Brenda Little
Position: Middle School English/Reading Teacher
School: Soroco Middle School/High School
School District: South Routt SD-3
City, State: Oak Creek, CO
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Brenda Little was nominated by her principal, David Grabowski.
"Over the years, Mrs. Brenda Little has consistently helped her students meet/exceed Colorado state standard year after year by twice as much," said Grabowski.
This year, her 8th graders scored 88% compared to 42% at the state level. This year's 7th graders scored 82% compared to 42% at the state level. She has doubled the scores year after year and increased grade level meets or exceeds percentages for cohorts. These results have also increased the district's ELA PSAT/SAT scores year after year.
"Besides her ability to get students to grow in ELA/Reading, she has collaborated with the science teacher and seen those scores be as much as three times the state," said Grabowski. "She is also there to support the student's social and emotional needs by drawing a strong line with expectations and working with the students to understand how their choices affect the community, which is her classroom."
She has helped my son grow as a student significantly this year. She is supportive, present with students, wants them to succeed, and pushes them out of their comfort zone. She is a wonderful person inside and outside of the classroom.
It was an honor to serve as principal for Soroco MS/HS. Brenda Little exemplifies all that is good in teachers educating our children. She listens to them and leads them with the importance of learning and being great thinkers/analysts. She sets high standards for individual student performance and students can relate this to self improvement and building their future. There is a true love and respect in her professional/student relationship and her students understand that learning involves hard work and perseverance.
Brenda Little’s work ethic is representative of all the staff in Soroco Schools!
Brenda was one of the most influential adults during my schooling. As well as being in her classes, I was also her teachers aid through highschool. She showed me the joy in teaching and is one of the people that inspired me to pursue education. Brenda is so involved in our school outside of her class time, and she is is one of the reasons our school runs smoothly. If anyone deserves this award it is her.
Brenda was a wonderful influence on me and many peers during my time at SoRoCo. She got to know all of the students who had her as a teacher and was able to motivate and guide them as an individual.
So deserving. My granddaughters loved her as a teacher and friend. They say she is tough but a great teacher! We need more of this kind of teacher.
I graduated from soroco high school in 2015. One of the biggest reasons I was able to graduate was because of Brenda. Everytime I wanted to give up because I thought making up the credits that I had to was nearly impossible she was right there to stay on me and keep me pushing through. Brenda is one of the most passionate and one of the most influential people I've ever had in my corner!
Ms. Little has always been a supportive force to students both in and out of the classroom. It is evident that she truly cares for students above and beyond just their educational success, which is incredibly important for children to have in school- someone who cares for them regardless. She is a huge staple in the school district.
For me personally, having been graduated for years now, I will always remember and appreciate her encouraging my love for reading by asking how I enjoyed a book, what I thought about it, and recommending other books.
She is truly deserving of this title.
Mrs. Little is one of the most selfless teachers I have ever come into contact with. I have been her TA for the past two years and I read with some of her students in the morning. I was also in her English classes from 6th grade up until my Freshman year. I would have never become the writer or person I am today without her encouragement, structure, and humor. She holds her students to high standard and has created a classroom that fosters learning and laughter. She will forever be one of the best teachers I have ever and will ever know.
Brenda is an amazing teacher and continues to support me even after graduating. She was hard on us but it was for the best, as I use what I learned in her class to this day. She teaches not only English but other practical skills that students need to know, such as paper formatting and analytical reading. Brenda always cultivates an atmosphere that conveys that learning is important, encouraging students to continue to get better in school.
Brenda Little was my teacher for five years. She helped develop a healthy love of reading in me that has lasted to this day. She encouraged us to read outside of our normal genres, was strict but fair and fun in the classroom, and always someone her students could trust. I have a copy of A Child Called It on my bookshelf, every time I see it I think of her classroom and her selling us to read the book.
I teach with Brenda. She knows every student’s strengths and weaknesses in a way I can only aspire to. With Brenda’s help, I am able to teach my subject better. I’ve also known Brenda’s willingness to go far out of her way to support students (including my own children) outside of the classroom. She is students biggest cheerleader.
Brenda always puts the kids first. She is a great teacher and an even better person.
Brenda is such an amazing teacher! She is so kind and caring when it comes to her kids! All she ever wants is to watch her kids succeed! She is so deserving of this award!
Brenda was my teacher so I have experienced first hand how amazing she is as a person and as a teacher. She has helped so many students succeed and motivates them to always do their best. Being a teacher isn’t just a job to Brenda its her passion.
Mrs. Little is the only reasons I have an understanding of English. Everyone needs a teacher like Mrs.Little!
Brenda Little is a force! Besides her measurable accomplishments, Brenda's dedication to each student and the personal interest she takes in them shines. At parent-teacher conferences, Brenda is always visibly enthusiastic to share news of students' accomplishments and directions they are taking. (After decades of teaching, she still smiles, she claps her hands together, she sometimes comes out of her chair because she is excited by student progress!) Brenda knows and loves her students and works with her teacher teams and also individual students to set goals and ensure success. As a colleague Brenda is energetic, thoughtful, and forward thinking--a stalwart to the South Routt School District as well a friend to new teachers and staff. Brenda has changed the lives of many, many students and their families by engaging meaningfully on topics both academic and social-emotional in order to move students forward. The nomination is well-deserved!
I was Mrs. Littles student for only two years yet she changed my life in countless ways. She made English a fun subject. Before her class I felt that English was only a class that I had to take not one I enjoyed but she showed me that reading is a rich subject that makes people happy. I loved her class I loved especially when she gave us projects they were the most effective in my education. Mrs. Little needs this award for many reasons but the largest is that she works with her students and she values everyone's opinions.