Representatives from the Colorado Department of Education visited schools in Ovid and Greeley to announce that Mindy Green of Revere School District and Stephen Paulson of Greeley-Evans School District 6 have been named finalists for the 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year award.
In Ovid, Mindy Green was surprised in her classroom at Revere Elementary School by Floyd Pierce, Alumni Engagement Manager for the Boettcher Foundation; Revere Superintendent Sandra Rahe; and Emma Garrett-Nelson, Chief Communications Officer for CDE. In Greeley, State Board of Education Chair Rebecca McClellan (CD6), Vice Chair Yasmin Navarro (CD8), Pierce, and Garrett-Nelson were joined by Greeley-Evans School District 6 Superintendent Deirdre Pilch to announce Stephen Paulson’s selection at Greeley Central High School.
Each finalist received $1,500 from both the Colorado Department of Education and the Boettcher Foundation. Their respective schools were awarded $500 each from the Boettcher Foundation.
“Each of these finalists reflects the dedication and innovation that inspire students to reach their fullest potential,” said Tiffany Anderson, vice president of grants & programs for the Boettcher Foundation. “We are honored to celebrate educators whose impact extends far beyond the classroom and into the future of Colorado.”
The two teachers are among eight statewide finalists for this year’s award. The individual chosen as Colorado Teacher of the Year will represent Colorado as a candidate in the National Teacher of the Year program and serve as an ambassador to communities and organizations across both state and nation.
The program is sponsored by the Boettcher Foundation with support from partners including the Colorado Education Association, Adams State University, and Blue Bell Ice Cream.
The vision statement from CDE highlights its aim to create equitable educational environments across all districts in Colorado by supporting students, staff, families, and school systems throughout its 178 school districts.
