Teacher Wish Lists – 2026

Alex Pierce
9-12th grade physics and chemistry, Highland High School

What’s your favorite part of the school day and why?
“My favorite part of my day is my interactions with students. High schoolers can be some of the funniest people on the planet. Though teaching can be exhausting at times, I never go home without laughing. Somehow students are always able to make me laugh: Whether it’s a joke, a story or even a fart, I am usually smiling. I also really enjoy getting to know my students through their hobbies and extracurriculars. It’s always awesome to hear about their games or events and how well they did.”

Jake Bamforth
9-12th grade physical education, Highland High School

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
“The most rewarding part of being a PE teacher is seeing students build confidence in themselves through movement and physical activity.”

Mikayla Dodge
9-12th grade social studies and theater, Highland High School

What skill do you hope every student leaves your classroom with?
“The ability to learn. Even if they don’t necessarily remember everything I teach them about economics or history, if they can leave my classroom able to learn and be curious about the world around them, then I have done my job right.”

Elizabeth Sanchez
5th grade math, Highland Elementary School

What skill do you hope every student leaves your classroom with?
“Perseverance. Since I teach math, there are some difficult concepts, and if you give up before you try, you may not know what you’re capable of. I want students to work through difficult situations and find success on the other side of that challenge. This is not only useful in math, but also in life.”

Erin Hrudka
1st grade, Highland Elementary School

What’s your favorite part of the school day and why?
“The morning. The students come in and are always so eager to share things from home or over the weekend. It is the best time to get to know them.”

Nicole Cox
1st grade, Ann K Heiman Elementary School

What’s the most rewarding thing about being a teacher?
“The ability to make an impact in a little person’s life just by being there for them and loving on them.”

Rea Reyes
Kindergarten, Ann K Heiman Elementary School

What skill do you hope every student leaves your classroom with?
“The skill of being able to realize ‘not yet.’ It’s not that they can’t do something or that they never will; they develop a growth mindset with the power to say ‘I can’t do that…yet.’ We want our scholars to be resilient, empowered and brave and to develop perseverance in any skill they face.”

Ann Schmidberger
2nd grade, Liberty Common Elementary School – Aristotle Campus

Which fictional teacher do you relate to most and why?
“It may sound cliché, but I wish I could be like Ms. Frizzle. I love teaching science, and I love showing my students scientific principles, like life cycles by raising butterflies from caterpillars, or the water cycle when I make a cloud in a bottle. The children ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ in excitement, all while learning. Now if only I could take them into the chrysalis or up to the clouds, as Ms. Frizzle would.”

Dani Bassett
Integrated services, Werner Elementary School

What is the most rewarding thing about being a teacher?
“The ‘aha’ moment that kids get when they get a hard concept.”

Elsa Martin
French immersion and 2nd-5th grade, AXIS International Academy

What’s your favorite tradition or ritual in your classroom?
“My favorite tradition in my classroom is Kiwi. Kiwi is our moose stuffy that has a backpack and a photo album. Kiwi goes to students’ houses on the weekends to live an adventure together and learn French. Kiwi loves pineapple and even has a little blankie to be reassured far away from school.”

Emily Anderson
Kindergarten, Lopez Elementary School

If you could bottle up one feeling from your classroom and save it forever, what would it be?
“The feeling of accomplishment. Watching students practice and get to do hard things over and over again, and then watching them finally be able to do it and see the pride they feel, is one of the best things to witness in the world.”

Jennifer Jennings
7th and 8th grade English, Lesher Middle School

If you could bottle up one feeling from your classroom and save it forever, what would it be?
“I absolutely love the sound of 32 pages turning at exactly the same time. It is one of my favorite sounds. I feel so lucky to carry the weight of reading the books that matter with my students.”

Julie Thompson
8th grade and Spanish, Lesher Middle School

What’s your favorite tradition or ritual in your classroom?
“There are several traditions and routines in my classroom that my students really benefit from. Since I teach level one Spanish, it is important that they are immersed in the language in natural ways using language they would need in everyday situations. Kids are playful by nature, and it’s important to tap into that. Almost daily there are opportunities for play-based language learning, including word games (Wordle, Connections), guessing games (20 Questions, Guess Who) and interactive storytelling with wigs, props and costumes.”

Kaiti Jones
8th grade English, Lesher Middle School 

If you could bottle up one feeling from your classroom and save it forever, what would it be?
“It would be the ‘aha’ moments. I love seeing the lightbulbs when students understand something they have been struggling with. It makes my heart warm.”

Kelly Talamantes
3rd grade and homeroom, Kruse Elementary School 

What’s the most rewarding thing about being a teacher?
“Watching students grow, not just academically, but as people. Seeing a student build confidence, push through challenges or realize they’re capable of more than they thought…those moments stick with you. I think a lot of the reward comes from the relationships too. Getting to be a safe, supportive adult in a child’s life and helping students feel seen, valued and successful is really meaningful.”

Krislyn Molander
4th grade, Olander Elementary School 

What’s your favorite tradition or ritual in your classroom?
“My favorite ritual is that we end every morning meeting saying our class mantra, ‘Today is a new day, with a new opportunity to make our world a better place to be. I matter, I am loved and I can do hard things.’ My favorite tradition is doing VIP days, where every kid gets celebrated during our countdown to the end of the year. The VIP gets to sit at my desk, have lunch with me and a friend, be line leader, wear a badge and have the class write things they love about them on the board. It’s the best way to celebrate every kid before ending the year.”

Lisa Evans
3rd grade, Tavelli Elementary School 

How have your students changed you as a person?
“They have made me stronger through the challenges, more patient and tolerant through their unique personalities and needs and more flexible by teaching me that not every moment goes according to plan—and that’s OK. Most importantly, they have brought so much joy into my life. Their curiosity, resilience, humor and kindness remind me daily to see the world with a more open and accepting heart.”

Megan Huffman
Spanish, Lesher Middle School

What’s your favorite tradition or ritual in your classroom?
“I absolutely love ‘persona famosa.’ We do this every couple of weeks all year long. Students get to be interviewed on topics related to our unit. It builds community in our classroom and helps create lasting relationships.”

Morgan Stickler
5th grade, Lopez Elementary School 

What classroom memory instantly makes you smile?
“When a student who had been struggling all year finally asked, ‘Can I try reading?’ during a small group lesson. This was a student who usually avoided reading aloud. The group paused, then quietly encouraged them. They read slowly, not perfectly, but they kept going. When they finished, another student said, ‘You sounded like a teacher.’ The look on that student’s face, so proud and surprised, was unforgettable. It wasn’t just a reading moment; it was confidence, courage and belonging all at once. It reminded me that small victories in the classroom are actually the biggest ones that stay with students forever.”

Robin Hughes
K-5th grade English language development, Werner and Cache la Poudre elementary schools

What’s one thing people outside the field of education don’t realize about teaching?
“That we’re interacting with at least 20 people at a time all day, every day. It’s incredibly exhausting for that reason. We love our students fiercely and would do most anything for them, but summers off and days off are crucial for us to plan, prepare and research new activities and teaching methodologies. This also allows us to reset our nervous systems and prepare to do it all again the next school year.”

Sarah Freemyer
8th grade science, Lesher Middle School

What advice do you have for future teachers?
“New teachers need to learn to have fun with students, or this job can be miserable. I think many new teachers come in thinking they have to be stern and ‘mean’ and not smile until Thanksgiving. But in reality, teachers and students all benefit when class is a little fun.”

Tatiana Grogan
5th grade, Laurel Elementary School 

What’s your favorite part of the school day and why?
“Any time we get off topic and end up having really good conversations. One minute we’re talking about photosynthesis, then somehow we’re on a tangent about how bringing wolves back to Yellowstone National Park completely revitalized the entire ecosystem of the park. Curriculum can be found anywhere, but it’s these moments of random curiosity that really make a classroom.”

Arianna Moore
Special education, James Madison STEAM Academy

What’s your favorite part of the school day and why?
“My favorite part of the school day is ‘social skills.’ During this time, students learn new skills, like how to appropriately interact with peers and what to do when there is a conflict. My students work so hard during this time. When a student becomes frustrated and chooses a learned coping skill instead of a negative behavior, my team and I know how hard they have worked to get to that point.”

Arleth Gutierrez
1st grade, Meeker Elementary School 

Which fictional teacher do you relate to most and why?
“I relate the most to Miss Honey from the movie ‘Matilda.’ Just like her, my core mission as an educator is to ensure every single child feels seen, valued and appreciated exactly for who they are. Children thrive when they know they have a safe space to learn, and I strive to give them that unconditional support every single day. As a first-year teacher, I want to build an inclusive learning environment that supports and accommodates all learners and their needs. I hope to make a positive impact that stays with my students long after they leave my classroom, helping them grow into confident, successful and kind individuals.”

Charis Fleshner
Art, Early College Academy 

What’s the most unexpectedly wholesome thing you’ve overheard a student say?
“A student recently called me the ‘Ms. Frizzle of the art department.’ This warmed my heart.”

Dawn Feinberg
9-12th grade art, Greeley West High School 

What skill do you hope every student leaves your classroom with?
“The skill to take risks and try something new. Teenagers are so afraid of making mistakes that they often choose not to try. I stress in my classroom that failures are OK because you will learn more from a failure than from instant success. What is important is that you take what you have learned and try again. Grit and persistence are other things I hope students leave my classroom with. Bumps in the road just make the ride more interesting.”

Gabrielle Webb
Kindergarten, University Elementary School 

What skill do you hope every student leaves your classroom with?
“The skill to take risks and try something new. Teenagers are so afraid of making mistakes that they often choose not to try. I stress in my classroom that failures are OK because you will learn more from a failure than from instant success. What is important is that you take what you have learned and try again. Grit and persistence are other things I hope students leave my classroom with. Bumps in the road just make the ride more interesting.”

Nicholas Valdivia
2nd grade, James Madison STEAM Academy 

What’s your favorite part of the school day and why?
“When I get to teach small group reading and math groups during our centers time. This is when I feel like I make the most impact because students are getting the support and learning they need to continue to grow in their skills. I am able to give students more focused attention during this time and make sure they are mastering the skills being taught. I also love small group time because it is a chance to get to know my students and learn even more about who they are.”

Noheli Batres
1st grade and Spanish, Meeker Elementary School 

What’s your favorite part of the school day and why?
“When I get to teach small group reading and math groups during our centers time. This is when I feel like I make the most impact because students are getting the support and learning they need to continue to grow in their skills. I am able to give students more focused attention during this time and make sure they are mastering the skills being taught. I also love small group time because it is a chance to get to know my students and learn even more about who they are.”

Olivia Tiemann
3rd grade, Shawsheen Elementary School 

What’s one thing people outside the field of education don’t realize about teaching?
“How much goes into every day. Not just planning, but emotionally, financially and so much more. Teaching is not just a job; it’s a purpose. Getting to see my students grow academically and emotionally is incredibly rewarding, and it’s why I love my job.”

Sarah Wasinger
7th grade math, Roosevelt Middle School 

What’s the most rewarding thing about being a teacher?
“I truly feel as though I get to make a difference every day. I love to see a student work through a tough problem and then finally get it. It’s the best feeling. I enjoy believing in my students until they finally believe in themselves.”

Jessica Joslin
3rd grade, Sarah Milner Elementary School

What’s one thing people outside the field of education don’t realize about teaching?
“All the organizational systems that are needed in order to have a well-functioning classroom where students are engaged and productive learners.”

Samantha Villarreal
Special education, Peakview Academy at Conrad Ball 

What skill do you hope every student leaves your classroom with?
“A passion for learning and the confidence to be a positive human being. My goal is for students to understand that mistakes are part of growth and that kindness, perseverance and curiosity matter just as much as academics. I want them to feel seen, valued and capable of achieving great things. Beyond reading, writing and math, I hope they leave with the skills to collaborate, problem-solve and support others. Most importantly, I want my students to know they can make a positive impact in their school, community and future through their actions, choices and love of learning.”

Shawna Lemons
K-8th grade music and band, High Plains School 

What’s your favorite tradition or ritual in your classroom?
“I teach recorders to 3rd-5th graders, and we participate in a challenge to learn progressively more difficult songs called ‘Recorder Karate.’ Every time we do this, students get metal rings that will eventually hold their belts, and once they make it to the black belt, they are awarded with their very own Yamaha recorder to keep. It is so rewarding and motivates about 150 students every year.”

Tina Csukker
Preschool, Early Childhood Education at Stansberry 

What’s one thing people outside the field of education don’t realize about teaching?
“People don’t realize how exhausting teaching can be, but we love them like our own kids.”

Bonnie Hendricks
3rd grade, Mead Elementary School

What’s your favorite tradition or ritual in your classroom?
“I love classroom transformation days. I’ll have parents help me turn the classroom into a haunted house, coffee shop, royal palace or Hawaiian vacation, and we’ll do math and reading or writing challenges based on that theme for the day. I think kids should always have a fun day to look forward to in the classroom. The looks on their faces when they walk in are so priceless. These are also favorite memories of mine.”

Bethany Rayls
3rd grade, Timnath Elementary School

What’s your favorite tradition or ritual in your classroom?
“Each morning, we kick off the day with a joyful little ritual: We gather in a circle, share how we’re feeling, toss around a few delightfully silly questions and ease into the day together. It’s a lighthearted, laughterfilled pause that helps us connect, shake off the morning fog and remember that our classroom is a community long before it’s a workspace.”

Piper Shubin Jordan
4th grade, Timnath Elementary School

What skill do you hope every student leaves your classroom with?
“Confidence in their academic abilities and a belief in their capacity to succeed. I want them to feel comfortable taking on challenges, asking questions and trusting themselves as learners. I also hope they leave feeling confident in their ability to form new friendships, realizing differences are good and knowing they’re valued as individuals.”

Alexandra Mekelburg
2nd grade, Tozer Primary School

What’s the most rewarding thing about being a teacher?
“Getting to watch your students grow in their learning and social skills. It is the best feeling when they start to make connections with their learning and the real world.”

Allison Harker
K-5th grade STEM, Orchard Hill Elementary School

Why are STEM subjects valuable for kids to learn at an early age?
“I’ve stepped into the role of STEM teacher within the last two years, and it has been amazing being able to open the eyes of students to the world of STEM. Kids as young as kindergartners are exploring coding and robotics. Our world is shifting to include more STEM careers, and this is the starting point of exploration to get kids excited about it.”

Colleen Nelson
4th grade, Grandview Elementary School 

If you could bottle up one feeling from your classroom and save it forever, what would it be?
“It would be that instant relief when a student realizes they don’t have to hide who they are here. It’s the exact moment the armor comes off and they see that their quirks and beautiful ‘weirdness’ are actually celebrated. Watching a kid finally exhale and just be themselves is the absolute best, and I hope it happens on day one this year. I also love when my students come back to my classroom to give me big hugs and say hi, proving our safe space stays with them long after they leave.”

Danielle Berger
2nd grade, Hollister Lake Elementary School

If your classroom desk could talk, what story would it tell?
“It would share how much I’ve grown over the past decade. It would tell you that I rarely sit behind it because I believe meaningful learning happens when you’re on the floor or at eye level, building trust and relationships with students. My desk would say that while it’s not a place where I spend much time, it serves as a sanctuary for the things closest to my heart: pictures of my daughters, drawings from my students and encouraging quotes from colleagues. Finally, it would proudly share how cheerful, productive, safe and fun our classroom feels—complete with a rotating stash of holiday decorations and snacks.”

Kathlynn Mooney
3rd grade, Skyview Elementary School 

Which fictional teacher do you relate to most and why?
“I relate most to Janine Teagues from ‘Abbott Elementary’ because of her fierce dedication to her students. I share her approach to teaching, where I embrace every student’s uniqueness and make it a priority to understand their lives, including their hardships and successes outside of school. More than anything, I connect with her refusal to give up. Even when other characters tell her that the system won’t change and she should stop trying, Janine keeps advocating for her kids. I have that same stubborn belief that our students deserve someone who will never stop fighting for them.”

Teal McConnell
K-5th grade special education, Windsor Charter Academy 

What’s the most rewarding thing about being a teacher?
“Watching students successfully implement the self-regulation tools they have been taught. Seeing a student recognize their emotions, independently use coping strategies and gain confidence in managing challenges is incredibly meaningful. It is especially rewarding to watch their growth over time as they become more independent, successful and self-aware, both academically and socially.”

Morgan Smith
4th grade, Rice Elementary School 

Which fictional teacher do you relate to most?
“Dewey Finn from ‘School of Rock.’ While his path into teaching is unconventional, I connect with his belief that every student has hidden strengths waiting to be uncovered. He transforms learning into something engaging, creative and hands-on, and he shows students that confidence grows when they are given meaningful opportunities to participate and lead. I strive to bring that same energy into my classroom by making learning interactive, building students’ confidence and helping them discover talents and find their genius. Like Dewey, I believe students thrive when they feel excited, empowered and part of something bigger than themselves.”