The Bank of Colorado has announced that Julie Tate has been selected the recipient of the 2023-24 Teacher of the Year Award.
Following is the nomination letter from Morris Elementary School Principal Keri Chapman.
“Thank you for the opportunity to nominate a Morris Elementary School teacher for this year’s Bank of Colorado Teacher of the Year Award! With such a tremendous staff, it is sometimes difficult to choose just one. This year, it is my pleasure to nominate Mrs. Julie Tate. Mrs. Tate has been part of Yuma School District for seven years. She taught third grade during the 2017-18 school year, and she has been teaching first grade ever since then. Mrs. Tate’s classroom is a place of kindness, compassion, creativity, and so much learning!
“Mrs. Tate is an innovative and passionate educator, and that passion is evident in all she does at MES. She runs a lively, vibrant classroom where each student feels seen, appreciated, and valued. She thoughtfully plans her instruction, consistently moving students forward in their learning. Connecting with her students individually is a significant strength for Mrs. Tate. Students make mistakes and sometimes struggle to make good choices. Mrs. Tate is able to turn those moments of struggle into moments of learning all while maintaining a strong, supportive bond.
“I feel Mrs. Tate is an excellent candidate for this year’s award because of the energy and excitement she brings to her classroom and to MES. She teaches her students to love reading, to respect others, and to strive for excellence in all that they do, and she encourages her colleagues to do the same.
Morris Elementary is better with Mrs. Tate on our faculty! I am grateful to know her, grateful to work alongside her, and grateful for the opportunity to recognize her!”