The Boettcher Foundation has honored Montezuma-Cortez High School English teacher Paul Koops.

Koops was among 40 Colorado teachers recognized for the impact they’ve had on some of the state’s top students at a 2014 Teacher Recognition Awards ceremony on Friday, July 11. Each teacher received a $1,000 grant to be used for educational programs or projects to benefit students at his or her school, as well as a plaque recognizing the achievement.

Launched in 1992, the Teacher Recognition Award provides an opportunity for Boettcher Scholars to acknowledge an educator who have made an impact on their lives and helped, in part, lead to their success.

“All of us at the Boettcher Foundation recognize that teachers have one of the most important jobs there is, and this is our way of thanking them for their dedication and commitment to their profession, and for the countless hours they devote to their students,” said Boettcher Foundation spokeswoman Tiffany Anderson.

M-CHS 2014 graduate and Boettcher Scholar Abigail Lock nominated Koops, who has taught at the high school since 1996.

Neither Koops not Lock could be reached for comment.

A teacher for the past 25 years, Koops’ peers have endorsed him as a leader in curriculum development and design, educational leadership and classroom instruction. Koops earned a master’s degree in linguistically diverse education from Adams State College in 2010. He previously received a bachelor’s in education from the University of New Mexico in 1990, and a bachelor’s in English from Calvin College in 1974.

As a Boettcher Scholar, Lock intends to study English at Fort Lewis College this fall. The full-ride merit-based scholarship will cover virtually all her college expenses.

Although not quite sure what her future holds, Lock envisions perhaps one day teaching abroad or working as a translator.

tbaker@cortezjournal.com