As the school counselor at Swan River School, I have the privilege of working closely with Kristi, who joined our teaching staff this year. She stepped into a particularly challenging position — one that has seen frequent turnover in recent years — and inherited students with significant gaps in their math knowledge. Despite these obstacles, Kristi embraced the role with enthusiasm, professionalism, and heart.
In addition to her full math teaching load, Kristi volunteered to teach our art elective, demonstrating her commitment to enriching the school experience for students. Her art classes are engaging, creative, and joyful — a highlight of the week for many of our students.
In the math classroom, Kristi goes above and beyond to empower her students. She creates opportunities for them to express their learning needs and responds with flexibility and compassion. Her instruction is student-centered, thoughtful, and adaptive. Kristi skillfully incorporates mindfulness, rigor, and fun, adjusting lessons in response to not only the academic, but also the emotional needs of her students, ultimately resulting in more engagement. Her classroom management reflects both her empathy and her high expectations, and her dedication to student growth is evident in all she does.
As a colleague, Kristi has quickly earned my respect and trust. She approaches challenges with creativity, optimism, and an unwavering belief in her students’ potential. She is caring, approachable, and brings genuine joy to our school community.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have Kristi as part of our team. Her positive impact on both students and staff is undeniable, and I wholeheartedly recommend her for this teaching award.
He's been dedicated to the District and the students for over 15 years. He's taught many different classes, always with a smooth transition, which is easier on the students and other staff. His fun attitude makes me smile everyday. Out of school, he also raises his several children with his wife, juggling many things....all with no complaint.
Kristi is a clear natural when it comes to teaching. Kristi teaches to the ‘whole’ child. She nurtures children, while not enabling them. She and her husband, Nate are both teachers in rural Montana schools. With Montana teacher wages, they can certainly use this nomination!
Mr. Dorcheus goes above and beyond for his students. He spends countless hours each week planning and grading so that his class has fun, engaging learning opportunities everyday. He spends all his time caring for others at school and at home. He could use a break.
Kristi, is an exceptional teacher, community activist, mentor, but also a foster mother. Her children that she raised, who I've become close friends with are some of the most generous, thoughtful and ambitious people I've had the pleasure of working with in the valley, and I've come to know Kristi through them. I recently learned that their furnace has been out for sometime and Jay(her son and I) have been Working overtime to try and get their old broke down furnace fixed before the cold sets in, but we are still a ways off. The Dorcheus’s have done so much for so many kids in this valley and I feel they’ve earned a little help that I know they would be too humble to ask for.
Is a wonderful lady who makes sure kids learn and have a great time doing so. Current furnace went out and would love to not have as much stress for her and her family keeping warm this winter
It is an honor to write in support of Nathan Dorcheus for your furnace giveaway. As a fourth-grade teacher at Lakeside Elementary School, Mr. Dorcheus exemplifies everything we hope for in an educator. He is dedicated, compassionate, and committed to both his students and his colleagues.
I joined Lakeside in the Fall of 2023 and immediately saw his dedication to the students and success of our school when he was able to flexibly switch roles from PE teacher to 4th grade early in the school year when the need arose. He stood out to me as a positive male role model for our students. Male elementary school teachers are not as common and to have an exceptional one at our school has been incredible for our students. His calm, respectful demeanor and genuine care for children make him someone students naturally look up to. He sets high expectations while creating a classroom atmosphere where every child feels valued, supported, and capable of success.
Beyond his classroom, Nathan Dorcheus has proven himself to be a natural leader among staff. He takes initiative in committee and union work, often volunteering to represent and support his colleagues in meaningful ways. His insight, fairness, and professionalism have earned him respect.
Outside of school, Mr. Dorcheus’ commitment to nurturing young lives continues—he and his wife are the proud parents of four adopted children, a testament to their generosity of spirit and unwavering dedication to helping children thrive. It is clear to all who know him that teaching is not just his job—it is his calling.
Mr. Dorcheus demonstrates integrity, empathy, and excellence in every aspect of his life and is doing an incredible job raising his children with the same values.
He and his wife, both amazing educators in the valley, are truly deserving of recognition and I would be ecstatic to see their selflessness and excellence be rewarded in this amazing giveaway. Their furnace just went out, and as winter nears I cannot think of a more fitting recipient. This would be an incredible blessing for them and their family.
Thank you for your intentions to spotlight and honor the positivity educators like Mr. Dorcheus bring to our valley and for this opportunity!
Kristi & husband Nate are both giving & caring teachers, Nate haas been a coach and mentor to many students. Kristi always is concerned about the student that is lacking the social skills to go forward. They have provided a safe home for students with home problems, come to their place to either talk or just get away from the problem at their home.
Nate and Kristi Dorcheus are committed educators and some of my best friends. Our lives intertwined when we both adopted children from Haiti, 18 years ago. Throughout this time, I have seen Nate and Kristi devote themselves to their four adopted children and their classrooms. They have a wealth of experience and bring fun and enrichment to their students lives. They have been involved in many youth sports and extracurricular activities. Through their example, I was inspired to go back to school myself and am now teaching as well. Nate and Kristi have served countless students and deserve recognition.
I’m nominating Kristi and Nate Dorcheus because they need some good news and a new furnace. They have raised 4 adopted children, 2 are adults on their own, 1 in college, and 1 is still at home. Nate is in his 22nd year of teaching in the Somers/Lakeside District. He has volunteered many hours coaching various sports and refereeing. Kristi is in her 12th year teaching, 1st year at Swan River School. Kristi focuses on what she can do for the underdog. If there is a child in need, she is there to offer support and assistance. Both go far above and beyond to ensure each student in their classroom receive not only subject driven education but also emotional support and a good role model. Both seek continuing education opportunities to improve their ability to reach their students. These are 2 fun loving teachers that make their students want to come to school. Unfortunately on top of several recent setbacks and hardships their furnace just went out. With winter right around the corner, it would be amazing to provide TWO teachers some good news and a new furnace. I can’t think of anyone more deserving.
Nate at Lakeside and his wife Kristi (Swan River) are some of the best humans I know. Their hearts are with students, their minds are always working on ways to make it better for the kids. They are bringing up their own adopted family to the best of their abilities! Their furnace died this morning and teachers don't make the big bucks! A new furnace would be very much appreciated by this teaching couple!
It is my honor to nominate Mrs. Kristi Dorcheus. She is the true definition of selflessness, compassion, and dedication. Every day, she puts the needs of her students, colleagues, and school community before her own, and she does so with grace and humility. Mrs. Dorcheus consistently goes above and beyond to ensure her students feel valued, supported, and capable of success. She spends countless hours preparing engaging lessons, providing extra help, and finding creative ways to make learning meaningful. Even when the day is long or the challenges are great, she meets every situation with a positive attitude and a giving heart. She understands what students are faced with today and attends professional development in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) to ensure students have 21st century skills. What makes Mrs. Dorcheus truly special is her unwavering belief that every child can succeed and every person deserves kindness. She models empathy, patience, and service in everything she does. What the community does not know is her unwavering compassion for her family as well. All of her kids are adopted and have had numerous mental struggles and illnesses. She has been the rock in the family. Always being their no matter what. Always believing in her kids and going to battle like a fiece mama bear for what they need and deserve. I have witnessed this first hand day in and out. I see her planning for her students and then reading to her kids. I see her assessing and providing feedback to her students , only to turn around and provide a safe and loving home for her own kids to break down, vent, and grow as humans. The Swan River school is so lucky to have Mrs. Dorcheus as an advocate for their school, students, and community. The world is better with Mrs. Dorcheus guiding students in the right direction.
