Colorado Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to the 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year Semifinalists! with Colorado Department of Education logo and Boettcher Foundation logo

Congratulations to the 22 semifinalists for 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year!

The 22 semifinalists were selected from a pool of 419 Teacher of the Year applicants from 106 school districts - an increase of 375% compared to the prior year.

The semifinalists will move on to the second part of the application process, which includes additional questions. The Colorado Department of Education will announce its 2026 Teacher of the Year finalists in September and name a winner in October. View the news release to learn more.

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2026 Semifinalists

Current Awardee

About

Meet the 2026 Semifinalists

2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year Semifinalists Bios & Headshots

The 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year semi-finalists are listed below in alphabetical order.

Biografías y fotos de los semifinalistas al premio "Maestro del Año de Colorado 2026"

A continuación se enumeran, por orden alfabético, los semifinalistas al premio "Maestro del Año de Colorado 2026".

Julie Ahrens

Julie Ahrens teaches kindergarten at Twin Peaks Classical Academy (a charter authorized by St. Vrain Valley School District) and has been an educator for six years. She is passionate about creating a positive, safe, and stimulating classroom for young children. Last year, she won the Twin Peaks Classical Academy Teacher of the Year award. She holds a bachelor's degree in History and Political Science from Colorado Christian University and a master's degree in elementary education from University of Northern Colorado.

Julie Ahrens es maestra de jardín de infancia en la Twin Peaks Classical Academy, autorizada por el distrito escolar St. Vrain Valley, y lleva seis años dedicada a la enseñanza. Le apasiona crear un ambiente positivo, seguro y estimulante en el aula para los niños pequeños. El año pasado ganó el premio a la Maestra del Año de la Twin Peaks Classical Academy. Tiene una maestría en educación primaria de la Universidad del Norte de Colorado.

Artemio Baltazar

Artemio Baltazar teaches first grade at Grand Valley Center for Family Learning in Garfield County School District 16 and has been an educator for more than 11 years. He is a Colorado Mountain College Education Mentor and holds a position on his district's Superintendent Accountability Committee. In 2019, he won the Garfield 16 Teacher of the Year award and is currently in the top five of the 2025 Post Independent Locals' Choice Awards Teacher of the Year. He holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education theory from Colorado Christian University.

Artemio Baltazar es maestro de primer grado en el Grand Valley Center for Family Learning del Distrito Escolar 16 del condado de Garfield y lleva más de 11 años dedicado a la educación. Es mentor educativo del Colorado Mountain College y ocupa un puesto en el Comité de Responsabilidad del Superintendente de su distrito. En 2019, ganó el premio al Maestro del Año de Garfield 16 y actualmente se encuentra entre los cinco primeros del premio al Maestro del Año de los Local Choice Awards 2025. Tiene una licenciatura en teoría de la educación primaria de la Universidad Cristiana de Colorado.

Sarah Bayer

Sarah Bayer is a science teacher and concurrent enrollment instructor at Polaris Expeditionary Learning School in Poudre School District. She believes that the best part of teaching is helping students become problem solvers in the world. She holds a bachelor's degree in environmental biology from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, a master's degree in instruction from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, and is currently working to get her graduate certificate in science education from Montana State University.

Sarah Bayer es maestra de ciencias e Instructora de Matrícula Concurrente en Polaris Expeditionary Learning School en el Distrito Escolar de Poudre. Ella cree que la mejor parte de la enseñanza es ayudar a los estudiantes a convertirse en solucionadores de problemas en el mundo. Tiene una maestría en instrucción de Saint Mary 's University of Minnesota y actualmente está trabajando para obtener su certificado de posgrado en educación científica de Montana State University.

Jessica Bell

Jessica Bell is a seventh grade literacy teacher at Denver Green School Northfield in Denver Public Schools and has been an educator for five years. Prior to teaching, she worked as a paraprofessional for eight years and a substitute teacher for another eight. She aims to be that person in every child's life who believes in them. She holds a bachelor's degree in general studies from Columbia College and a master's degree in education from Regis University.

Jessica Bell es maestra de alfabetización de séptimo grado en la Denver Green School Northfield de las Escuelas Públicas de Denver y lleva cinco años dedicada a la educación. Antes de dedicarse a la enseñanza, trabajó como asistente docente durante ocho años y como maestra sustituta durante otros ocho. Su objetivo es ser esa persona en la vida de cada niño que cree en ellos. Tiene una maestría en Educación de la Regis University.

Kevin Brown

Kevin Brown teaches second grade at Red Rocks Elementary School in Jeffco Public Schools and has been an educator for 28 years. He is the principal designee and the Organization Leadership Team Leader at his school. His teaching philosophy centers around creating an environment that makes students feel valued, empowered, and loved. He holds a bachelor's degree in education from Northern Illinois University.

Kevin Brown es maestro de segundo grado en la escuela primaria Red Rocks, perteneciente al distrito escolar público de Jeffco, y lleva 28 años dedicado a la educación. Es director designado y jefe del equipo de liderazgo organizativo de su escuela. Su filosofía docente se centra en crear un entorno en el que los alumnos se sientan valorados, empoderados y queridos. Es licenciado en Educación por la Universidad del Norte de Illinois.

Liz Fitzgerald

Liz Fitzgerald teaches first grade at Mesa View Elementary School in Mesa County Valley School District and has been an educator for 17 years. Some of her honors include FIRST Inspire the Future Honoree and Outstanding Coach Award from National FIRST Lego League. She wants to create a safe place for students like her teachers did for her. She holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Kansas Wesleyan University and a master's degree in elementary education from Baker University.

Liz Fitzgerald es maestra de primer grado en la escuela primaria Mesa View, en el distrito escolar Mesa County Valley, y lleva 17 años dedicada a la educación. Entre los reconocimientos que ha recibido se encuentran el FIRST Inspire the Future Honoree y el Outstanding Coach Award de la FIRST Lego League. Quiere crear un lugar seguro para los estudiantes, tal y como hicieron sus maestros con ella. Tiene una maestría en educación primaria de la Universidad Baker.

Emily Gaytan

Emily Gaytan is a first grade teacher at Centennial Elementary School in Harrison School District 2 and has been an educator for eight years. Prior to teaching, she was a military police officer in the United States Army. She believes that teaching requires a relentless belief in students and their potential. She holds a bachelor's in inclusive early childhood education from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and is currently working on her master's in educational leadership with principal licensure from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.

Emily Gaytan es maestra de primer grado en la Escuela Primaria Centennial, en el Distrito Escolar 2 de Harrison, y lleva ocho años dedicada a la educación. Antes de dedicarse a la enseñanza, fue oficial de la policía militar del Ejército de los Estados Unidos. Cree que la enseñanza requiere una fe inquebrantable en los estudiantes y en su potencial. Tiene una licenciatura en Educación Inclusiva para la Primera Infancia de la Universidad de Colorado en Colorado Springs y actualmente está cursando una maestría en Liderazgo Educativo con licencia de directora en la Universidad de Colorado en Colorado Springs.

Mindy Green

Malynda (Mindy) Green

Malynda (Mindy) Green teaches math, social studies, and STEAM to third to sixth grade students at Revere School in Revere School District and has been an educator for 25 years. She is the coordinator for gifted and talented education and an AI fellow for Northeast BOCES. The moments of delight and understanding from the students fuel her love of teaching. She holds a bachelor's degree in English with an emphasis in elementary education and a master's degree in mathematics education from Western Governors University

Malynda (Mindy) Green enseña matemáticas, estudios sociales y STEAM a alumnos de tercero a sexto grado en la escuela Revere School, en el distrito escolar Revere, y lleva 25 años dedicada a la educación. Es coordinadora de educación para alumnos superdotados y con talento y miembro de AI para Northeast BOCES. Los momentos de alegría y comprensión de los alumnos alimentan su amor por la enseñanza. Tiene un máster en Educación Matemática por la Western Governors University.

Elisamaria Heredia

Elisamaria Heredia teaches multilingual learners at Alamosa Elementary School 3-5 in Alamosa School District and has been an educator for 24 years. She is also the K-12 multilingual learning coordinator for Alamosa School District and an adjunct professor in the School of Education at Adams State University. When she meets college students that used to be her English learners in elementary school, she says it fills her with pride and inspiration knowing how far they have come. She holds a bachelor's and master's degree in education from Adams State University.

Elisamaria Heredia enseña inglés a estudiantes multilingües en la escuela primaria Alamosa Elementary School 3-5, en el distrito escolar de Alamosa, y lleva 24 años dedicada a la educación. Es coordinadora de inglés como segunda lengua (K-12) en el distrito escolar de Alamosa y profesora adjunta en la Facultad de Educación de la Universidad Estatal Adams. Cuando se encuentra con estudiantes universitarios que fueron alumnos suyos en primaria, se llena de orgullo e inspiración al ver lo lejos que han llegado. Tiene un máster en Educación por la Universidad Estatal Adams.

Brittany Isom

Brittney Isom

Brittney Isom is a fifth grade teacher at Genoa-Hugo School in Genoa-Hugo School District and has been an educator for five years. In addition to teaching, she is the head high school track and field coach and sits on the Safety Committee. Her biggest inspiration is to be the teacher she wishes she had when she was growing up. She holds a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies from Chadron State College.

Brittney Isom es maestra de quinto grado en la escuela Genoa-Hugo y ha sido educadora durante cinco años. Además de enseñar, es entrenadora principal de atletismo de la escuela secundaria y forma parte del Comité de Seguridad. Su mayor inspiración es ser la maestra que le hubiera gustado tener cuando era niña. Tiene una licenciatura en estudios interdisciplinarios de Chadron State College.

Teri Kopack

Teri Kopack is an English teacher at Durango High School in Durango School District and has been an educator for 21 years. Currently, she is the English department chair and also Instructional Leadership Team participant. Her drive comes from the belief in the power of education to forge paths for all students. She holds a bachelor's degree in art education and a master's degree in linguistically and culturally diverse learners from Adams State University.

Teri Kopack es maestra de inglés en la escuela preparatoria Durango High School, en el distrito escolar de Durango, y lleva 21 años dedicada a la educación. Actualmente es jefa del departamento de inglés y también participa en el equipo de liderazgo educativo. Su motivación proviene de su creencia en el poder de la educación para abrir caminos a todos los estudiantes. Tiene una maestría en estudiantes con diversidad lingüística y cultural de la Universidad Estatal Adams.

Stephanie LaCount

Stephanie LaCount is an English language arts teacher at Grand Junction High School at Mesa County Valley School District and has been an educator for 19 years. She has won previous awards such as the City of Fruita Teacher Appreciation Award (2020) and the KREX Golden Apple Award (2018). One of her goals as a teacher is to give students the power of self-acceptance. She holds a bachelor's degree in secondary education from Mesa State College and a master's degree in science education from Walden University.

Stephanie LaCount es maestra de Lengua Inglesa en la escuela secundaria Grand Junction High School del distrito escolar Mesa County Valley y lleva 19 años dedicada a la enseñanza. Ha ganado premios como el City of Fruita Teacher Appreciation Award (2020) y el KREX Golden Apple Award (2018). Uno de sus objetivos como maestra es enseñar a los estudiantes a aceptarse a sí mismos. Tiene un máster en Educación Científica por la Universidad Walden.

Julie Milam

Julie Milam is a science teacher at Canon City High School in Canon City School District and has been an educator for 17 years. Currently, she is the department chair, new teacher mentor, and Link Crew coordinator at her school. She is fueled by the immense privilege it is to spend time with her students. She holds bachelor's degrees in Chemistry and Biology from Colorado State University Pueblo and master's degrees in Chemistry Education and Physics Education from Western Governors University.

Julie Milam es maestra de ciencias en la escuela preparatoria Canon City High School, en el distrito escolar de Canon City, y lleva 17 años dedicada a la enseñanza. Actualmente es jefa de departamento, mentora de nuevos maestros y coordinadora del programa Link Crew en su escuela. Le motiva enormemente el privilegio que supone pasar tiempo con sus alumnos. Tiene un máster en Educación Química y Física por la Western Governors University.

Julie Naski Roman

Julie Naski Roman teaches literacy, mathematics, and special education at Carson Elementary School in Denver Public Schools and has been an educator for 30 years. She has taught Multilingual Language Education (MLE) courses for teachers to support multilingual learners and previously worked as an adjunct professor at the University of Denver. Her objective is to provide all students with the skill sets necessary to perform at their highest potential. She holds a bachelor's degree in science of education from University of Detroit Mercy and a master's degree in special education from the University of Colorado.

Julie Naski Roman enseña alfabetización, matemáticas y educación especial en la escuela primaria Carson, perteneciente a las escuelas públicas de Denver, y lleva 30 años dedicada a la educación. Ha impartido cursos de MLE para maestros con el fin de apoyar a los alumnos multilingües y anteriormente trabajó como profesora adjunta en la Universidad de Denver. Su objetivo es proporcionar a todos los alumnos las habilidades necesarias para rendir al máximo de su potencial. Tiene un máster en educación especial por la Universidad de Colorado.

Stephen Paulson

Stephen Paulson is a social studies and AVID teacher at Greeley Central High School in Greeley Evans School District 6 and has been an educator for 14 years. Previously, he has won Greeley Central Teacher of the Year (2024) and Greeley Evans School District Teacher of the Year (2021) awards. His mission is to empower first-generation students to achieve educational and financial advancement. He holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from University of Northern Colorado and a master's degree in educational leadership from Colorado State University.

Stephen Paulson es maestro de estudios sociales y AVID en la Greeley Central High School del distrito escolar 6 de Greeley Evans y lleva 14 años dedicado a la educación. Anteriormente, ganó el premio al Maestro del Año de Greeley Central (2024) y al Maestro del Año del distrito escolar de Greeley Evans (2021). Su misión es empoderar a los estudiantes de primera generación para que alcancen el progreso educativo y financiero. Tiene una maestría en liderazgo educativo de la Colorado State University.

Tyler David Philipsen

Tyler David Philipsen is an English and video production teacher at Coronado High School in Colorado Springs District 11 and has been an educator for 15 years. He manages the weekly school broadcast, KUGR-TV, and serves as the adviser for the Coronado Colorado Student Media Association. He holds a bachelor's degree in English education from University of Northern Iowa and a master's degree in English with a specialization in writing and rhetoric from Bowling Green University.

Tyler David Philipsen es maestro de inglés y producción de vídeo en la Coronado High School del Distrito 11 de Colorado Springs y lleva 15 años dedicado a la enseñanza. Dirige el programa semanal de la escuela, KUGR-TV, y es asesor de la Asociación de Medios de Comunicación Estudiantiles de Coronado Colorado. Tiene un máster en inglés con especialización en escritura y retórica por la Universidad de Bowling Green.

Gayathri Ramkumar

Gayathri Ramkumar is a math teacher at Aurora Central High School in Aurora Public Schools. In addition to teaching, she is a private tutor for students of all ages and guides first-generation students through the complexities of applying for college. She aims to develop innovative curricula to cultivate a lifelong love of learning in her students. She holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Coimbatore Institute of Technology and a master's in teaching from Wichita State University..

Gayathri Ramkumar es maestra de matemáticas en la Aurora Central High School de las Escuelas Públicas de Aurora. Además de enseñar, es tutora privada de estudiantes de todas las edades y orienta a los estudiantes de primera generación a través de las complejidades de la solicitud de ingreso a la universidad. Su objetivo es desarrollar planes de estudio innovadores para cultivar en sus estudiantes el amor por el aprendizaje durante toda la vida. Tiene una maestría en enseñanza de la Wichita State University.

Diana Remick

Diana Remick is a science and gifted and talented teacher at La Junta Primary School in East Otero School District and has been an educator for 29 years. She has won numerous awards including Koelbel Enterprising Teacher of the Year, Who's Who Among America's Teachers, and National Honor Roll's Outstanding Teachers. She holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in reading from Adams State College.

Diana Remick es maestra de ciencias y de alumnos superdotados y talentosos en la escuela primaria La Junta, en el distrito escolar East Otero, y lleva 29 años dedicada a la educación. Ha ganado numerosos premios, entre ellos el People's Choice Teacher Winner, Who' s Who Among America's Teachers y National Honor Roll's Outstanding Teachers. Tiene una maestría en lectura de Adams State College.

Sabra Sowell-Lovejoy

Sabra Sowell-Lovejoy teaches social studies at Campo Undivided High School in Campo RE-6. She works on teaching beyond traditional classroom boundaries by supporting students' entrepreneurship initiatives and business plans. Some of her accolades include Project Citizenship Colorado State Winner and the Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB) Student Achievement Award for Food Production Pathways. She holds a bachelor's in painting/drawing and a master's in sculpture from the University of New Mexico.

Sabra Sowell-Lovejoy enseña estudios sociales en la Campo Undivided High School de Campo RE-6. Trabaja en la enseñanza más allá de los límites tradicionales del aula, apoyando las iniciativas empresariales y los planes de negocio de los alumnos. Entre sus galardones se encuentran el Project Citizenship Colorado State Winner y el CASB Student Achievement Award for Food Production Pathways. Tiene un máster en escultura por la Universidad de Nuevo México.

Elizabeth Rose Tarbutton

Elizabeth Rose Tarbutton is a math teacher at Peak to Peak Charter School (authorized by Boulder Valley School District) and has been an educator for 16 years. Previously, she has won the Colorado Excellence in Teacher Award from the University of Colorado Boulder. She holds a bachelor's degree in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology from the University of Colorado Boulder and a master's degree in cell and developmental biology from the University of Colorado Health Science Center.

Elizabeth Rose Tarbutton es maestra de matemáticas en la Peak to Peak Charter School, autorizada por el Distrito Escolar del Valle de Boulder, y lleva 16 años dedicada a la educación. Anteriormente, ganó el Premio TRAP de la Fundación Boettcher y el Premio a la Excelencia Docente de Colorado de la Universidad de Colorado en Boulder. Tiene una maestría en Biología Celular y del Desarrollo del Centro de Ciencias de la Salud de la Universidad de Colorado.

Kendall Van Valkenburg

Kendall Van Valkenburg is an English teacher from Red Canyon High School in Eagle County School District and has been an educator for 12 years. One of her notable achievements is initiating the Sk8 Gypsum class which built a new skate park in the community and was featured on a national broadcast on PBS. She holds a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Colorado Boulder and a master's degree in education psychology from the University of Northern Colorado.

Kendall Van Valkenburg es maestra de inglés en la escuela preparatoria Red Canyon High School del distrito escolar del condado de Eagle y lleva 12 años dedicada a la enseñanza. Uno de sus logros más destacados es la puesta en marcha de la clase Sk8 Gypsum, que construyó un nuevo parque de patinaje en la comunidad y apareció en un programa nacional de la cadena PBS. Tiene una maestría en psicología de la educación de la Universidad del Norte de Colorado.

León Vásquez

León Vásquez teaches seventh grade science at Drake Middle School in Jeffco Public Schools and has been an educator for 36 years. He has more than 25 years of experience with Outdoor Lab School and has been the track and cross-country coach for Drake. He aims to help students develop confidence and strategies to better navigate through their struggles. He holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Northern Colorado and a master's in curriculum/instruction from the University of Colorado at Denver.

León Vásquez es maestro de ciencias de séptimo grado en la Escuela Secundaria Drake de las Escuelas Públicas de Jeffco y lleva 36 años dedicado a la educación. Cuenta con más de 25 años de experiencia en la Escuela de Laboratorio al Aire Libre y ha sido entrenador de atletismo y campo a través en Drake. Su objetivo es ayudar a los estudiantes a desarrollar la confianza y las estrategias necesarias para superar mejor sus dificultades. Tiene una maestría en Currículo/Instrucción de la Universidad de Colorado en Denver.

2025 Colorado Teacher of the Year, Janet Damon

Photo of Janet Damon getting the word that she is 2025 Colorado Teacher of the Year

Janet Damon and FamilyJanet Damon and Family

About Janet Damon

Janet Damon, a history teacher at DELTA High School in Denver Public Schools, was announced as the 2025 Colorado Teacher of the Year in a ceremony at her school on Oct. 3, 2024. Damon, a graduate of DPS, has been teaching in the district for more than 25 years, serving as a teacher, literacy interventionist, library specialist and trainer, and K-12 librarian. Damon will be Colorado’s National Teacher of the Year competition nominee.

About Colorado's Teacher of the Year Program

Honoring and Elevating Teachers

Each year, the Colorado Teacher of the Year Program honors an exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled K-12 classroom teacher to represent the entire profession in the state. The selected teacher will automatically become Colorado's nominee for the National Teacher of the Year competition, a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers

The Colorado Teacher of the Year receives many professional development opportunities and, along with the country's other teachers of the year, is honored at a special ceremony at the White House and gets the opportunity to go to NASA's Space Camp. The teacher also becomes a member of the Colorado Education Commissioner's Teacher Cabinet.

Preserving and Enhancing Teacher of the Year Programs

The Colorado Council of the Network of State Teachers of the Year (NSTOY) is an organization committed to the preservation and enhancement of the Colorado Teacher of the Year Program. The Council works with the Colorado Department of Education and other corporate and organizational partners to celebrate teaching excellence through the recognition of educators who have inspired a love for learning in their students, and who have distinguished themselves in the profession.

All Colorado State Teachers of the Year, as well as each year's finalists, are invited to participate.

Learn more on the Colorado Council's website