Rebecca McClellan, Chair | Colorado Department of Education
Representatives from the Colorado Department of Education visited classrooms in Ovid and Greeley to announce that Mindy Green of Revere Elementary School and Stephen Paulson of Greeley Central High School are among the eight finalists for the 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year award.
In Ovid, Mindy Green was surprised by Boettcher Foundation Alumni Engagement Manager Floyd Pierce, Revere Superintendent Sandra Rahe, and CDE Communications Chief Officer Emma Garrett-Nelson. In Greeley, State Board of Education Chair Rebecca McClellan, Vice Chair Yasmin Navarro, Pierce, Garrett-Nelson, and Greeley-Evans School District 6 Superintendent Deirdre Pilch visited Stephen Paulson’s classroom with the news.
Each finalist received $1,500 from the Colorado Department of Education and the Boettcher Foundation. Additionally, each finalist’s school received $500 from the Boettcher Foundation.
“Each of these finalists reflects the dedication and innovation that inspire students to reach their fullest potential,” said Tiffany Anderson, vice president of grants & programs for the Boettcher Foundation. “We are honored to celebrate educators whose impact extends far beyond the classroom and into the future of Colorado.”
The 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year will go on to represent Colorado as a candidate for the National Teacher of the Year program. The winner will also serve as a teaching ambassador to communities and organizations throughout Colorado and across the nation.
The program is sponsored by the Boettcher Foundation with support from partners including the Colorado Education Association, Adams State University, and Blue Bell Ice Cream.
The Colorado Department of Education states its vision is to create equitable educational environments where all students and staff in Colorado can thrive. The department works to improve student outcomes by serving all 178 school districts and BOCES in the state.
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