On October 19, 2024, Deanna (Kraft) Thaler was honored with Cherry Creek School District’s Teacher Belt Award. As a choral music director at Falcon Creek Middle School, Thaler received the award for building relationships and making education fun.

Thaler, who earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Education with a vocal performance certificate from CSU in 2013, is in her twelfth year of teaching and fourth year at Falcon Creek. She was surprised with the award during a meeting, where she praised the support of her school district.

“I think the CCSD teacher belt is about creating space for every student to find success in their own ways and giving a variety of opportunities for students to shine whether as an individual or as part of a group,” said Thaler.

Thaler connects what the students are doing and learning in choir to skills that can be used throughout their lives, such as resiliency, commitment, confidence, and teamwork. She believes that it is important to set strong classroom expectations and structures that allow students to feel safe and comfortable as themselves while working hard to make sure students feel it is their classroom and choir family.

“Middle schoolers know when you're not being genuine, so I find that it's important for me to allow myself to have fun and learn from my mistakes alongside them,” Thaler said.

Thaler works to make choir a place where everyone can feel like they belong and are valued. To make this possible, students get extra opportunities to share their work with the broader community by singing at Rockies games, caroling, choir festivals, honor choirs, and more.

Thaler noted that her high school choir teacher, Darin Drown, created community among singers while expecting musical excellence, and that continues to be one of her best inspirations. “I have been incredibly lucky to have so many incredible teachers throughout my education and actually come from a family of wonderful educators,” Thaler said.

Please join CSU’s School of Music, Theatre, and Dance in congratulating Deanna Thaler on her Teacher Belt Award as she continues to inspire her students.

“Go Rams!” – Deanna Thaler