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This story has been updated with more finalists.
Colorado education officials have announced the eight finalists for Colorado’s 2027 teacher of the year award after winnowing down the 21 semifinalists announced in June.
The finalists include a Summit County humanities teacher, a Denver language arts teacher, a Jeffco construction trades teacher, a Douglas County computer science teacher, a Trinidad middle school language arts teacher, a Pueblo elementary teacher, a Strasburg science teacher, and an Aurora Spanish and world language teacher.
Last week and this week, the Colorado Department of Education surprised the eight finalists with a classroom celebration and gave each of them a $1,000 check from the department and the Boettcher Foundation. Their schools also received $500 from the foundation.
The department received nearly 300 teacher of the year applications from 76 districts this year.
The state will announce the winner in October. They will receive $10,000 from the department and Boettcher Foundation and serve as a Colorado teaching ambassador, whose duties include acting as spokesperson for teachers and participating in education policy discussions. They are also eligible for the National Teacher of the Year program.
Social studies teacher Stephen Paulson was Colorado’s 2026 teacher of the year. He was the first-ever winner from the Greeley-Evans school district.
This year’s finalists are:
Alex Adkisson, math, construction trades, and business teacher, Green Mountain High School, Jeffco Public Schools
“Alex Adkisson embodies what an exceptional educator can be — innovative, student-centered, and committed to creating meaningful opportunities for all to succeed,” said Rob Stein, interim Jeffco superintendent. “Through hands-on and minds-on learning, he helps students find relevance in their education, discover their strengths, and envision a future for themselves that they might not have thought possible.”
Shandra Botello, language arts and AVID, Merrill Middle School, Denver Public Schools
“Shandra Botello represents the very best of Denver Public Schools and what it means to be an educator,” said Denver Superintendent Alex Marrero. “As a language arts and AVID teacher at Merrill Middle School, she doesn’t just teach foundational literacy and critical thinking skills; she builds the habits, confidence, and determination students need to navigate college and future career paths.”
Melissa Corwin, dual language humanities teacher at Summit High School, Summit School District
“Melissa creates the kind of classroom every student deserves, a place where students know they belong, are challenged to think deeply, and are supported to achieve at the highest level,” said Summit Superintendent Tony Byrd. “Her impact reaches far beyond her classroom as she elevates those around her and keeps what is best for students at the center of every conversation.”
Jason Cochrane, science and cybersecurity teacher, Mountain Vista High School, Douglas County School District.
“This well-deserved honor recognizes a phenomenal educator whose curiosity for science and technology empowers students to explore new horizons,” said Erin Kane, Douglas County School District’s superintendent. “We are so fortunate to have such a high-caliber educator as part of the Mountain Vista High School and Douglas County School District family.”
Arjun Sahdev, fifth grade teacher, Minnequa Elementary School, Pueblo School District 60.
“Mr. Sahdev’s selection as a finalist for this honor serves as a testament to his passion for our learners and their success, to his professional expertise, and to his willingness to continue to develop his reflective practice as a teacher,” said Barbara Kimzey, Pueblo 60’s superintendent. “His deep commitment to using his expertise, talents, and creativity to support our young learners inspires not only his students, but also his colleagues, and our entire Pueblo community.”
Jessie Russett, sixth grade English language arts teacher, Trinidad Middle School, Trinidad School District.
“Ms. Russett is a breath of fresh air,” said Olivia Bachicha, Trinidad’s superintendent. “Her dedication to our students and our community is evident in everything that she does. She is a true leader of learning for our students and ESL community.”
Viviana Martínez, Spanish and world language teacher, Vista PEAK Preparatory High School, Aurora Public Schools.
“The true measure of a teacher’s success is in the inclusive culture they create in their classroom and the indelible impact they leave long after a student walks out of their school doors,” said Aurora Superintendent Michael Giles Jr. “Mrs. Martínez is an expert at both and we are honored to call her an Aurora Public Schools teacher.”
Merci Ames, science teacher, Strasburg High School, Strasburg School District 31J.
“Ames is an exceptional educator whose compassion, integrity, and selfless service make every student feel seen, valued, and supported,” said Strasburg Superintendent Kelle Bongard. “She brings warmth, demand, purpose, and unwavering dedication to her classroom and the entire school community, leading through the small, often unseen acts that change lives. Mrs. Ames stands out because she consistently does the right thing, the right way, and gives of herself without expectation, and all for the benefit of her students.”
Jason Gonzales is a reporter covering higher education and the Colorado legislature. Chalkbeat Colorado partners with Open Campus on higher education coverage. Contact Jason at jgonzales@chalkbeat.org.
