Julie Milam from Cañon City School District and Emily Gaytan from Harrison School District 2 have been named as two of the eight finalists for Colorado’s 2026 Teacher of the Year award. The announcements took place during surprise events at their respective schools.
In Cañon City, State Board of Education member Karla Esser joined Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Córdova, Boettcher Foundation representatives Curtis Esquibel and Jackie Yelton, Superintendent Adam Hartman, and local school board members to inform Julie Milam at Cañon City High School that she is a finalist.
In Colorado Springs, State Board Chair Rebecca McClellan, Harrison School District 2 Superintendent Wendy Birhanzel, Boettcher Foundation’s Esquibel, Commissioner Córdova, former Teacher of the Year Christina Randle, and district board members delivered the news to Emily Gaytan at Centennial Elementary School.
Each finalist received $1,500 from the Colorado Department of Education and the Boettcher Foundation. Their schools each received $500 from the Boettcher Foundation.
“These finalists demonstrate the passion and perseverance it takes to make a lasting difference in education,” said Boettcher Vice President of Grants & Programs Tiffany Anderson. “Boettcher is proud to recognize teachers who bring excellence and joy to their work every day.”
The eight finalists were chosen from a pool of 22 semifinalists announced in June 2025. This year saw 419 candidates representing 109 districts—a significant increase compared to previous years.
The fifth and sixth finalists were named this week; all eight will be announced over several weeks. The winner will be revealed in October. The selected Teacher of the Year will represent Colorado as a candidate for National Teacher of the Year and serve as an ambassador for teaching across communities statewide and nationally.
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 Colorado Department of Education states its vision is to create equitable educational environments where students and staff thrive. Its mission includes improving student outcomes and ensuring access to high-quality schools across all 178 school districts in Colorado.
