Katie Bott, a resource teacher at Southside Elementary School, has been named the Park County School District 1 teacher of the year. Bott was recognized by the board of trustees at their Tuesday meeting.

Resource teachers work with special needs students, and part of the job description is to provide exceptional children with individualized educational programming to foster the achievement of their potential academically, emotionally, physically and socially. It goes on to describe the resource teachers as being people who appreciate the worth and dignity of each individual and treats each one with respect and tolerance, adapting their teaching to the student’s instructional needs and ability levels, while assisting them in developing social and life skills conducive to success in a variety of environments. They also work to develop a positive self-image.

According to Southside Principal Scott Schiller, Bott accomplishes those duties and much more.

“She wears many hats. As a policeman, she sets rules and directs traffic. As a nurse and doctor, she meets many needs. She’s a fireman, putting out fires everyday. She’s an investigator, putting puzzles together to meet the needs of the kids,” Schiller said.

He illustrated the point by noting that he recently walked into the classroom to find a large dresser topped with a wide mirror, securely fastened down. The students are at a point where they want to look at themselves, so Bott brought in the mirror to accommodate that desire in the kids.

Superintendent Jay Curtis, attending the meeting via telephone, also heaped praise on Bott and her work with exceptional students.

“We can’t say how much we appreciate Katie and her whole staff. She builds such a strong team effort in that room that they all know exactly where they’re supposed to be and what they’re supposed to be doing,” Curtis said. “She just loves on those kids.”

Bott, for her part, returned the compliments.

“I am so grateful to be in this district and the kids are lucky to be in a district where they are really No. 1. If I need something, I get it because the administration makes sure I get it,” she said. “I really love it and my job.”

Bott, an 11-year veteran in the district, was presented with a plaque and yellow roses by school board president Trace Paul and Schiller for her accomplishment. Schiller said when he saw the list of district teachers of the year from across the state, he thought Bott was in good company.

“But then, they’re in good company, too, with her on the list,” he said.

Each district teacher of the year is entered into the statewide competition, with the title announced in September.