Colorado Department of Education Announces 2026 Teacher of the Year Finalists

Colorado's talented educators were recognized, with Liz Fitzgerald of Mesa View Elementary being one of eight finalists for the 2026 Teacher of the Year award. The announcement was made by a surprise team of educators and grantmakers, including Sherri Wright of the Colorado State Board of Education, who praised the finalists for their dedication to their students and communities. This year's pool of applicants saw a significant increase from last year, with 419 applicants from 109 districts submitting their candidacies.

Key Takeaways:

• Eight finalists were selected from 22 semifinalists announced in June 2025, representing the best of Colorado's teaching profession.
• The number of applicants increased by 375% from the previous year, totaling 419 candidates from 109 districts.
• The eight finalists include Liz Fitzgerald, a first-grade teacher at Mesa View Elementary, who was the seventh of eight finalists announced in the past week.
• Each finalist received a $1,500 grant from the Colorado Department of Education and the Boettcher Foundation.
• Each finalist's school received a $500 grant from the Boettcher Foundation.
• The 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year winner will be announced in October.
• Local and statewide organizations, such as the Colorado Department of Education and the Boettcher Foundation, played a crucial role in recognizing and supporting the finalists' achievements.

Statistics:

• 419: The total number of applicants from 109 districts, representing a 375% increase from the previous year.
• 8: The number of finalists selected to move forward in the competition.
• 22: The number of semifinalists announced in June 2025.
• 1,500: The amount each finalist received from the Colorado Department of Education and the Boettcher Foundation.
• 500: The amount each finalist's school received from the Boettcher Foundation.

Sources:

• Colorado Department of Education News Release, no date.