Colorado names two more finalists for its 2026 teacher of the year award

Rebecca McClellan, Chair | Colorado Department of Education

Julie Milam from Cañon City School District and Emily Gaytan from Harrison School District 2 have been named as two of the eight finalists for Colorado’s 2026 Teacher of the Year award. The announcements were made during surprise visits at their respective schools, with state and district education officials present.

In Cañon City, State Board of Education member Karla Esser joined Education Commissioner Susana Córdova, Boettcher Foundation representatives Curtis Esquibel and Jackie Yelton, Superintendent Adam Hartman, and local school board members to recognize Milam at Cañon City High School. In Colorado Springs, State Board Chair Rebecca McClellan, Superintendent Wendy Birhanzel, Boettcher Foundation’s Esquibel, Commissioner Córdova, former Teacher of the Year Christina Randle, and school board members surprised Gaytan at Centennial Elementary School.

Each finalist received $1,500 from the Colorado Department of Education and the Boettcher Foundation. Their schools each received an additional $500 from the Boettcher Foundation.

“These finalists demonstrate the passion and perseverance it takes to make a lasting difference in education,” said Boettcher Vice President of Grants & Programs Tiffany Anderson. “Boettcher is proud to recognize teachers who bring excellence and joy to their work every day.”

This year saw a significant increase in interest for the award program: there were 419 candidates representing 109 districts—a 375% rise compared to last year’s applicant pool. Eight finalists were selected from 22 semifinalists announced in June 2025. The fifth and sixth finalists have now been named; all eight will be revealed over coming weeks. The winner will be announced in October.

The recipient of the 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year award will represent Colorado as a candidate for National Teacher of the Year and serve as a teaching ambassador across communities statewide and nationally.

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.

According to its stated vision, the Colorado Department of Education aims to create equitable educational environments where all students and staff can thrive by improving student outcomes across its network of 178 school districts and BOCES.