Lewis Palmer math instructor named teacher of year

Kathy Thirkell, a math teacher at Lewis Palmer High School in Monument, has been selected as the 2015 Colorado teacher of the year.

As is traditional, Thirkell learned of the honor during a surprise ceremony at a school assembly.

The teacher of the year is the state’s nominee for national teacher of the year and serves as something of a teacher ambassador to communities and organizations.

Thirkell has spent her entire career as Lewis-Palmer and was selected based on experience, passion and expertise from her 33 years as a math teacher, according to a Department of Education news release.

“If I need to find Kathy before school, it’s easy,” said Principal Sandi Brandl. “She’s in her classroom helping kids. Outside of school she is constantly working to improve her craft, from learning how to incorporate technology in the classroom to updating curriculum to meet the needs of her students.”

Learn more about the teacher of the year program here.