It is an honor to be a Presidential Awardee. I am proud to represent Coyote Hills, Cherry Creek School District, and Colorado. This award is reflective of the leadership and collaboration that occurs among educators in my building; I am surrounded by excellence. Jim McDevitt started Coyote Hills with the vision of a school for the Arts and Sciences, and I am a part of the whole. It is humbling to be the one to receive this incredible award when I know it is much bigger than what one can do.

Kathryn Eyolfson Aurora, CO | K-6, Science, 2008

The official biography below was current at the time of the award.

Kathryn Eyolfson has taught fifth-grade mathematics and science at Coyote Hills Elementary School since it opened in 2006. She also serves as the school's science and mathematics liaison. During her 18-year tenure at the Cherry Creek School District in Aurora, CO, she has also taught at Village East Elementary School and Thunder Ridge Middle School. To capture the interests of students and ignite a lifelong passion for science, mathematics, and technology, Mrs. Eyolfson uses multiple sources and encourages students to apply their education to real-world experience. Her use of classroom technology allows students to learn at their own pace. She pairs fifth grade students with students from lower grades to get the younger students interested in these concepts at an early age. She has also encouraged literature and history teachers to include mathematics principles in their classes. Parents attest to Mrs. Eyolfson's ability to apply technology to all aspects of their children's education and even show the parents new things. According to colleagues, entering her classroom is like walking into the future. Mrs. Eyolfson regularly participates in continuing professional development programs, maintains professional affiliations, and receives grants to continue student development programs and opportunities. She and her teammate, Leigh Curnett, were responsible for the SciTech Lab, where students learn science using inquiry and technology. Students at Coyote Hills enjoy a library of animals. There are presently 12 reptiles that Mrs. Eyolfson cares for with the assistance of the 5th grade reptile club. Students can observe and measure the resident bearded dragon, Drizzle; take notes on the current stage of the lifecycle of butterflies, chicken eggs, and tadpoles; and observe a chameleon adapting to its new environment. Coyote Hills was awarded the John Irwin School of Excellence Award. In 2007 Mrs. Eyolfson was awarded both the Coyote Hills Distinguished Teacher of the Year award and the Southlands Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year award. Mrs. Eyolfson has a B.A. in elementary education from Metropolitan State College of Denver and an M.A. in curriculum development from the University of Colorado Denver.

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