The Denver Nuggets are proud to honor teachers and school administrators in Colorado through the Denver Nuggets Most Valuable Teacher (MVT) program, presented by Ford. The MVT program encourages teachers and school administrators to continually strive for excellence and leadership in their schools by offering a unique experience.
The six (6) educators listed below were selected during the 2023-2024 regular season in recognition of their outstanding work empowering youth in our community. Each award winner received a $1,000 classroom improvement grant, a classroom celebration hosted by Nuggets celebrities, tickets to a game, a pre-game dinner at Ball Arena, recognition at the game, a Nuggets gift bag, and Nuggets gifts for their students.
In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6 - 10, 2024), we’re taking a look back at the outstanding educators who received the Nuggets MVT Award, presented by Ford, during the 2023-2024 regular season.
Last month the 2023-2024 Nuggets MVTs enjoyed a suite together at a Nuggets game with their loved ones in advance of Teacher Appreciation Week to recognize their efforts in the classroom throughout the year. The group was also honored with an in-game recognition.
October MVT
Sara Cosenza – Newton Middle School (Littleton Public Schools)
Sara is a Language Arts teacher at Newton Middle School in Littleton and has been teaching for 16 years. She is known for taking time to connect with each of her students, helping them develop into confident learners. She also leads Newton Middle School’s ‘No Place for Hate’ program, helping create a culture of inclusion.
December MVT
Kevin Gray – Teller Elementary (Denver Public Schools)
Kevin is a Math & Science teacher at Teller Elementary in Denver and has been teaching for more than seven years. He recently helped create an environmental club at his school called Earth Rangers, and hosts organized basketball after school to encourage positive sportsmanship. Kevin is appreciated for the way he encourages students to be proud of their accomplishments and helps students find ways to be active members of our community.
January MVT
Eric Dinkel – Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning
Eric is a Science teacher at Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning (RMSEL) in Denver, where he has been an educator for 14 years. Each year Eric and his students partner with local arborists to provide firewood to Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, helping provide heat for the reservation during the winter. Eric also started a mentorship program at RMSEL to help students acclimate and build friendships.
February MVT
Aisha Ramirez – Skinner Middle School (Denver Public Schools)
Aisha is a 7th-grade Math teacher at Skinner Middle School in Denver, where she has been an educator for four years. Aisha is a dedicated teacher and a coach of multiple sports. She enjoys contributing to her school’s culture by organizing staff events. She is appreciated for her ability to make both students and staff feel seen, supported, and understood.
March MVT
Madi Coonts – Mammoth Heights Elementary (Douglas County School District RE-1)
Madi is a 1st-grade teacher at Mammoth Heights Elementary in Parker, where she has been an educator for three years. Madi is always striving to improve her teaching practices and is in the process of earning her master’s degree in English Language Learning, which will help support her students who are multilingual learners. Madi is appreciated by her students and fellow teachers for her kindness and commitment to improving lives.
April MVT
Brad Riley – Eagleton Elementary (Denver Public Schools)
Brad, known by his students as Mr. B, is the Dean of Culture at Eagleton Elementary in Denver. He also serves as the school’s 4th & 5th grade basketball coach and student council coordinator. Brad goes above and beyond to support his students, including partnering with a local food bank to source weekly groceries for students in need. Brad enjoys leading talks around equity, restorative practices, and bias awareness for his school.
__________________________________________________________________________________
To learn more or to nominate a Colorado educator for the Nuggets Most Valuable Teacher award, presented by Ford, please visit https://www.ksetix.com/nuggets/most-valuable-teacher/.