Sherri Wright Board Member | Colorado Department of Education
The Colorado Department of Education has announced 22 semifinalists for the 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year award. These educators represent 22 schools across 17 districts and two charter schools, marking the most geographically diverse group to date, with at least two candidates from every region in Colorado.
The semifinalists were chosen from a pool of 419 applicants from 106 school districts, reflecting a significant increase of 375% compared to the previous year. The selection process involved a review committee comprising over 40 individuals, including past winners of the Colorado Teacher of the Year award, staff from the Colorado Department of Education, and representatives from the Boettcher Foundation, which sponsors the program.
“We’re proud to recognize this incredible group of educators who represent the best of Colorado’s teaching profession,” said Education Commissioner Susana Córdova. “Each of these semifinalists has made a meaningful impact in their classrooms and communities, and we wish them all the best as they move forward in the selection process.”
The list includes:
- Julie Ahrens from Twin Peaks Classical Academy
- Artemio Baltazar from Grand Valley Center for Family Learning
- Sarah Bayer from Polaris Expeditionary Learning School
- Jessica Bell from Denver Green School Northfield
- Kevin Brown from Red Rocks Elementary School
- Liz Fitzgerald from Mesa View Elementary School
- Emily Gaytan from Centennial Elementary School
- Malynda (Mindy) Green from Revere School
- Elisamaria Heredia from Alamosa Elementary School 3-5
- Brittney Isom from Genoa-Hugo School
- Teri Kopack from Durango High School
- Stephanie LaCount from Grand Junction High School
- Julie Milam from Canon City High School
- Julie Naski Roman from Carson Elementary School
- Stephen Paulson from Greeley Central High School
- Tyler David Philipsen from Coronado High School
- Gayathri Ramkumar from Aurora Central High School
- Diana Remick from La Junta Primary School
- Sabra Sowell-Lovejoy from Campo Undivided High School
- Elizabeth Rose Tarbutton at Peak to Peak Charter School
- Kendall Van Valkenburg at Red Canyon High School
- Leon Vasquez at Drake Middle School
More information about these semifinalists is available on the department's website.
These semifinalists will proceed to a second application phase involving additional essay questions. The finalists will be announced in September by the Colorado Department of Education, with a winner named in October.
“These semifinalists reflect the dedication, passion, and innovation that great teaching requires,” said Tiffany Anderson, Vice President of Grants and Programs at Boettcher Foundation. “We’re honored to serve as lead sponsor for a program that shines a spotlight on educators who are shaping Colorado’s future, and we look forward to celebrating all they’ve accomplished.”
The selected Teacher of the Year will represent over 55,000 educators statewide and nationally. They will also become Colorado's nominee for the Council of Chief State Schools Officers’ National Teacher of the Year Program. The winner will be honored at a ceremony in Washington D.C., receiving $5,000 courtesy of Boettcher Foundation.
The program is supported by partnerships with organizations such as Adams State University and Blue Bell Ice Cream.
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