Rebecca McClellan, Chair | Colorado Department of Education
Julie Naski Roman of Denver Public Schools and Kendall Van Valkenburg of Eagle County School District have been named as two of the eight finalists for Colorado’s 2026 Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made during surprise visits to their classrooms by officials from the Colorado Department of Education, school district representatives, and members of the Boettcher Foundation.
Rebecca McClellan, chair of the State Board of Education, and board member Lisa A. Escárcega joined Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Córdova, Boettcher Foundation Vice President Tiffany Anderson, Denver Public Schools Board Member Scott Esserman, and Superintendent Alex Marrero to inform Naski Roman at Carson Elementary School in Denver. Later in the day, Eagle County Superintendent Philip Qualman, Boettcher Foundation Alumni Engagement Manager Floyd Pierce, and CDE Chief Communications Officer Emma Garrett-Nelson visited Red Canyon High School to recognize Van Valkenburg.
The eight finalists were chosen from a pool of 22 semifinalists announced in June 2025. This year saw 419 applicants from 109 districts—an increase of 375% compared to last year. Over the coming weeks, six more finalists will be revealed. The winner is expected to be announced in October.
Each finalist receives $1,500 from the Colorado Department of Education and the Boettcher Foundation. Additionally, each finalist’s school receives $500 from the Boettcher Foundation.
“The Colorado Teacher of the Year finalists embody the creativity, commitment, and heart that define exceptional teaching,” said Boettcher’s Anderson. “We are proud to partner in a program that lifts up Colorado’s educators and highlights the exceptional work they do in shaping the lives of our students.”
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