Faces of DCSD

My decision to become a teacher was influenced by the summers I spent with my grandparents, who dedicated their lives to education. My grandmother worked as an attendance secretary in an at-risk high school and her compassion and determination impacted my decision greatly. I grew up hearing her stories about going above and beyond for her students - driving them to school, making countless phone calls to colleges and universities on their behalf, and ensuring they had opportunities for a better future.

I'm very proud of the work we have done at Sierra because it has taken our entire staff, student body and community working together to move our school forward - one step at a time. Seeing progress at a middle school can be a test of patience. Every day our SMS community demonstrates that we can be the best in the business, in big ways and subtle ways. 

I love working in public education because I have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on diverse students' lives, helping them grow academically and personally while promoting a sense of community and inclusivity.

Ponderosa High's theater teacher Kayla Diaz grew up in Colorado and has been with Douglas County School District the entirety of her 13 year career. During that time, she has been guiding and directing some of Douglas County's most impressive thespians.

DCSD roots run deep for Julie Crawford. She attended Northeast Elementary School as a child and graduated from Ponderosa High School, and her own children are Chaparral High School graduates. 

Mr. Fopma’s love for teaching is literally in his blood – his grandfather was a government teacher for 30 years and his father worked for a Congressman.

Inspired by his uncle, Timothy Ryckman decided to pursue a career in art at a very young age. He has worked in Douglas County for 25 years teaching different techniques to every grade level at Buffalo Ridge Elementary in Castle Pines.

Mountain Vista High School Teacher Natalie Bernard has worked for Douglas County School District for more than ten years. She is an english teacher who has had an incredible impact on the students and staff she interacts with.