Sherri Wright Board Member | Colorado Department of Education
Liz Fitzgerald, a first-grade teacher at Mesa View Elementary in Mesa County Valley School District 51, has been named one of eight finalists for the 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year award. Fitzgerald was informed of her selection during a surprise visit by representatives from the Colorado Department of Education, Boettcher Foundation, and local school officials.
The group included Sherri Wright, member of the Colorado State Board of Education; Tiffany Anderson, Vice President of Grants & Programs at the Boettcher Foundation; Emma Garrett-Nelson, Chief Communications Officer for the Colorado Department of Education; Andrea Haitz, President of the Mesa County Valley School Board; Brian Hill, Superintendent of Mesa County Valley School District 51; and Stacey Cohen, Principal of Mesa View Elementary.
This year’s selection process saw a significant increase in interest. Eight finalists were chosen from 22 semifinalists announced in June 2025. There were 419 applicants from 109 districts statewide, marking a 375% rise compared to last year.
The announcement for Fitzgerald marks the seventh finalist revealed this week. The eighth and final nominee will be named next week. The winner for the 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year is scheduled to be announced in October.
Each finalist receives $1,500 from both the Colorado Department of Education and the Boettcher Foundation. In addition, each finalist’s school receives $500 from the Boettcher Foundation.
“The Teacher of the Year finalists showcase the very best of Colorado’s teaching profession,” said Anderson of the Boettcher Foundation. “We are grateful to help elevate their voices and shine a light on the remarkable role educators play in our communities.”
Today’s finalist is Liz Fitzgerald from Mesa View Elementary in Mesa County Valley School District 51.
Alerts Sign-up