Dawn Lang poses with her class. This school year, Lang was the proud recipient of a grant for a SMARTboard, which she uses daily to help her second graders learn.

The “Apple” of Buffalo Ridge Elementary School’s eye – Dawn Lang named finalist

By Carin R. Kirkegaard

Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) is proud to have second grade teacher Dawn Lang represent the school as a finalist in the Douglas County Educational Foundation (DCEF) Apple Award
ceremony on March 6.

The teaching bug bit Lang in third grade, and once bitten, she never wavered. Lang has been teaching for 20 years and has covered all elementary grades, from kindergarten to fifth grade. She has predominately taught second grade at BRE.

“My favorite is definitely second grade,” said Lang.

In addition to teaching at BRE, Lang also touches others in the school district as a Douglas County School District educator mentor.

“As a teacher, I want to provide a positive learning environment to all students. I am committed to educating and developing life-long learners. As a facilitator of learning and knowledge, I strive for the high goal of educating young people in a purposeful, interesting, and individual way,” commented Lang on her approach to teaching.

The parents whose children’s lives she has touched appreciate Lang’s expertise.

“Dawn is completely genuine, thoughtful and kind. She has a way of reaching every child in the classroom with grace and purpose. It is obvious that she loves what she does and the connections she makes with her students are sincere and long-lasting,” said Elean Gersack, a BRE parent whose daughter was in Lang’s class last year.

With such a wide range of learners and a variety of learning styles, Lang calls upon her past experiences and training. She sets up her classroom to allow for differentiating among learning styles. Lang also builds a community in the classroom for her students. This allows for student choice and ownership while building relationships with his or her peers.

“She is very patient and kind, yet makes the kids accountable for their work and insists they perform to the level of their capabilities,” commented Katie Van Hounten, whose son Neal is currently in Lang’s class.

According to Neal, “Mrs. Lang is the nicest teacher in the school because when you get stuck she helps you. That, and she sometimes gives us an extra two minutes of recess.”

Lang graduated from Kansas State University and has completed master level work at the University of Nebraska and University of Colorado.

The DCEF Apple Award ceremony will be held at Wells Fargo Theatre located at the Colorado Convention Center. During the past four years, the Apple Awards have raised approximately $400,000.

The proceeds from this fundraiser have been distributed into DCSD classrooms through various DCEF grant opportunities. Proceeds from this year’s event will be distributed directly to schools.

To learn more about the Apple Award or to view a list of all the nominees, go to the Dougls County School District website at www.dcsdk12.org under “Community Interests,” “DC Educ. Foundation.”

BRE second grade teacher Dawn Lang has also taught technology to kindergarteners through fifth graders as well as reading. Lang was named an Apple Award finalist.