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VRHS Educator Finalist for Colorado Teacher of Year
There is no shortage of excellent teachers at School District 49, and Vista Ridge High School can claim one of its own as a statewide standout: The Colorado Department of Education selected Joe Hites as a finalist for Colorado Teacher of the Year.
The veteran educator specializes in the subjects of Health, Leadership, Physical Education and Sports Medicine. He also coaches the VRHS boys varsity basketball team and is honored to be among multiple D49 teacher finalists in consecutive years who the CDE describes as exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled K-12 classroom teachers who represent the entire profession in the state.
"You can’t achieve something individually, it’s always a result of a collective effort: [Including] students and colleagues and staff and administrators. I think it speaks to all of those team members in the D49 family," Mr. Hites observed. "Like we tell our athletes if you give to the collective cause, you will end up getting your own recognition at some point if that opportunity presents itself. At the end of the day you just want to be part of the team, and I think D49 does a great job with that."
Hites is in good company among a list of D49 Teachers of the Year (See District Praises More Top Teachers, Shining Stars and District Celebrates Top Teachers, Shining Stars, for complete list). D49 congratulates all Teachers of the Year, and wishes Mr. Hites all the best in the next phase of selection for Colorado Teacher of the Year! The selected teacher will automatically become Colorado's nominee for the National Teacher of the Year competition.