At Munroe Elementary, Maggie Latorre’s art students can’t stop talking about the remarkable work and history of renowned artist Georgia O’Keeffe.

The language they are using – pastel – is the same one O’Keeffe used to tell her story of the American West.

“There is a lot to art than just the creative process alone,” Maggie said. “I just try to incorporate history into the lesson so they have an understanding of geography, culture, the world, and why these artists and movements are so important.”

Maggie began teaching at Munroe two years ago her relatives began having children, when she found a deep joy of sharing art’s deeper intricacies into kids’ lives.

“These students feel like an extended family. It just feeds my soul,” she said.

At John Amesse Elementary, fifth graders are asking lots of questions about the upcoming presidential election. Even though they can’t vote, they might have a top candidate in their librarian, Janet Damon.

“Every time the kids see me at the local library or at a community event, they’re like ‘OHHH! MRS. DAMON!’ almost like I am kind of a celebrity!” she said.

One of the big reasons Mrs. Damon is so popular is her commitment to the Montbello community. When she’s not volunteering in neighborhood libraries or organizing fun Star Wars-themed events at her school, she’s writing articles in her blog – Mix Momma – to provide fun, low-cost ideas for families to keep learning going year round.

“As much as we can give kids a love of learning that’s a lifelong learning, we’ll be in great shape as a country,” she said. 

Sue Nelson's love for teaching knows no bounds, and takes no time off. Even in the midst of the greatest challenges – specifically stage two breast cancer - Nelson has carried that same relentless commitment to learning into this school year.

The full-time science teacher at Denver Online High School has continued teaching throughout the school year even while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment every week. It isn’t to prove anything to others; her time with students provides the best kind of medicine.

"This is real life. This is what's happening. If I'm honest with the kids, they're more honest with me. That helps me figure out how to help them."