GREEN RIVER — Sweetwater County School District No. 2 has announced the nominations for the 2020-2021 Teach of the Year award. The district had 33 teachers nominated before the committee narrowed them down to a final six. The winner will be announced at the June 8 Board of Trustees meeting and then becomes eligible for the Wyoming Teacher of the Year. The six finalists include Phil Harder, Justin Lamb, Britney Montgomery, Pepper Rynio-Brandt, Mikayla Smart, and Shane Steiss. The summaries for the six finalists can be found below. Advertisement - Story continues below... Phil Harder – Harder is indeed an incredible educator, he truly represents the values of Green River High School and continually holds himself to a higher standard to improve himself as a teacher and coach and those within his classroom, and on the tennis courts are also held to that high standard. Harder is indeed knowledgeable, inspiring, a leader. But he is also kind, compassionate and understanding. He teaches each student in his class as though he is teaching his own child. He listens, respects, values and strives to help each student become the best version of themselves as they can be. This year more than ever, our students have needed excellent teachers to navigate the educational setting during a global pandemic, but they also need supportive educators who care for their social/emotional needs. Harder has an extraordinary compassion for his students and his athletes and took the time to make certain each student knew that they are seen, they are heard and that they are loved.