Be unapologetically you, help others, move your body, ask for help, find your joy, spend time in the embrace of nature, be the nice kid, value honesty, and when life gets hard, turn up the music and dance like no one is watching!
Our Eagle River Valley community comprises some extraordinary people, and Mrs. Jodie Metz is one of those community members! If you’ve had an opportunity to learn from her in the classroom, at an afterschool program, or at Grace Fellowship Church, you are one of the lucky ones!
Jodie has fond memories of growing up in the small city of Superior, Wisconsin, situated along the shores of the beautiful Lake Superior. Although Jodie hasn’t lived in Superior since she graduated high school, she visits often to spend time with her family, who still live there. Shortly after graduation, Jodie moved to Colorado and attended Colorado State University, obtaining her Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Studies. Recently, Jodie earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Equity and Cultural Diversity with an emphasis in Special Education from the University of Colorado Boulder. She has been on an incredible journey as an elementary school teacher for two decades. Currently, Jodie is a Special Education teacher at Brush Creek Elementary School, where she has the honor of supporting Kindergarten through 5th grade students. She and her family moved to Eagle 12 years ago, and they love being able to call this special place home. They enjoy all that mountain living has to offer, from skiing together in the winter to hiking and golfing in the summer.
When asked what influenced Jodie to become a teacher, she shared that teaching wasn't always in her life plan. However, her compass unfailingly pointed toward working with kids and making a positive difference in the lives of others. Jodie started her journey working with at-risk adolescents in a residential treatment facility and later managed a tutoring center. The path to public education unfolded, and she found her calling as a teacher. The joy of watching her students grow and learn continues to fuel her passion for teaching. Above all, Jodie's work is driven by a deep desire to ensure every student feels seen and valued. Building genuine connections with students is always her top priority. It is essential to Jodie that every child knows they have someone in their corner, someone cheering them on, and someone who believes in them.
Over the years, Jodie has worn many hats to support the youth in Eagle County. She has led after-school programs like the Broadcasting Club, helping students to produce weekly videos for Brush Creek Elementary School. In addition, she also organized philanthropic projects for youth to engage in, such as “Pennies for Patients” and “Wish Week,” where they work collaboratively to raise funds for children in our community battling cancer. This year, Jodie and her colleague started a Run Club through YouthPower365, giving 3rd-5th grade students a way to stay active after school hours. Finally, she volunteers in the Children’s Ministry at Grace Fellowship Church in Gypsum, assisting with programs like Vacation Bible School and weekly bible studies.
To the youth in Eagle County, Jodie would like to offer this advice: Be unapologetically you, help others, move your body, ask for help, find your joy, spend time in the embrace of nature, be the nice kid, value honesty, and when life gets hard, turn up the music and dance like no one is watching!
Written by Cat Stone, Prevention Specialist for Mountain Youth. cstone@mountainyouth.org