Jessica May, 2024 Colorado Teacher of the Year

Jessica May, a middle school teacher at Turner Middle School in the Thompson School District, was named the 2024 Colorado Teacher of the Year today in a surprise ceremony at her school. 

May teaches family and consumer science at Turner Middle School in Berthoud and taught at Conrad Ball Middle School in Loveland last school year when she was nominated. She has taught for decades in the Thompson School District, covering all manner of subjects including math, social studies, science and language arts. 

The selection committee lauded May for her innate abilities to connect with her students.

"Congratulations to Ms. May, the new Colorado Teacher of the Year," said Susana Córdova, Colorado's education commissioner. "With her years of dedicated service in the Thompson School District, Ms. May exemplifies the ideal educator who not only imparts real world knowledge to her middle school students but fosters strong connections with them as well. Her ability to relate to and inspire young minds is truly commendable, and I'm excited to witness her transformative impact as our next Teacher of the Year!"

As Teacher of the Year, May will represent the entire profession in Colorado and will be the public face of Colorado’s teachers. She will be entered as Colorado’s nominee for the National Teacher of the Year Program competition. May, along with the country’s other teachers of the year, will be honored at a special ceremony at the White House and get the opportunity to go to NASA’s Space Camp. She will also become a member of the Colorado Education Commissioner’s Teacher Cabinet.

"We are absolutely elated in celebrating Jessica May as Colorado's Teacher of the Year," said Thompson School District Superintendent Marc Schaffer. "As an extraordinary educator and champion for students for the last 21 years in the Thompson School District, Jessica is the consummate professional and shining star who is tireless in her pursuit for student growth, student achievement, and student excellence. Bravo and three cheers for Jessica's incredible accomplishments!  She is so deserving of this recognition and honor."

The Colorado Teacher of the Year program is supported by Denver7 and the Boettcher Foundation. Program partners include the Colorado Education Association, Adams State University and Blue Bell Ice Cream.

Read the full CDE news release in English and Spanish.

Jessica can be reached at:

Turner Middle School
Thompson School District
950 Massachusetts Ave, Berthoud, CO 80513

jessica.may@tsd.org