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Congratulations to the 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year Semifinalists!

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2025 Teacher of the Year Janet Damon receives flowers upon learning she is a finalist for the National Teacher of the Year.

News Release -- Colorado Department of Education announces 22 semifinalists for 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year
Today, the Colorado Department of Education announced its semifinalists for 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year. The department’s 22 semifinalists represent 22 schools from 17 districts and two charters. This group of semifinalists is the department’s most geographically diverse to date with at least two candidates from every region in Colorado.

Boy gets a free lunch during the summer meals program in Loveland in 2024.

News Release - Free summer meals available for all Colorado youth ages 18 and younger
The Colorado Department of Education today announced that 643 summer meal sites are open statewide to provide meals free of charge to all youth ages 18 and younger. Parents, families, and community members can visit www.kidsfoodfinder.org to find a nearby meal site.

Educators listen and collaborate at recent learning cohort meeting.

News Release -- CDE invites school and district leaders to join 2025-26 learning cohorts
The Colorado Department of Education today announced the launch of registration for its 2025-26 school year professional learning cohorts. These year-long learning cohorts provide opportunities for district leaders, school leaders, and educators from across the state to learn about and share best practices in improving student outcomes on such subjects as chronic absenteeism, helping connect rural leadership and special education support.

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