Tandi Gulliford, an exceptionally dedicated and valued educator, has been selected as the 2010-2011 Penrose School Employee of the Year, an award given by the Penrose Chamber of Commerce.
Tandi began her teaching career in 1989 after receiving her Bachelor’s degree in physical education at Adams State College in Alamosa. For several years, Tandi worked in Saguache teaching physical education and history classes, and she eventually became a Title I teacher there. In addition, Tandi used her leadership skills in coaching both basketball and volleyball. As the Saguache Mountain Valley varsity volleyball coach for eight years, Tandi led her team each year to a league championship, and she was chosen in 1993 to coach the Colorado Coaches of Girls’ Sports All-State Games. Tandi’s work experience in the San Luis Valley also included curriculum development and grant writing.
In 2006, Tandi completed her Master’s degree in curriculum and instruction at Adams State College. And in 2007, Tandi was hired by the Fremont Re-2 School District to be a literacy coach and Title I reading teacher for Penrose School. Since then, Tandi has assumed many responsibilities, including taking leadership roles in staff development, data analysis, student testing, and school improvement.
Each day at Penrose School, one can find Tandi working attentively with young readers in improving their vocabulary, their fluency, and their understanding of the written word. Tandi’s vibrant, excited-about-learning attitude shines through, and she motivates her students by example. Moreover, Tandi inspires the staff with whom she works with that same effervescent personality and drive to succeed. Tandi’s willingness to help other teachers and share her extensive knowledge is evident.
Tandi’s influences come from her childhood in Monte Vista, where she grew up riding horses, participating in 4-H, and playing in sports. Also, Tandi has always enjoyed having close friends and a close relationship with God. Tandi’s mother and father, who were secretly notified of the honor being given to their daughter, want everyone to know how proud they are of her and how much they love her.