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 Colorado. The Colorado Teacher of the Year will automatically become Colorado’s nominee for the National Teacher of the Year competition. The National Teacher of the Year Program is a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers in partnership with Voya Financial and People to People Ambassador Programs.
Colorado Teacher of the Year Application
The application for the 2018 Colorado Teacher of the Year is available at the link below. Application materials are due on Thursday, June 1, 2017.
- 2019 Colorado Teacher of the Year will be released spring of 2018.
Nominations
- Nominations are now closed for the 2018 competition. The nomination window will reopen soon for the 2019 award.
Nominees will be contacted by the Competitive Grants and Awards Office and encouraged to apply. Nominator information is not shared.
Sean Wybrant, 2017 Colorado Teacher of the Year
Sean Wybrant can be reached at:
William J. Palmer High School
Colorado Springs District 11
301 N. Nevada Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 328-5174 | swybrantcotoy2017@gmail.com
Sean Wybrant, a Career and Technical Education teacher at William J. Palmer High School, in Colorado Springs District 11, was named the 2017 Colorado Teacher of the Year by Interim Education Commissioner Katy Anthes at an assembly on October 11, 2016.
Wybrant was selected for numerous reason, including his respect and admiration of colleagues. He is an expert in his field who guides students of all backgrounds and abilities to achieve excellence. He collaborates with colleagues, students, and families to create a school culture of respect and success. In addition, he demonstrates leadership and innovation in and outside of the classroom walls, embodies lifelong learning, and expresses himself in an engaging and articulate way.
Wybrant has taught At William J. Palmer High School for the past four years and has been in the profession for 11 years. He engages students in meaningful projects and encourages exploration of a variety of topics, bringing learning to life for students. He says he became a teacher to change the world.
As the 2017 Teacher of the Year, Wybrant will participate in many professional development opportunities through the National Teacher of the Year program and will even get to attend a ceremony at the White House and go to Space Camp for a week.
Adams State College, University of Northern Colorado, and Colorado Education Association provided sponsorship for the award. In addition, Vectra Bank, Rutledge’s, Colorado Springs Regional Business Alliance, and the Colorado Springs Downtown Partnership participated as local sponsors.
Teacher of the Year Archives
Recent Teachers of the Year
View the 2017 Colorado Teacher of the Year Finalists
- Leticia Ingram, 2016 Colorado Teacher of the Year
- Kathy Thirkell, 2015 Colorado Teacher of the Year
- Elizabeth Miner, 2014 Colorado Teacher of the Year
- Amanda Westenberg, 2013 Colorado Teacher of the Year
- Kristin Donley, 2012 Colorado Teacher of the Year
- Michele Pearson, 2011 Colorado Teacher of the Year
- Justin Darnell, 2010 Colorado Teacher of the Year
- Susan Elliott, 2009 Colorado Teacher of the Year
- Seth Berg, 2008 Colorado Teacher of the Year
- Susan Ryder, 2007 Colorado Teacher of the Year
Veteran Teachers of the Year
Colorado Council of the Network of State Teachers of the Year
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 State 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. For more information for upcoming meetings, as well as how to join, please visit the Colorado Council's website.
Contact Us
For more information on this program, please contact:
Lynn Bamberry
Colorado Teacher of the Year Program
Colorado Department of Education
1560 Broadway, Suite 1100
Denver, CO 80202-5149
Bamberry_L@cde.state.co.us | 303-866-6813
