Estes Park Middle School Teacher is
2007 Colorado Teacher of the Year!

“You are the author of your own life story,” is painted in purple across the wall in Susan Ryder’s Language Arts classroom, a reminder to her students of the importance of participating in their education. Ryder, a 7th grade teacher at Estes Park Middle School and member of the Estes Park Education Association, is the 2007 Colorado Teacher of the Year.

Ryder has been a teacher for twelve years; the last six have been spent in Estes Park. She says, “I am proud to work in a community whose spirit spills into the streets, valuing the volunteerism of its citizens, and adhering to the adage that ‘paying it forward’ is a lifestyle model its students should be taught from a very early age.”

The Colorado Teacher of the Year Program is Colorado’s oldest and most prestigious honors program which recognizes the contributions of the classroom teacher. Ryder will represent the entire teaching profession of Colorado in the National Teacher of the Year competition.

Her teaching style is both imaginative and thoughtful. Her 7th grade students write character sketches for passengers aboard the Titanic, and also write Senior Letters to be delivered to themselves at their high school graduations. Ryder’s goal is to nurture growth and engage in a lifetime of learning.

CEA extends its congratulations to Susan Ryder, whose own life story now includes a new and exciting chapter.