To honor aspiring teachers, the Colorado Department of Higher Education kicked off the 2024 Teacher Appreciation Week with the on May 6聽to celebrate our state鈥檚 top teacher candidates, including two of our outstanding, up-and-coming teacher education graduates, Emily Gillette and Morgan Rains. Meet Morgan and Emily below to hear what they have to say about their journeys and what they look forward as a future educators. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to all the aspiring and veteran educators out there! 聽
Meet Emily Gillette
Emily聽is a first-generation college student from Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Her decision to pursue education stems from her belief that school was where she found true success. Through hard work, she achieved a 4.0 GPA and financed her college education independently, leading her to fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher. Emily is passionate about instilling in her students the same joy, determination, and belief in their capabilities that school instilled in her. She is excited about creating a positive classroom environment, building strong relationships with her students and empowering them to reach their full potential. She is extremely thoughtful, reflective, and continually strives to improve her practice. Emily鈥檚 instructors and those who work with her in the field regularly share how she is becoming a incredible teacher!
Meet Morgan (Mo) Rains
Morgan was born and raised in Colorado, graduating from Lakewood High School and then from the University of Colorado, Boulder three times over with a BA and MA in English Literature and now an MA in Education with a Secondary English Language Arts teaching credential. She has always loved reading and learning, but her biggest passion is helping others; naturally, she believes that teaching is the best way to support our future and improve our lives. She became an educator to make a difference, to inspire a love for learning for a new generation, and to help shape the future leaders of tomorrow. Mo鈥檚 teaching practice is guided by deeply rooted commitments to equity, justice, community, and care for students. Mo is a beloved and valued colleague in our School of Education community, and we are so eager to see what amazing things they do as they enter the profession as a first-year teacher.聽