Caitlyn Beckman’s level 5 classroom isn't just a place to learn, it’s a living laboratory for independence. After years of coaching gymnastics and finding her own spark in a high school art room, Beckman brought that same energy to the Colorado STEM Academy, where she turned the traditional student-teacher dynamic on its head. By running a sophisticated classroom economy where students get paid for jobs and launch their own businesses, she isn't just teaching math and literacy; she’s teaching ownership. In a space where "organized chaos" and laughter are the daily standards, her students learn that relevance and collaboration are the true keys to growth.

Beckman balances the "wild and inspiring" energy of ten-year-olds, with a deep commitment to equity and meaningful relationships. Whether her students are questioning the real-world application of lowering the voting age or processing complex math problems as a team, she pushes them to see the world as something bigger than themselves. By trading "because I said so" for authentic dialogue and a "secret sauce" of silliness, Beckman ensures her classroom is a place where every child can see their own progress reflected on the walls. She isn't just preparing them for middle school, she’s building the confidence they need to navigate the world.

"When a student leaves my room, I hope that they feel empowered. I hope they have found something inside of themselves in here where they think, 'I’m good at this. I can do this thing. I’m up for a challenge.' I just hope they can think back and say, 'Wow, what a cool time we had that year,' and feel like they really had ownership," Beckman says.