5th Grade
Meet our Fifth Grade Teachers
Alan Gray
Hello Colts community! I am excited to be returning for my 11th year here at Kohl Elementary. Wow! How did that time pass so quickly? I have taught in Broomfield since 2003, starting my career with BVSD at Broomfield Heights and Centaurus for a year to develop an ELL (second language) program and then spending 8 years at Broomfield High School as the ELL Coordinator.
I grew up in northern California and spent over 16 years in Los Angeles after college before escaping to Colorado 20 years ago. I began my teaching career with 9 years as an elementary classroom teacher in Los Angeles Unified Schools prior to my move. My degree work includes an A.S. in Computer Science, B.A. in Business Computer Information Systems, M.A. in Administrative Leadership and Policy Studies, and an M.Ed. in Educational Technology and Online Instruction.
I love to spend time with my large and very close knit family, traveling, and enjoying music (especially live). I lived in the high country above Golden Gate State Park for 13 years and commuted to Broomfield before becoming a flatlander and still enjoy escaping to our amazing mountains for fun also.
I’m looking forward to the exciting year we have ahead of us!
Allison Vanek
Hello Kohl Community! My name is Ali Vanek and I am so excited to teach 5th grade again this year at Kohl. Before joining the Kohl Colts team in 2021, I did intervention work at Ryan Elementary in Lafayette, and I have also previously taught 2nd grade in St. Vrain Valley School District.
I grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska and went to graduate school in Boston, Massachusetts before settling here in Colorado 12 years ago. I have a master’s degree in teaching from Simmons University, as well as a second MA in gender/ cultural studies. I also have a BA in psychology from the University of Nebraska.
When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family. My son, Stellan, is a 3rd grader this year in BVSD, and my husband, Josh, is an assistant principal at a BVSD charter school. As a family we enjoy hiking, reading, skiing, and walking our sweet 15-year-old dog, Nina.
I’m looking forward to spending our year learning and growing together!