I Am Hamilton - Colleen Ryan, Rivermont Elementary
Posted on 10/18/2019
Ryan gets her I Am Hamilton shirtToday, the “I am Hamilton” video feature spotlights Colleen Ryan, a Rivermont Elementary kindergarten teacher and the 2019 Toyota Teacher of the Year. Ryan not only works with her children in the classroom, but she takes learning on the road in her bus called “The Passage.”

“I am Hamilton” spotlights the contributions of alumni, teachers, parents, students, support workers, and community members in providing opportunities for children in the classrooms of Hamilton County Schools. Better opportunities for children today mean a brighter future filled with possibilities for our graduates, their families, and the community.

“My favorite thing about teaching is allowing kids to explore and have that aha moment where they can feel like they have accomplished the world,” said Ryan. “My goal each year is to grow and enhance my craft and do the best I can for my children.”

Ryan’s bus classroom takes learning to the community to work with children and their parents in the student’s neighborhood. She has 20-minute lessons to share with the children and parents that bring learning to the front door.

“She not only goes the extra mile, but she drives the extra mile to reach her families and communities so they can achieve growth,” said Brittany Harris, an academic coach in Hamilton County Schools and Ryan’s partner in The Passage.

To nominate someone for “I Am Hamilton,” send an email to [email protected] with the name of the person you would like to nominate, the school the individual is connected to in Hamilton County Schools, the person’s title, and what makes the individual a valued contributor to Hamilton County Schools. You can nominate a graduate, teacher, parent, student, support worker, community member, or anyone playing a role in a school in the district. Also, include your name, school or location, and title.


Photo: Jill Evans, principal, Rivermont Elementary, presents an I Am Hamilton shirt to Colleen Ryan in her kindergarten class.


Video Links to “I am Hamilton”

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKf60ZTEB68

Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/a/hcde.org/file/d/1I7Zma5YLsyximFXFM6i6J9zXzNUzbLHX/view?usp=sharing

NSPRA award