2001 Colorado Teacher of the Year
Ms. Kniss is an English teacher at Brighton High School in Brighton, Colorado. She has been teaching for twenty-eight years and teaches English to grades nine through twelve.

What are your beliefs about teaching?
"I believe that students need to be actively involved in their learning and see the relevance to their lives."

How are your beliefs incorporated in your teaching style?
"Students lead discussions, design their own projects and become involved in community issues."

What is your greatest teaching accomplishment?
"My greatest teaching accomplishment has been making the classroom a safe and enjoyable place to be, so that students look forward to learning."

What's the most critical issue facing educators today and what do you think can be done to resolve this issue?
"The most critical issue facing educators today is establishing partnerships with parents and the community so that they see and understand that we are holding students accountable to high standards of learning. We need to invite the community into the schools and publicize our everyday success."

Inspirational thought:
"Treat every day as a special learning opportunity. Be excited about your love of learning and pass it along."