Horizon Teachers

Emma Lidstrom and Cole Martins Selected as Salina Public Schools’ Horizon Award Winners

Salina USD 305 presents a Horizon Award to teachers who have demonstrated excellence during their first full year of teaching.

Elementary Horizon Award – Emma Lidstrom, Third Grade Teacher

Emma teaches third grade at Coronado Elementary School and comes to school every day with a ready smile for all who cross her path. 

Emma’s teaching includes multiple ways to engage all her students’ learning needs. And, she is a master at modeling the process to learn new information. One strategy includes walking her students through a demonstration where she thinks out loud and shows them how to productively struggle while having a growth mindset.

Kindness and collaboration flourish in her classroom. Her students greet every classroom visitor with a friendly, “Have a nice day!” By integrating essential social skills into learning, her class functions with respect and cooperation. This, and other practices, build a supportive and inclusive atmosphere in which to learn.

Emma earned her teaching degree at Fort Hays State University and quickly acquired an additional 15 credit hours, covering project-based learning, LETRS training and English for Speakers of Other Languages. She has attended professional development conferences where she received training in math, behavior interventions and mental health first aid. Emma serves as an NEA delegate and embraces leadership opportunities at her school.

Congratulations Emma! 

Secondary Horizon Award – Cole Martins, English Language Arts Teacher

In his South High School reading classes, Cole tailors his instruction to meet students’ unique strengths and challenges. His constructive feedback and recognition of students’ small victories fosters a growth mindset within his students. He supports their confidence to persevere through challenges and strive for improvement. 

Cole breaks down barriers and builds understanding of larger issues behind behavior or motivation challenges. Every student in his class is valued, celebrated and recognized – not just by name, but for their unique interests and passions. His students feel a sense of belonging in his class.

While teaching intensive reading, Cole fine-tuned skills that assist his students with their struggles. He tirelessly works with students, meets them where they are at and makes sure they have opportunities to succeed. 

Cole continuously seeks professional growth. He attends workshops, seeks feedback from colleagues and collaborates with them in planning sessions. Prior to teaching and coaching at SHS, Cole earned his teaching degree from Pittsburg State University. He coached middle school hurdlers in Pittsburg and taught elementary students skills like fishing and camping through Greenbush, the Southeast Kansas Education Service Center.

Congratulations Cole!