Strannigan Gets An A For Excellence

Commitment to education in the classroom was the biggest factor for Saratoga Elementary School 3rd grade teacher Heather Strannigan’s recognition as this year’s Carbon County School District No. 2 (CCSD2) Teacher of the Year.

Strannigan graduated from Saratoga Middle High in 2014 and has taught at Saratoga Elementary School for seven years.

“When I was in high school, I had an opportunity to be a student aide in a kindergarten class here at Saratoga Elementary School,” Strannigan said. “It gave me a lot of experience and made me want to get into teaching.”

Strannigan turned her interest in teaching into a way of earning degrees in elementary education and early childhood development from the University of Wyoming in 2018.

She said being recognized as CCSD No. 2 Teacher of the Year is a great honor because it makes her feel appreciated for helping her students meet their goals.

“It is nice to hear all the nice things people have to say,” Strannigan said. “I work with a tremendous staff and have a lot of support around me.”

Strannigan said going to school in the Platte Valley encouraged her to return to be a teacher in the area. She said it is fun to watch her students grow up and play sports when they get to Saratoga Middle High School.

“I just love our town,” said Strannigan. “It is a nice little community and a great thing to be a part of.”

Strannigan credited her family for giving her a strong foundation and also thanked her colleagues for their support. Strannigan said in her seven years of teaching at Saratoga Elementary School, she has built strong relationships with other teachers. She said everyone works together and finds solutions to help students achieve their goals. Strannigan also said she works with her students’ parents to help them reach their children's goals.

“I try to be open and honest with my students' parents from a team perspective in educating their kids,” said Strannigan. “Third grade is a big transition, and I give parents information on what we are working on with their kids so they know what to expect.”

Strannigan received high praise from administrators and colleagues alike.

Saratoga Elementary School Principal Seth Hetherington said

“Heather is a great teacher who builds great relationships with students and parents,” said Seth Hetherington, Saratoga Elementary School Principal. “Saratoga has a lot of great teachers, and we were able to recognize one of them. Our teachers do a good job and Heather is well deserving of this honor.”

Heatherington added that Strannigan is well connected with her students and cares about their well being.

“There are some kids who are tough, and Heather stays connected with those kids,” said Heatherington. “She is a great role model for the students.”

Darring Jennings, CCSD2 Superintendent, hired Strannigan when he was still the principal at Saratoga Elementary School.

“Heather is rock solid and comes to school with a positive attitude,” said Jennings. “She demonstrates good work ethics and develops a great relationship with her students.”

Jennings said Strannigan is a humble person who puts her students before herself. He said winning the Teacher of the Year award is not why Stranningan comes to work every day but that it's all about her passion for education and preparing her students for the next level. Jennings said Stranigan sets the right example each time she is in the classroom and always has good patience with her students.

“Heather holds herself to high standards and always holds her kids accountable without raising her voice or making a big deal out of everything,” Jennings said. “Things come naturally to Heather. She is calm, cool, and collected like I have never seen before.”

Robin Brown, Special Education Director for CCSD2, said Strannigan is always on top of things whenever she enters the classroom.

“Every time you go into Heather’s classroom, it is always organized,” Brown said “Her students know what is expected of them, and they are the first to know the procedures around school.”

Brown said Strannigan shows excellent leadership in the classroom by “reaching out to kids in all grade levels and not just focusing on her classroom to best suit students’ needs.”

“Heather teaches her kids respect, so every time you walk down the hall, her students will greet you respectfully,” said Brown. “Heather is deserving of this award.”

Strannigan doesn’t intend to let this award keep her from continuing to do her best each day with her students.

“Being recognized for my work makes me want to work even harder,” Strannigan said.

“It helps me continue to want to improve, learn and be a better teacher for my students.”