Educators and Students Are Singing the Praises of Anna Sink

Anna Qualls Sink received her BA in Elementary Education from the USF College of Education in May 2001.  On May 10, 2005 she was one of two Colorado teachers to be named Colorado Distinguished Title I Teacher of the Year.  The recipients of this prestigious award, accompanied by a $5,000 check, must demonstrate outstanding commitment and excellence in teaching. 

The students of distinguished Title I teachers consistently make significant gains in academic achievement and meet the other Distinguished Title I Standards.  The Colorado standards for identifying Title I distinguished teachers incorporate what research reveals about excellent teachers -- that not only do the students of these teachers have a high level of academic growth, but also the teachers demonstrate outstanding leadership in the school and community.

Ranelle Lang, Executive Director of Learning Services, said that Anna "believes deeply in her kids, in her ability to make a difference and their ability to do it." Anna is only too aware of the challenges facing teachers and tries to make learning fun.  Teachers must work harder to motivate students, she says.

Currently a fifth grade teacher at Butler Elementary School in Fort Lupton, Colorado, Anna has a wonderful rapport with her students who describe her as "awesome," "funny," and "cool."  She has a reputation for helping students to succeed no matter what their background.  Completing her third year of teaching in the Weld Re-8 School District, Anna is interested in pursuing a Master's degree in school administration at some point in the future.  Stay tuned!

Read the article in the Fort Lupton local newspaper:  Local Article