Middle and High School Teaching

Meet Alyssa Shappee, a future high school science teacher ready to step into the unknown

Isabella Del Barco — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 18:58:34 +0000

Meet Alyssa Shappee, a future high school science teacher ready to step into the unknown Isabella Del Barco Wed, 04/22/2026 - 12:58

Isabella Del Barco

“I was drawn to the School of Education because of its emphasis on equity, hands-on learning and preparing teachers to build meaningful relationships with their students,” said Shappee, the 2026 School of Education Outstanding Contribution to Teaching award recipient.

“Through classroom observations, lesson planning artifacts and mentor feedback, Shappee has demonstrated a strong commitment to equity- and justice- seeking science teaching, reflective practice and engaging students in scientific practices to figure out scientific ideas," said Will Lindsay, associate teaching professor and Shappee's award nominator.

She is now more than ready to begin her teaching career, and carry those experiences with her in her future classroom.

“Alyssa is an exceptional preservice science teacher whose instruction consistently engages students in meaningful scientific sense-making,” said Lindsay.

Shappee found that success isn't about having a perfect plan, but rather it is about showing up, taking chances and learning to trust in yourself.

“It’s okay to not have everything figured out, and sometimes the best growth happens when you step into the unknown,” Shappee said.

“There were times where I felt uncertain or out of place, but leaning into those moments, being curious, and trying anyway often led to the experience that mattered most.”

She hopes to carry those lessons of curiosity, resilience and embracing uncertainty as she begins teaching high school science in the fall. She is also excited to begin coaching a high school dance team.

In her own words

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I grew up in Colorado, so I was fortunate enough to know the reputation �鶹��Ѱ��has for a strong sense of community, and how beautiful the campus is. I came into college knowing I was passionate about science, but it was through my experiences at �鶹��Ѱ��that I realized I wanted to pursue education. I was really drawn to the School of Education because of its emphasis on equity, hands-on learning, and preparing teachers to build meaningful relationships with their students, values that have shaped the kind of educator I hope to be.

What is one of the most significant lessons from your time at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder that you’ll carry with you into the next chapter of your life?

One of the most significant lessons I’ll carry with me from my time at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder is that it’s okay to not have everything figured out, and sometimes the best growth happens when you step into the unknown. There were times where I felt uncertain or out of place, but leaning into those moments, being curious, and trying anyway often led to the experiences that mattered most. �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder taught me that success isn’t just about having a perfect plan; it’s about showing up, taking chances, and learning to trust yourself along the way. Those lessons about resilience, curiosity, and embracing uncertainty, are the ones I’ll carry with me into whatever comes next.

What does graduating from �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder represent for you or your family/community?

To me, graduating from �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder represents stepping into a new chapter with confidence and purpose. My time here challenged me in ways I didn’t always expect and helped me grow into someone ready to make an impact in my classroom and community.

This moment is just as much my family’s as it is mine, because their love, encouragement, and sacrifices made this journey possible, and graduating feels like a celebration of all we’ve accomplished!

What is your best piece of advice for incoming students?

Be open to new opportunities! Try new things, talk to new people, join that random club, go to that event, even if it’s a little scary. Some of the best experiences, the ones that stick with you and teach you who you really are, come from the moments you didn’t expect at all. Never underestimate the power of simply being willing to try!

What are your next steps after graduation?

After graduation, I am excited to begin my career teaching high school science in the fall. Beyond the classroom, I will also be coaching a high school dance team! I can’t wait to connect with my students and create a classroom where they feel supported and challenged. I’m also looking forward to contributing to the school community and continuing to learn as an educator and from my colleagues.

Alyssa Shappee came into college with one big thing in mind: that she was passionate about science. However, it was through the many experiences that she went through at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder where she realized that she wanted to pursue education. “I was drawn to the School of Education because of its emphasis on equity, hands-on learning and preparing teachers to build meaningful relationships with their students,” said Shappee, the 2026 School of Education Outstanding Contribution to Teaching award recipient.

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Meet Jinjae Han, a future teacher who brings authenticity, vulnerability, an asset-based mindset and joy to her communities

Isabella Del Barco — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 18:36:11 +0000

Meet Jinjae Han, a future teacher who brings authenticity, vulnerability, an asset-based mindset and joy to her communities Isabella Del Barco Wed, 04/22/2026 - 12:36

Isabella Del Barco

Growing up in Aurora, Colorado, Jinjae Han had originally decided on �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder because she wanted to stay close to my family. Now, Han is grateful to have picked Boulder.

As a senior in high school, Han wasn't sure on what she wanted to do. At CU, she ended up switching majors into Middle and High School Teaching. After a conversation with her mother, she was reminded of her career of choice as a kid: wanting to be a teacher.

Han, the 2026 Outstanding Contribution to Community Engagement award recipient, is now student teaching. At her school, she quickly built strong relationships with her students and has numerous opportunities to learn.

“She recognized the importance of seeing students as whole humans with lives and communities outside of the school, which meant paying attention to and being aware of how ICE raids were directly and indirectly impacting her students’ lives,” said Ashley Cartun, director of secondary humanities, associate teaching professor and award nominator for Han.

“She also embodies commitments to justice and equity in her approaches to curriculum and pedagogy. For example, she designed a unit for her students that was explicitly designed to incorporate primary sources of African Americans to question dominant narratives about Reconstruction in the United States. Those who are lucky enough to enter Jinjae’s orbit get to experience the authenticity, vulnerability, asset-based mindset and joy she brings to her communities. ”

Han enjoys growing interdisciplinary connections and during her time at CU, she regularly attended extracurricular ethnic studies events on campus and engaged with communities outside of �鶹��Ѱ��to grow and learn.

Currently for her Practitioner Inquiry Project project, Han is investigating how cultivating peer-to-peer relationships contributes to a caring and democratic classroom community. She hopes she can find a teaching job either in a middle or high school.

Han's advice for students and fellow future teachers? “Don't let perfectionism keep you from enjoying the experience of learning.”

In her own words

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I am from Aurora, CO and I decided on �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder because I wanted to stay close to my family. However, I am so grateful to have picked CU. Initially, as a senior in high school I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, and eventually I switched from the major I applied for and decided to pursue teaching. When I talked to my mom about it she told me that when I was little I used to say I wanted to be a teacher.

What is one of the most significant lessons from your time at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder that you’ll carry with you into the next chapter of your life?

In some ways, �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder has taught me more about other people than it has about any sort of curriculum. I am so grateful for having met so many lovely people here. I am also grateful to have learned how to better interact with and be a safe person for students. College gives opportunities for so many different kinds of human connection, and my time at �鶹��Ѱ��has really shown me what to prioritize.

What does graduating from �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder represent for you or your family/community?

Honestly my mom deserves this degree almost more than me. I could have never done this without her unwavering support and reassurances. I love her so much and am grateful for her. Additionally, I am Asian American and can say that I have only ever had one teacher that looked like me. In my experiences at �鶹��Ѱ��this has been reinforced by the fact that I am one of a handful of students of color in the program.

What is your best piece of advice for incoming students?

Don't let perfectionism keep you from enjoying the experience of learning.

What are your next steps after graduation?

I would really love a teaching job somewhere, either in middle or high school.

Growing up in Aurora, Colorado, Jinjae Han had originally decided on �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder because she wanted to stay close to my family. Now, Han is grateful to have picked Boulder. Han is the 2026 Outstanding Contribution to Community Engagement award recipient.

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Running with Ralphie

Tyler Caldwell — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 21:57:16 +0000

Running with Ralphie Tyler Caldwell Wed, 01/14/2026 - 14:57

Left: Claire Applegate (Edu’25), Right: Ben Eggen

When one Ralphie gate closes, another one opens. Just ask two School of Education undergraduate students who have been lucky enough to join the coveted team of Ralphie Handlers— one of CU’s most cherished, recognizable traditions.

Ralphie Handler Claire Applegate (Edu’25) graduated last spring with her degree in Leadership and Community Engagement. She passed the torch to Ben Eggen, a Middle and High School Teaching major who’s just starting out with the team. Both students grew up in Colorado watching Ralphie run.

Applegate, from Centennial, attended �鶹��Ѱ��Buffs games with her family. She assumed everyone in the crowd was, like her, there to watch Ralphie. As she got older, she realized some attendees were there to watch the football game, which she loves now too, of course. Eggen, who grew up in Longmont and also watched the Buffs play, likewise admired Ralphie and dreamed of trying out for the team one day.

That day is here, and Applegate and Eggen know firsthand about the intense training protocol for Ralphie Handlers. During football season, these varsity student-athletes dedicate 20-30 hours per week to not only training and practicing but also caring for the beloved mascot and escorting her to public appearances.

Here, our local Ralphie Handlers run us through what it’s like to have their childhood dreams of running with Ralphie come true.

Q. What's the best part of being a Ralphie Handler?

Eggen: Getting to be a part of the best team in the world. The community that the team has built is one of inclusion and respect. During my time on the team, I have made lifelong memories and friends.

Q. What's one thing about Ralphie that surprised you after becoming a Ralphie Handler?

Applegate: How much personality she has. She has a unique relationship with everyone on the team and can be quite playful once she gains confidence in you joining her herd.

Q. What does Ralphie mean to you both?

Applegate: Ralphie represents �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder as a whole to me. She has been part of our school's history for over 50 years, and images of her can be found all over the campus. To attend �鶹��Ѱ��is to know and love Ralphie, which creates connection between students and alumni.

Eggen: Ralphie represents the spirit and tradition of CU. She brings the �鶹��Ѱ��community together and embodies the pride of students, faculty and alumni. She is the beating heart and soul of the University of Colorado. Ralphie is the greatest tradition in college football history.

Discover more from Voices, vol. 8:

Supporting Rural Teachers & Leaders

The Bob and Judy Charles Endowed Chair of Education is deepening work in rural Colorado

The Transformative Power of Community

Meet several College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) & Patitos alumni whose important careers were first cultivated in CAMP, and are now utilized to support their community

Get to know Dean Amanda Haertling Thein and her full-circle journey to becoming dean of the �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder School of Education

As the new Dean of the School of Education, Amanda Haertling Thein recently returned to the �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder campus — a homecoming for the alumna

Return to Voices Volume 8

Two School of Education students reflect on their dreams come true.

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Middle and High School Teaching

Meet Alyssa Shappee, a future high school science teacher ready to step into the unknown

In her own words

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Meet Jinjae Han, a future teacher who brings authenticity, vulnerability, an asset-based mindset and joy to her communities

In her own words

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Running with Ralphie

Discover more from Voices, vol. 8:

Supporting Rural Teachers & Leaders

The Transformative Power of Community

Get to know Dean Amanda Haertling Thein and her full-circle journey to becoming dean of the �鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder School of Education

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Get to know Dean Amanda Haertling Thein and her full-circle journey to becoming dean of the �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder School of Education