Award-winning Lumberg Elementary kindergarten teacher Lucia Reyes with her students (photo from Jeffco Public Schools)
From the Jeffco Public Schools Communications Team:
Lumberg Elementary’s very own Ms. Lucia Reyes has been recognized as the Colorado Bilingual Elementary Teacher of the Year by the Colorado Association of Bilingual Education (CABE). This prestigious award highlights her dedication to fostering bilingualism and nurturing cultural diversity in her students.
Ms. Reyes, who teaches kindergarten at Lumberg, blends passion and expertise in her classroom. Students spend 80% of their day learning in Spanish and 20% in English. Through reading and writing in both languages, her students build fluency, confidence and pride in their bilingual abilities.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see the students grow in both languages. Watching their progress from the beginning to the end of the year is amazing,” Ms. Reyes shared.
Ms. Reyes’s teaching impact goes beyond academics—her connection with students and their families leaves a lasting impression.
“My students come back to visit and bring me little letters. I keep their pictures, drawings, and notes on the back of my shelf. Parents also stop by during Christmas or Teacher Appreciation Week, sometimes with flowers or even just a heartfelt hug. Knowing I’ve made a difference with both students and parents is deeply rewarding.”
Ms. Reyes has been teaching for six years, all of which have been spent at Lumberg Elementary, a school she feels fortunate to call home. The dual language program at Lumberg extends from kindergarten through sixth grade, currently serving approximately 160 students across eight classes. With a high population of native Spanish speakers—20 out of 24 students in Ms. Reyes’ class—her work ensures students develop proficiency in both Spanish and English while honoring their cultural identities.
Congratulations to Ms. Reyes on this incredible achievement! Her dedication exemplifies the power of bilingual education and its role in shaping bright futures for students and their families.
Joel has been a resident of Edgewater, Colorado with his family since 2012. He is the Executive Director of local education nonprofit Edgewater Collective and Editor of the Edgewater Echo.
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