Nominations for Colorado’s 2027 teacher of the year award are now open.
The award, presented by the Colorado Department of Education, goes to one K-12 teacher each year who is “exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled,” according to the CDE. The winning teacher represents the teaching profession for the state and is automatically selected as Colorado’s nominee for the Council of Chief State School Officers’ National Teacher of the Year competition.
Students, family, community members and fellow teachers are invited to nominate exceptional educators teaching in state‑accredited K‑12 public schools who plan to continue teaching through the 2027-28 school year. Multiple teachers can be nominated by one person.
The nomination period will close March 20, semifinalists will be selected May 22, and finalists will be chosen in September. The statewide award winner will be announced in the fall.
Nominations and more information
For more information and to fill out a nomination survey for an exceptional teacher, visit www.ed.cde.state.co.us/cdeawards/teacheroftheyear#aboutteacheroftheyear
Award recipients receive a range of professional development opportunities, are inducted into the Colorado Education Commissioner’s Teacher Cabinet, are honored alongside teachers of the year from other states at an awards ceremony at the White House and are given the opportunity to go to NASA's Space Camp, according to the CDE.
The state’s teacher of the year program is sponsored by nonprofit the Boettcher Foundation and supported through partnerships with Adams State University, Blue Bell Ice Cream and the Colorado Education Association.
Greeley Central High School social studies and AVID teacher and 2026 award recipient Stephen Paulson was given $5,000 from the Boettcher Foundation, a student scholarship and continuing education credit from Adams State University and $5,000 of CDE funding to support teacher of the year activities and events through the 2026 calendar year.
“Colorado’s teachers make an extraordinary difference in classrooms and communities every day,” said Education Commissioner Susana Córdova in a release on the nominations. “Building on last year’s strong engagement, we are excited to open nominations and invite Coloradans to recognize the educators making a difference across our state.”
epond@durangoherald.com
