By Macy Whitted Posted June 5, 2025
Mr. Jeff Setzer was the top pick for Teacher of the Year for the 2024-25 school year. He has made a difference for students throughout his teaching career.
“Mr. Setzer has had an incredible impact on the school and community while teaching at LHS,” said Lowry Principal Shaun Taylor.
The award is an honor for Setzer, knowing he has dedicated most of his life to Lowry.
“I feel honored to be picked,” said Setzer. “I’ve been doing this for more than half of my life, so it’s nice to be chosen for teacher of the year.”
Setzer is retiring after this year and will miss seeing and bonding with his students every day.
“I’ll just miss the daily back-and-forth with students the most,” said Setzer. ”Teaching has many difficult aspects, but just getting to know students all year and talking to each other as people is always good. That’s especially true when I have the same students two or even three years in a row.”
Not only is it good to maintain a good bond with students, but colleagues as well.
“Mr. Setzer is a tremendous human being,” said Taylor. “He can show tremendous empathy while maintaining high expectations for his students.”
Working at Lowry has created countless memories for Setzer, he has recently remembered a trip that used to take place.
“I don’t know how to choose a favorite memory, but lately I’ve been remembering early in my career when I used to take students to Washington, DC each year,” said Setzer. “I used to love that trip each time, especially since it was the first ‘big’ trip for most of those students”.
Setzer’s leaving Lowry will impact many.
“Mr. Setzer will truly be missed at LHS and has left a lasting impact on all those he served in the classroom and as a colleague,” said Taylor.
Junior, Athena Chiaratti, enjoys Setzer’s class because it is a good learning environment.
“His class can be challenging, but he explains things very well,” said Chiaratti.
Students appreciate that Setzer is always willing to help.
“Setzer always helps when someone needs help,” said Chiaratti.
