Christina Gillette Randle, a first-grade teacher at Soaring Eagles Elementary in Colorado Springs, was named the state’s top teacher in a surprise at an assembly at the school Friday.

This marks the second year in a row an El Paso County teacher has won the award. Last year’s winner was Sean Wybrant, a career and technical education teacher at Palmer High School in Colorado Springs.

The announcement was made by the 35,000-member Colorado Education Association union and Commissioner of Education Katy Anthes. Randle becomes a candidate for National Teacher of the Year Award and join other state honorees at a ceremony at the White House.

“Christina Randle challenges herself not only in the classroom, but in every facet of her profession. She is passionate, respected and incredibly knowledgeable,” Anthes told the students and faculty. “She goes above her normal teaching duties by sending pictures, texts and short messages to families, keeping them up-to-date on their students’ days. She recognizes the uniqueness of each of her students.”

Randle is a union member with the Harrison Association for Education Employees.

The Colorado Education Association, which sponsors the Colorado Teacher of the Year Award, will give Randle a stipend to participate in events with past teachers of the tear.

“Working in a school isn’t just a job, it’s a calling for us,” CEA President Kerrie Dallman, a high school social studies teacher, said at the Soaring Eagles assembly.

“Your teachers want to connect with each and every one of you, and help you discover your passions and reach your goals. Your teachers are your champions, and you could have no greater champion watching out for you and rooting for you than Christina Randle.”

Randle thanked students for the “smiles, hugs, love, and effort.”

“Every day, I appreciate all of my students coming to school prepared to learn,” she said. “My hope for all students is that they realize how much their teachers care, and how much their teachers want success for each and every person. As teachers, we do everything because we see potential in all students.”

The six finalists were:

For more information about the program and past winners, click here.