Good Morning DSST Team!

“When I first met Mr. Tissue during sophomore year, I didn’t think I had any math potential, but within a month I was working like a mathematician. Was this magic? No, it was Mr. Tissue, one of the best teachers and role models I have ever had.”  Javier Cortez, DSST: Cole HS Junior on his math teacher, Jeff Tissue.

Last Friday night, thirteen Master Teachers were celebrated by our students at our annual “A Night to Celebrate Exemplary Teaching.”  This is the Oscars or Grammy’s of teaching - DSST style - with red carpet and all! This is a night to honor the profession of teaching, to honor great teaching, to honor great teachers.

This important night celebrated the DSST teachers who placed Accomplished, Lead or Master Teacher for the first time this Fall. Our outstanding Master Teachers represent over 90 years of experience or over 15,000 school days, supporting over 7,000 students. It was a truly incredible evening as we not only celebrated their hard work, but witnessed emotional and heartfelt student speeches about how these teachers have played a pivotal role in their lives. Bifty Buba, a sophomore at DSST: CG HS, spoke about her World Literature teacher Chrissy Schultz, saying “Thank for always being there and sharing so many laughs with me. Continue being straight forward and loving, because it’s two of the many things that make you extraordinary.”

Congratulations to our 2018-19 Master Teachers:

• Becky Luetjen, Humanities Teacher, Cole HS

• Courtney DeAnda, Spanish, Cole HS

• Jeff Tissue, Algebra, Cole HS

• Dara Zack, English Language Support, Cole HS

• Schuyler Fishman, AP Environmental Science & Advanced Engineering, CV HS

• Chrissy Schultz, World Literature, CG HS

• Bella Cochrane, American Literature, GVR HS

• Tracey Shipman, American Literature & Math 2 Honors, GVR HS

• Brad Burck, 7th Grade Science, GVR MS

• Melissa Tran, 8th Grade Social Studies, GVR MS

• Maddy Jensen , Chemistry Teacher, Byers HS

• Sam Barton, Physical Education Teacher, Byers MS

• Sig Arnesen, AP US & American History, Stapleton HS

We were also treated to some great videos that highlighted each of the teacher honorees and the glowing words of their peers. You can watch them here. We also captured some great photos of this fantastic evening, and have posted them here.

Thank you to all who came out to celebrate these exemplary educators, their families, and their students.  I look forward to celebrating many DSST Teachers as Master, Lead and Accomplished next year at this time.

Bill