Think back to when you were a student, back-to-school shopping, finding your classroom, and the exciting lessons that would soon fill your day. The first day of school jitters that were calmed by the friendly, welcoming face, and celebrating the “ah ha” moments when you finally figured out how to solve the problem. Then there was the time in kindergarten, when you went to the restroom but couldn’t remember the way back to your classroom. As panic set in, that friendly face walked around the corner and they knew exactly where your classroom was. These champions make math exciting and words come to life through reading and writing, they stood beside you and cheered as you mastered kickball, that difficult note, or the masterpiece that needed a little finesse.

Although everyone’s school experience was different, teachers are the common thread throughout classrooms and schools. They are the first to welcome you to a new class, they spend extra time working through a challenging problem, and they give you a high five when you accomplish your goals.

St. Vrain is the proud home to nearly 2,000 teachers who spend their days preparing our students for the future. Join us in celebrating our teachers and learn what they enjoy about teaching, why they became teacher and what their favorite memory is from the days they spent as a student in the classroom. T

hank you to all of our teachers.

Getting to know:
Madisan Strimbu
Social Studies/Technology
Thunder Valley K-8

What do you enjoy most about teaching?
I enjoy being able to build relationships with kids from 1st grade to 8th grade and learn WITH them. Being a first year teacher, I have loved being able to share experiences inside the classroom and outside the classroom together. Nothing compares to being able to witness and be a part of so many different seasons of life and watch as they grow in all different areas throughout the year.

Briefly tell us about the path you took to becoming a teacher?
I attended the University of Colorado Boulder where I received my teaching license. I went on to student teach in the 3rd grade in BVSD and was hired as a Social Studies/Science and Technology teacher at Thunder Valley K-8 in SVVSD.

What is your favorite memory from when you were a student?
My favorite memory from when I was a student was building relationships with my teachers all through elementary school, middle school and high school. My teachers showed an investment in not only my learning in the classroom, but also my growth as a human being outside of the classroom. They showed me that they cared about my life as a whole. I still value and care about these relationships today. In fact, I am getting married in July and teachers from all throughout my childhood are attending.