Lycan said she was surprised when she learned of her nomination, adding that she doesn\u2019t know who nominated her.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was surprised and honored to be chosen as a semifinalist, although truly it is a reflection of the work I have done alongside my colleagues and best friends who have worked tirelessly to improve education for our students in Cortez, so it is an honor to all of us,\u201d Lycan told The Journal<\/em>.<\/p>\n Lycan teaches eighth grade language arts and is known for her creative teaching and learning experiences, including student poetry events, eighth grade career fair, talent show, studying Shakespeare outside with students and more. She was named the CMS Teacher of the Year for the 2019-20 school year.<\/p>\n Her teaching not only helps students grow, it allows her to grow as well.<\/p>\n \u201cMy favorite part about teaching has been how much it has pushed me to grow as a person,\u201d Lycan said. \u201cIt is impossible to teach well without learning from your students and fellow teachers, and all those years of learning have truly made\u00a0a difference in who I am today.\u201d<\/p>\n Her goal is to help students recognize their potential and see a future in which they can chase their dreams.<\/p>\n \u201cI teach because I believe that education is our best path to a more equitable and just world,\u201d she said. \u201cI radiate love to my students and create opportunities for them to engage with a broader community; it is my greatest hope that in doing so I am helping to provide them a doorway to a world in which they can be anything they desire.\u201d<\/p>\n Lycan graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in comparative literary studies from Occidental College and a Masters of Art in teaching from Adams State University.<\/p>\n