2024 CoAITC Outstanding Teacher Award

Susan Irwin

Susan Irwin, currently the STEM teacher at Village East Elementary in the Cherry Creek School District, has been named the 2024 Colorado Agriculture in the Classroom Outstanding Teacher Award winner. With 15 years of teaching experience, Susan previously served as the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) teacher at Pioneer Elementary in Parker, Colorado, where she established a reputation for integrating sustainability and agricultural concepts into her curriculum.

Susan's innovative teaching includes programs like Discover Dairy, where students adopt a dairy cow to learn about dairy farming, and a school poultry program featuring a chicken coop and an engaging embryology unit. She has also introduced hydroponics, the Bonnie Cabbage Program for third graders, and the Colorado Agricultural Literacy Project, which connects students with agricultural experts and diverse farming practices. These initiatives have provided her students with meaningful hands-on experiences, fostering their understanding of sustainability and agriculture's vital role in daily life.

Now at Village East Elementary, Susan continues to share her passion for agricultural literacy and STEM education, creating opportunities for students to explore real-world applications of science and technology. She also supports her colleagues by developing professional resources and leading training sessions to encourage the integration of agricultural education across the curriculum. Susan's dedication to her students and commitment to innovative teaching make her a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.