Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs Middle School teacher Brad Kindred was nominated as Teacher of the Year Monday night at the Steamboat Springs Board of Education meeting.

"It is truly an honor," Kindred said.

He competed for the nomination with three other outstanding teachers; Carole Buelter, Sherry Holland and Ilene Stevenson.

Tami Havener, vice president of the board of education, said after interviewing the candidates that all of them were extremely humble and felt they worked beside many great teachers who also deserved the nomination.

She said Kindred stood out for a number of reasons. She said Kindred's classroom has been a Wal-Mart shopping cart the last few years as he shared the classrooms of his co-workers without complaint.

She said his dedication to students was illustrated when he spent his spring break with the Science Olympiads who went to state for the first time in the school's history.

Kindred said he was proud of his students when they made it to the state competition. He said the program gave students the opportunity to explore areas of science, while having a mentor to help them along the way.

Middle school principal Tim Bishop said, "He tries to touch the kid however he can touch them. I'm very proud and excited he earned this."

Kindred was instrumental in helping with the Living Memorial at the middle school, which was designed to remember people who lost their lives in the September 11 tragedy.

"The evidence of the selfless time commitment Brad gives to his job is extensive. However, it is Brad's professionalism and lack of complaints that makes him truly sensational," Bishop read.

Bishop said because of Kindred's willingness to do anything necessary and help out the students and faculty, that it is easy to look him over and take for granted all the extra time and work he gives.

Next year, Bishop said Kindred will get his own classroom. He said most teachers would not have tolerated toting a shopping cart around as Kindred had to this year, but he agreed to share classrooms to help overcome the school's temporary shortage of rooms.

"He makes it so easy for me as the principal," he said.

Kindred doesn't just stop in the classroom, he has made many additional contributions to the teaching staff and community.

He is the SSEA vice-president this year, helping to represent the interests of the teachers, and he also participates in the district accountability committee.

He also volunteered as the sound and lights man for every middle school social function.

This year, along with the honor of being Teacher of the Year, Kindred will receive a $1,000 continuing education credit.

The Lazof Family Foundation contributed the award.

Kindred's nomination will be forwarded to the state level and he will compete with other teachers nominated from other school districts in the state of Colorado.