2019 CCLD Award Winners

Julia Mackay – Teacher of the Year

Julia is a Special Education teacher at Chipeta Elementary School in District 11, Colorado Springs since 2011. Prior to her current role, she was an Educational Assistant supporting differentiation for students that showed a need for additional support in various subject areas. In addition, she is an active parent volunteer with the school and within her community supporting with Cub/Girl Scouts as well as various needs within the school. She is known for her persistent and brave approach to ensure adequate support is provided to students. Her advocacy has led to reform in the District 11 staffing model for students with disabilities that is best for students and professionals.

“Julia embodies a culture of collaboration with staff across the school, with parents, and with our students. She collaborates with classroom teachers to ensure seamless instruction for students who struggle with learning. She ensures that intervention support- whether for students on IEPs or receiving additional support through MTSS – aligns with and supports classroom instruction. Sometimes this collaboration can be a feat of scheduling, however, Julia prioritizes this because it significantly benefits our learners.” – Sarah Scott, Principal at Chipeta Elementary

Geraldine Hooper – Paraeducator of the Year

Geraldine is a Special Education para-educator at Glennon Heights Elementary School in Jefferson County Public Schools. She has been in this role for nine years. She is known for going above and beyond her responsibilities to support each and every child, family and teacher at the school both emotionally and with academics.

“Gerri creates her own lessons and support materials for learning. Anything that Gerri tackles, she does with a child-centered spirt. Students know how much she cares about them through her caring, gentle manner, yet Gerri has high expectations. Gerri always treats each student with respect and dignity as she has high expectations for students’ implementation of the skills learned.” – Bill Stidham, Principal at Glennon Heights Elementary School

Linda Beccera – Paraeducator of the Year

Linda is an instructional paraprofessional at Ken Caryl Middle School in Jefferson County Public Schools. She has been in this role for 24 years. She creates a space where students can go to feel calm and safe in which they can concentrate on academics. She nurtures a feeling of value and worth in all students and assist them in areas when they need re-teaching or reinforcement of classroom lessons.

“Linda creatively breaks down assignments and translates instructions in a way that makes sense for students with learning disabilities or others who have difficulty accessing content. She engages with students both in and out of the classroom often, which creates mutual respect between them. Students are eager for her help, because she does not give them answers; students know they will understand new concepts after working with her.” – Krista Degerness, Learning Specialist at Ken Caryl Middle School

La Shel Crandall – Paraeducator of the Year

LaShel is paraeducator in the Ouray School District. She takes initiative and works tirelessly to engage our students in the community by giving them opportunities to have functional experiences in our small town. LaShel never says “I can’t or won’t” she takes challenges as they come and does everything with 100% of her being.

“LaShel is a great advocate for our students with special needs. She acts as a buffer between families and the school district. However, she does it without overstepping her boundaries. I appreciate this because she can help many of these families communicate their needs. Our school, staff, and students all benefit from here dedication to the profession and her willingness to serve. – Kenneth Nelson, K – 8 Principal in the Ouray School District

LaShel is paraeducator in the Ouray School District. She takes initiative and works tirelessly to engage our students in the community by giving them opportunities to have functional experiences in our small town. LaShel never says “I can’t or won’t” she takes challenges as they come and does everything with 100% of her being.

“LaShel is a great advocate for our students with special needs. She acts as a buffer between families and the school district. However, she does it without overstepping her boundaries. I appreciate this because she can help many of these families communicate their needs. Our school, staff, and students all benefit from here dedication to the profession and her willingness to serve. – Kenneth Nelson, K – 8 Principal in the Ouray School District

Becky Faurer – Paraeducator of the Year

Becky is an instructional paraeducator at Betty Adams Elementary in Jefferson County Public Schools. She has been in this role for 20 years. Becky is always wearing a smile as she actively engages with some of the schools most behaviorally challenging students. She accepts the challenge without complaint and follows behavior intervention plans precisely, collects data, uses visual schedules, and manages reinforcement systems flawlessly.

“Ms. Becky cultivates such a connection with her kids by going above and beyond for them. My son, was very into the Statue of Liberty for a short while. Ms. Becky dressed up as the life size Statue for Halloween! He was over joyed and still talks about it to this day! Ms. Becky’s heart is full of empathy and love for each child. I love how she notices the small things about a child and really discovers how they process things and what makes them special.” – Parent of a student with disabilities at Betty Adams Elementary School