Thank you teachers for all you do for our students, schools and community!

May 2-6 many of our schools will honor teachers for their hard work and contributions to student success. We want to take a moment and say thank you.

"Teachers have the power to change lives. We are lucky to have so many dedicated individuals working in our schools today," said Superintendent Shay Mikalson.

Every year, our district honors a handful of teachers for their outstanding work through our Excellence in Education award.

Here are our finalists for 2015-16, plus a quote highlighting what makes each of them outstanding:

Todd Andresen, science teacher from Mountain View High School

Krista Baker, Special Programs

Michelle Hanford, Cascade Middle School

Meahgan Houska, art teacher at Summit High School

Kate Kranzush, kindergarten teacher at Pine Ridge Elementary School

Nighean Madden, Ensworth Elementary School

Sarah Ruzicka, music teacher at High Lakes Elementary School

Ryan Wiggins, first grade teacher at Juniper Elementary School