Rebecca McClellan, Chair | Colorado Department of Education
Stephen Paulson, a social studies teacher at Greeley Central High School in Greeley-Evans School District 6, has been named the 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made during a surprise assembly attended by over 100 students, teachers, and staff.
The award was presented by Colorado State Board of Education Chair Rebecca McClellan, Vice Chair Yazmin Navarro, State Board Member Kathy Gebhardt, Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Córdova, District 6 Superintendent Deirdre Pilch, and Boettcher Foundation Vice President of Grants and Awards Tiffany Anderson.
“The Teacher of the Year award celebrates all Colorado educators who devote themselves to helping students learn and thrive,” said McClellan. “Mr. Paulson is an example of the dedication we see in classrooms across the state, where teachers inspire possibility and open doors for the next generation. The State Board of Education congratulates Mr. Paulson and thanks all of our teachers for their extraordinary service.”
Córdova added: “Mr. Paulson brings heart and purpose to his classroom every day. His commitment shows how great teaching can open doors for students and strengthen communities across Colorado. We are proud to honor him as the 2026 Teacher of the Year.”
Paulson has taught at Greeley-Evans for 15 years. He holds an education degree from the University of Northern Colorado and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Colorado State University.
Superintendent Pilch noted: “This is the first-ever Colorado Teacher of the Year for Greeley-Evans School District 6, and the selection team couldn’t have picked a more deserving educator. We are so proud of Stephen and all the educators in District 6 who work so hard every day to serve our students and families. This is an honor for not only Stephen, but for Greeley Central, District 6 and our entire community.”
In September, Paulson was announced as one of eight finalists for the award out of a record pool of 419 applicants representing 109 districts—a significant increase compared to previous years.
As part of his recognition, Paulson will receive $5,000 from the Boettcher Foundation, $5,000 in funding from the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) to support Teacher of the Year activities through 2026, continuing education credit and a student scholarship from Adams State University.
Anderson commented: “Stephen is the kind of educator who changes the trajectory of students’ lives. His ability to make every student feel seen and capable is extraordinary, and we celebrate the lasting impact he is making across Colorado.”
Following the ceremony, attendees were treated to ice cream provided by Blue Bell Creameries.
As Colorado’s Teacher of the Year, Paulson will be nominated for the Council of Chief State School Officers’ National Teacher of the Year Award. He will also participate in national program activities in Washington D.C., including a visit to NASA’s Space Camp. His term begins in January 2026.
A letter submitted on Paulson’s behalf by student Rodrigo Garcia stated: “He pushes us not because he has to, but because he believes and has even more faith in us than we have in ourselves. … Mr. Paulson isn’t only preparing us for the next grade level, but for life. We will forever be grateful for him.”
Paulson has led several initiatives at Greeley Central High School including heading its AVID program aimed at supporting first-generation college-bound students and launching projects that connect students with local professionals through job shadowing opportunities. He also started “Castle Clean Up,” which evolved into a broader culture of service within the school community.
The Colorado Teacher of the Year program is sponsored by the Boettcher Foundation with support from partners such as CEA (Colorado Education Association), Adams State University, and Blue Bell Creameries.
More information about the program can be found on its official webpage.
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