Dena Cronholm is a Spanish teacher with over 15 years of experience. She has taught Spanish courses at the high school and college levels. Students and colleagues praise her enthusiasm, dedication to students, and ability to challenge and support students. She holds a Master's degree in Spanish Teaching and has received several teaching awards.

1. Dena Michelle Gavito Cronholm
13396 Gaylord Street, Thornton, CO 80241
303-808-9274
gavito@msudenver.edu
“For four years she has not only
been a fantastic teacher but also
an invaluable mentor.. I will
always remember
Mrs. Cronholm as my most
caring teacher.. She sees my
eagerness for a challenge and
therefore challenges me.. She has
that wonderful combination of
understanding and toughness
that works very well in the
classroom..but she also has high
expectations of each one of her
students…”
–Greg Hammerly
Former Student
Spanish I-IV
“Dena’s infectious enthusiasm
for her subject matter carries
over into her students. Her
influence clearly contributes to a
growing Spanish enrollment.”
-Eric Singer
World Language
Department Chair, NHS
Education, Honors, and Certifications
Master of Arts, G.P.A. 4.0
MA in Foreign Languages: Spanish Teaching Emphasis
University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO. 2006
Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude, G.P.A. 3.8
Dual majors in Spanish and Communications; Journalism Studies Emphasis
University of Denver, Denver, CO. 2002
Teacher in Residence Program
Metropolitan State University of Denver and Adams 12 Five Star Schools
Professional Teacher License
Colorado State K-12 Spanish. 2004
Universidad de Granada
International Studies Abroad Program, Granada, Spain. Fall 2000
Qualifications
 Comprehensive proficiency in all aspects of Spanish language skills including
listening, speaking, reading, writing, culture and grammar.
 Successfully taught SPA 1000, 1010 and 1020 at Metropolitan State
University of Denver and levels I, II, III, IV and Advanced Placement
Spanish Courses including native and non-native majority-based groups at
Northglenn High School (NHS).
 Multi-dimensional teacher who plans and instructs each lesson using a wide
variety of teaching methods to actively engage students of all learning
modalities.
 Associate Researcher, Comparison of Effectiveness of Computer-Graded vs.
Instructor-Graded homework Assignments in an Elementary Spanish
Course, Metropolitan State University of Denver and United States Air Force
Academy, Fall 2010.
 Developed curriculum and syllabus for Metropolitan State University of
Denver Spanish 1000 textbook adoption for Fall 2010 semester.
 Participated in Metropolitan State University of Denver Department of
Modern Languages Professional Development Workshops 2008-2012.
 Presented Easy, Fun Differentiation for the Busy Teacher at Spring 2010
Conference for the Colorado Congress of Foreign Language Teachers
(CCFLT).
 Presented Freshman Year: Making the Career Change from Teaching High
School to College at Spring 2009 Conference for the Colorado Congress of
Foreign Language Teachers (CCFLT).
 Passed U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation language
test battery at Contract Language Monitor Level.

2. “She goes above and beyond her
teaching scope to develop
successful members of the
community. Her demeanor,
personality, and approach
provide evidence of her endless
drive to support kids...”
Jeff Pierson, M.A.
Former Assistant Principal,
NHS
“Dena, your class is such a
kick...I like how your students
are able to joke and be creative.
You use humor most effectively,
it makes the class an interesting
and comfortable environment.”
-Rebekha Grigsby
Licensure Options
Program Coordinator
Emeritus
“She is a natural teacher.”
–Julie Enger
Former Principal, NHS
 Developed Advanced Placement Spanish Syllabus for 2006-2007 national
advanced placement course audit.
 Served on hiring committees for World Language Department Spanish
positions (2005-2007) (NHS).
 Multicultural experience including foreign travel in Peru, Mexico and Spain.
 Served as a cooperating teacher for a teacher candidate 2006-2007.
 Worked directly with building principal on steering committee to develop
whole staff’s professional development plan for the 2006-2007 school year.
 Professional Development Facilitator; developed and facilitated meeting
agenda for professional development team during bi-monthly meetings
(2007).
 District Mentor for two teachers in Teacher in Residence Program (2005-
2008).
 Member of NHS Curriculum Search Committee (2005); participated in field
studies of schools to help with development of NHS programs and
curriculum.
 Provided feedback and support while serving as a staff-elected member of
the Faculty Advisory Committee (2002-2003).
 Demonstrated expertise in computer skills such as Scholarsmart, ClassXP,
Integrade Pro, Microsoft Office and the Internet.
Co-Curricular Responsibilities
 Fusion Cheer and Dance Team Coach/Choreographer (2003- 2007); directed
every aspect of team including practices, performances, competitions,
philanthropies, fundraisers and public relations.
 Spring Musical Choreographer (2002-2006).
 Link Program Coordinator (2003-2007); Attended annual Boomerang
training sessions, planned and facilitated freshman orientation day for the
entire student body and faculty, maintained programming for link leaders and
freshmen for the duration of the school year.
 Spanish Club Co-Sponsor (2002-2005).
Achievements
 Noted in Cambridge Who’s Who Among Professional Women in Education 2007-
2008 edition.
 Recipient of the Norse Choice Award, a teaching honor given by the
student body of Northglenn High School (2006).
 Nominated by a student and recognized in Who’s Who Among America’s
Teachers (2006).
 Recognized in The Chancellor’s List for an outstanding graduate grade point
average (2006).

3. “She is serious, thoughtful,
intelligent, extremely
professional, dedicated, and a
good listener. Dena is highly
respected in her department, her
school, and in her district.”
–Kate Blanas
Former Coordinator of the
Teacher in Residence
Program
“…I had no idea that I would
like Spanish so much. It is my
favorite class and I think I am
the most prepared out of anyone
in my class. You did such a
great job getting us ready in high
school that so far it has been a
breeze. I think I am going to
use Spanish as my minor…”
-Zach Beedle
Former Student
Spanish IV and AP
“Dena is a great teacher and a
valuable employee. Dena is
creative and enthusiastic. She is
an excellent educational leader.”
–Mary B. Lindimore, Ph.D.
Principal, NHS
 Nominated for the University of Northern Colorado’s Outstanding
Foreign Language Teacher award (2006).
 Founder and Committee Member, Fusion Scholarships for NHS students;
raised money, screened applications and conducted student interviews to
award a total of over $3200.00 in scholarship money to deserving NHS
students on behalf of the Fusion Cheer and Dance Team (2006 and 2007).
 Founder and Director, Community Dance Project; organized, produced
and directed the non-competitive dance collective community event for
local teams and troupes (2005 and 2006).
 Addressed Adams 12 Five Star School District’s incoming Teacher in
Residence candidates about personal success as a teacher from the
program.
 Co-Chairperson of the NHS World Language Community Dinner; helped
plan, organize and execute this community event which served over 500
people (2004).
 Founder and Director, NHS Junior Fusion Camp; organized and
executed this community favorite for local children aged 2 to 13. This
program grew to serve 5 children in its first year to over 40 in 2007 (2004-
2007).
 Volunteer, Red Ribbon Week; worked as a community ambassador for
the Colorado Rapids Cheerleaders and assisted the United States Army in
anti-drug presentations for Elementary-High School Students (Fall 2004
and Fall 2005).
 Appeared in three different FSSTV Television programs and one CD
Rom; chosen from a pool of hundreds of employees to represent
Adams 12 Five Star School District (2003, 2004 and 2006).
 Volunteer, Camp To Belong; served as a camp counselor in a summer
camp dedicated to reuniting siblings that have been separated through the
foster care system (Summer 2002 and Summer 2004).
 Founder and Director, NHS annual Staff Talent Show; coordinated every
aspect of this show which boosted school morale, entertained over 500
people each year and raised over $3,500.00 total for the NHS Fusion
Cheer and Dance Team (2003, 2004 and 2005).
 Colorado Rapids Professional Soccer Cheerleader Captain (2004 and 2005
seasons).
 Served as ambassador for Colorado Rapids and gave a nutrition/athletics
presentation in Spanish to student body of Escuela Bilingüe Pioneer in
Louisville, CO. (2004).
 Gave various Spanish language interviews and appeared in Spanish
language commercials as a representative of the Colorado Rapids
Professional Soccer Team and its Cheerleaders for Univisión (2004 and
2005).
Employment
 Metropolitan State University of Denver
Affiliate Spanish Instructor

4. “Not only does Dena devote her
heart and soul to every task, but
her inspiration, motivation and
enthusiasm is second to none.”
– Dr. Brien Hodges,
Director of Schools,
Douglas County
School District
August 2008 to present, Denver, CO.
 Northglenn High School
Spanish Teacher
August 2002 to present, Northglenn, CO.
 Belliston Academy of Dance
Senior Director of Elite Team, Choreographer, Instructor
August 1994 to June 1999 and August 2006 to present, Broomfield, CO.
 Centerstage Starz Theatre and Dance Studio
Choreographer, Instructor
June 2001 to August 2002, Littleton, CO.
Professional Affiliations
Colorado Congress of Foreign Language Teachers
American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese
References
Dr. Sixto E. Torres, Modern Languages Department Chair,
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Campus Box 26, P.O. Box 173362 Denver, CO 80217-3362, 303-556-2908
Dr. Lunden MacDonald, Assistant Professor of Spanish,
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Campus Box 26, P.O. Box 173362 Denver, CO 80217-3362, 303-556-2908
Dr. Mary Lindimore, Principal, Northglenn High School
601. W. 100th Pl. Northglenn, CO 80260, 720-972-4603
Grant Underwood, Assistant Principal, Mountain Range High School
(Former administrator of Northglenn High School)
12500 Huron St. Westminster, CO 80234. 720-972-6307
Marsha McNally, Spanish Teacher, Mountain Range High School
(Former Spanish Teacher at Northglenn High School and
Teacher in Residence Mentor)
1020 15th Street Loft 222. Denver, CO 80202 303-595-0962
Dr. Brien Hodges, Director of Schools, Douglas County School District
620 Wilcox St. Castle Rock, CO 80104. 720-219-2493
Eric Singer, World Language Department Chair, Northglenn High School
601 W. 100th Pl. Northglenn, CO 80260. 720-972-2653
Sanaz Razani, Spanish Teacher, Northglenn High School
(Also formerly mentored under Teacher in Residence Program)
601 W. 100th Pl. Northglenn, CO 80260, 720-972-2658
Joy Landeira, Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Hispanic Studies
Program and Director of Graduate Studies for Hispanic Studies,
University of Northern Colorado
Hispanic Studies. University of Northern Colorado. Greeley, CO 80639. 970-351-2162