Elisamaria Heredia named as last finalist for Colorado Teacher of the Year

Melissa York Commissioner | Colorado Department of Education

Elisamaria Heredia, a teacher for multilingual learners at Alamosa Elementary School 3-5 in the Alamosa School District, has been named the eighth and final finalist for Colorado’s 2026 Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made during a special ceremony attended by Colorado Department of Education Chief Talent Officer Margarita Tovar, Boettcher Foundation Alumni Engagement Manager Floyd Pierce, Adams State University’s Executive Director of Extended Studies Renae Haslett, Alamosa School District Superintendent Diana Jones, Assistant Superintendent Luis Murillo, and Principal Michelle Rubidoux-Wilson.

Eight finalists were chosen from a pool of 22 semifinalists announced in June 2025. This year saw a significant increase in interest for the award with 419 applicants representing 109 districts—a rise of 375% compared to the previous year. The winner of the 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year will be announced in October.

Each finalist received $1,500 from both the Colorado Department of Education and the Boettcher Foundation. Additionally, each finalist’s school was awarded $500 from the Boettcher Foundation.

“These outstanding finalists remind us of the power of teaching to inspire curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning,” said Boettcher Foundation’s Vice President of Grants & Programs Tiffany Anderson. “Their leadership in the classroom and commitment to students set an example for all of us.”