Cindi Leitch, learning specialist from Timber Trail Elementary (TTE), was recently chosen as the finalist to represent the Rock Canyon feeder area at the upcoming Apple Awards. Leitch was picked as one of seven finalists from 60 Apple Award nominees from schools throughout Douglas County.

Leitch started with TTE as a member of the core team for opening the school’s doors in Castle Pines North. Now, Leitch spends her days at TTE as part of the Learning Specialist Team. She also works with the school’s leadership team.

Leitch follows a philosophy that believes a teacher needs to bond with a student in order to make learning a success. She feels that the learning should be fun for the student and that it takes a team effort with students, parents and teachers working together. “I believe all students can learn. A teacher just has to find the right way to reach them,” said Leitch.

Leitch was raised in Colorado Springs and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Special Education and Elementary Education and her Master’s degree in Special Education. In her ten-year teaching career with Douglas County, Leitch has taught students with significant needs to children with learning disabilities. She has also taught Kindergarten, First Grade, and Second Grade.

The Apple Awards is the Douglas County Educational Foundation’s (DCEF) biggest fundraising event. This event benefits the students of Douglas County with funds that go directly back into the classroom through teacher grants and curriculum-based programs that encourage lifelong learning.

The winner of the Apple Award will be announced March 11. The Apple Awards dinner is expected to draw more than 800 people and will be held at the Hyatt Regency Tech Center.

For more information about the DCEF and the Apple Awards, visit the website at www1.dcsdk12.org.