Teacher honored with a $25,000 gift

Third-grade teacher Trisha Brennan thought she was attending a school assembly to hear a few words from a visiting Colorado Department of Education dignitary.

What she heard instead was an announcement that she had won $25,000 to spend on anything she wants.

"I was in shock," the Discovery Canyon Campus teacher said later.

She is the only teacher in Colorado to receive the National Educator Award from the California-based Milken Family Foundation, which honors educators who promote excellence in schools. This year, the organization is distributing $2.1 million to about 80 exceptional teachers and educators nationwide.

"Even though teachers receive support from their students, administrators and communities, they need a little extra support," Colorado Department of Education Commissioner Dwight Jones told her to the cheers of student and staff.

Discovery Canyon Principal Gary Batsell - who won the same award in 1999 as a principal in Phoenix - praised Brennan for being an inspiration to her students, no matter their educational needs.

"Trisha is not only an outstanding teacher of children, but also an outstanding teacher of other teachers," he said. She is a master teacher in the Teacher Advancement Program, which mentors other teachers.

A teacher for 10 years, Brennan has been at Discovery Canyon Campus for three years.

She moved here with her husband, a restaurant manager, Before that, she taught in St. Louis.

She became a teacher because she wanted to make a difference in children's lives.

"Growing up I admired my teachers and could see their passion for teaching. "

She added, "I love what I do. I love coming to work every day."

How is she going to spend the $25,000 ?

"We have a 4-month-old son, Aidan. I'm going to save it for his college education. By the time he is in college, who knows how much it will cost."

Recipients of the award are nominated in secret, and Brennan doesn't know who nominated her.

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Contact the writer: 636-0371 or carol.mcgraw@gazette.com