CRAVER MIIDDLE SCHOOL
Erin Sonnleitner, 6th grade English Language Arts and Social Studies teacher at Craver Middle School, received the prestigious Colorado Teacher Award for Education and Civic Achievement on May 11.
Sonnleitner was one of four Pueblo County School District 70 teachers to receive the award.
Sonnleitner grew up a little west of Philadelphia, studied psychology and education at Ripon College in Ripon, Wisconsin, and received her Master's Degree in Ed Leadership from the University of Wisconsin.
She had previously taught 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grades, and served as Dean of Students, Lead Teacher, and Principal before joining Craver’s staff in 2021.
Enthusiastic and devoted to her job, Sonnleitner has been instrumental in bringing classroom activities such as the VFW-sponsored Patriot’s Pen contest to Craver. She shared that she enjoys her students and loves to see them outside of class also, which might be why she is a frequent volunteer at extracurricular activities.
Sonnleitner was recommended for the award by Jayme and Stacey Graham in recognition of her enthusiasm, teaching style, and willingness to help students, as well as fellow D70 workers.
Jayme Graham is an Educational Instructional Aide at Craver Middle School and Stacey Graham is a teacher at Rye High School. The Colorado Teacher Awards was founded by Charles W. Lerch in 1956 to recognize excellence in teaching as a tribute to all teachers and to provide a means by which the business community and general public can honor outstanding teachers.
When asked for a reaction to being honored with the reward, Sonnleitner modestly shared, 'I am so truly blessed to be a part of this community and this District. I literally have the best job ever! The support of my Craver colleagues and the families of my students is truly wonderful. As the year comes to a close, I am sure the students will never forget my mantra that I say at the end of every class, 'See you, love you, bye.
Make good choices and be kind.'
Courtesy Photo