Stetson Elementary art teacher Lauren Waldorf praised for nurturing student creativity

Lauren Waldorf, art teacher at Stetson Elementary, was honored at El Paso County Colorado School District 49’s "Fantastic 49" presentation for her work fostering creativity and student confidence.

Delaney Martin, a first-grade teacher at Stetson, nominated Waldorf and told the Board that Waldorf "nurtures creativity, confidence, and joy in every child who walks into her classroom" and hosts monthly paint nights for students and their families. Martin said she has been at Stetson for three years and that "all of the students every year have said art is their favorite specials."

Waldorf said she began working for District 49 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and that many of her current fifth graders were in her first classes as kindergartners: "I started with, d 49 during the height of the pandemic. So I am, officially going through my first round of students." A former student in the audience also spoke briefly to congratulate Waldorf.

The nominator noted an anecdote — that a parent had a student's art piece tattooed on them — to illustrate the lasting impact of the teacher’s work. The recognition was ceremonial; the Board did not take policy action related to the honor.