A teacher at a Longmont school has been named a finalist for Colorado’s 2023 Charter School Educator of the Year award.
Kahlie Benz, an educator at Flagstaff Academy Charter School, said she was “flabbergasted” when she found out she was nominated.
“I fervently believe that education is a collaboration between students, parents, and staff,” Benz said. “Without the support of all parties, I wouldn't be in the position that I am today. For that, I am extremely blessed and humbled to be honored.”
The Colorado League of Charter Schools gives its annual Educator of the Year award to teachers who develop their school, improve its accountability, boost the school’s performance and maintain its excellence, the organization said in a news release.
Benz said her students inspire her to “go the extra mile” as a teacher.
“There is no greater satisfaction than witnessing the ‘lightbulb’ moments or to hear that my class was the topic of discussion at the dinner table,” she said.
The charter school teacher said she believes it’s her job to recognize and adapt to the differences of each student and challenge them in ways that are tailored to those differences.
“I personally believe that every student has individual interests, abilities and needs that cannot be met by a traditional curriculum,” Benz explained. “Every individual child is unique and as such needs an atmosphere that is stimulating and secure to grow intellectually, emotionally and socially.”
A teacher’s job is to give students individualized tools to suit their abilities and learning styles, she said.
“Our role as educators is to guide students by teaching to the different learning modalities that will exist within the classroom community. By doing so, every student may feel success,” Benz explained. “It is crucial to incorporate hands-on experiments, thematic units, projects, individual work and group work to help youngsters become active and life-long learners.”
Benz also believes educators must be willing to learn from their students.
“By providing students an outlet to express their opinions, they will be more receptive to new ideas and learn from peers,” she said.
Benz has coached Destination Imagination teams for four years, overseen the Noetic Learning Math Competition for two years and coached Future Problem Solver teams. She has worked on innovative math and science curriculum projects and is currently helping her colleagues organize a math festival.
The Educator of the Year award winner will be announced at a conference on Feb. 27 at the Westin Westminster.
