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Private School Art Educator of the Year Tiffany Holbrook Tiffany Holbrook teaches kindergarten through fourth grade art education at the third-oldest charter school in Colorado, the Pueblo School for the Arts and Sciences (PSAS). During her tenure at PSAS, Tiffany’s dedication and passion have been obvious in all that she undertakes and to everyone with whom she comes in contact. Tiffany’s down-to-earth personality and expertise always shine through – whether working one-onone with students or collaboratively with other educators, she allows their creativity to flow and helps them experience success. Cynthia Ramu, a PSAS fifth- to eighth-grade art teacher, reflects, “Tiffany is an amazingly inspiring K-4 Art Teacher, and she knows how to keep those kids drawing, discovering and inventing each day of the year. It has been a special pleasure to be her partner teacher.”
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Nominator Jane Thomas of Cheyenne Mountain Junior High concludes, “Tiffany’s enthusiasm that first year at Conference drew me to her like a magnet. It is impossible to be around her and not get a little extra pep in your step. She does everything in her life without fear and with a little extra flair. She loves teaching and it shows. She is involved in the art community outside of school, and is an artist of exceptional ability. I proudly stand behind my nomination of Tiffany Holbrook as Private/Independent/Charter School Art Educator of the Year.”
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In addition to being a treasured and respected member of the PSAS learning team, Tiffany is passionate about contributing to the betterment of art education throughout the state through her involvement in CAEA. Tiffany first entered the CAEA arena in 2005 as a student with youthful enthusiasm and inexhaustible energy. Never one to tiptoe in timidly, Tiffany presented a workshop her first year attending the conference and has continued to do so every year since. When asked if anyone would be willing to put together and maintain the CAEA Facebook page, Tiffany did not hesitate, vigilantly keeping art teachers well informed with the latest CAEA information and events. Additionally, Tiffany has co-chaired both the Hospitality and Bash task forces for CAEA’s Fall Conference.
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Diana Gifford, Academic Dean of PSAS, concurs: “Through my own experiences in education over the past forty years, I have learned what real master teachers bring to the table. Strong teaming skills, good judgment, always focusing on what’s good for students, and the ability to see the ‘big picture’ are the qualities I look for when working with teachers. Ms. Holbrook works exceptionally well with our students, the humanities team, and all staff members at our school. I have observed her enthusiasm for her subject, her love for her students, and willingness to think out of the box, as well as encouraging creative risk taking amongst her students.”