Colorado Springs history teacher among those nominated for state’s 2019 Teacher of the Year

Nathan Pearsall, a history teacher at Vista Ridge High School of District 49, is among the six finalists nominated for the 2019 Colorado Teacher of the Year Award, according to an announcement made by the state’s Department of Education Thursday.

Colorado’s Teacher of the Year applicants can either apply for the honor themselves or have another person nominate them. The nominees were selected from a total of 48 applicants that were judged on a number of things, including their dedication, knowledge, and skills inside the classroom.

They were also required to answer a series of questions as well as send in three letters of recommendation and a video describing how they would handle a critical national education issue.

Pearsall has a total of nine years in education, with this past year marking his third at Vista Ridge where he chairs the social studies department. He also teaches Advanced Placement U.S. history and critical thinking at Vista Ridge.

Pearsall has previously been an instructional coach, student council advisor, and coach of soccer and track. He also serves on the Colorado Commissioner’s Teacher Cabinet.

The finalist and winner will be chosen by a committee of people within the education community. The Colorado Department of Education said they will make that announcement by November 1st.

Here is the list of other finalists (PHOTOS):

Kelly Cvanciger, Bear Creek High School, Jeffco Public Schools Margaret Cypress, Bradley International School, Denver Public Schools Katie Goldsberry, Longmont Estates Elementary, St. Vrain Valley School District Amy Jones, Sunset Elementary, Moffat County School District Nathan Pearsall, Vista Ridge High School, District 49 Nellie Thomson, West Grand School, West Grand School District