding more dynamic ways to engage students in the content as well as making a place of belonging in my classroom. Helping students find a passion and empowerment in math has always been my goal, and I’m excited to continue to push that goal and help students feel ownership of their learning and their place in the school community–Michael Carroll, 6th grade Math teacher, Compass Academy
Coming back to school this year has been exhausting, but so exciting. There is, as ever, so much to do, and not enough time to do it, but I always feel like I’m in my element when I get to work with students and see them learn and grow. It feels really cup-filling to be back and to hit the ground running. This year I’m teaching five music classes, and my hope for all of them is that they leave my classes having learned something new that they are excited to share with others. I am also hopeful to help my students build frustration tolerance and perseverance as they learn rigorous materials in my classes.
–Abigail Bernat, Music teacher, DSST: Cole High School
This year, I hope for my students to understand the value of their linguistic giftedness, individualism and culture in and outside of the classroom. I have the benefit of seeing my students for 3 years, and I look forward to watching them grow into young learners and leaders of a diverse world.
—Daylan Bradshaw, English Language Development teacher, Compass Academy.
