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Cortez Today
By the People, for the People
Eight Cortez teachers nominated for 2027 Colorado Teacher of the Year
The Montezuma-Cortez School District announced the nominees, including three from Kemper Elementary.
Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:49pm
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A vibrant celebration of the exceptional educators in Colorado's Montezuma-Cortez School District, whose nominations for the prestigious Teacher of the Year award reflect their commitment to their students and communities.Cortez TodayThe Montezuma-Cortez School District announced that eight teachers have been nominated for the 2027 Colorado Teacher of the Year award, including three from Kemper Elementary. The nominees were selected from nominations that opened in February and closed on March 20.
Why it matters
The Colorado Teacher of the Year program recognizes and celebrates outstanding educators who make significant contributions to their students, schools, and communities. Being nominated is a prestigious honor that can raise the profile of these teachers and their schools.
The details
The eight nominees are Christina Gray, Teresa Kraus and Melody McNeill of Kemper Elementary; Gladys Lovette Manzano of Mesa Elementary; Lissa Lycan and Robby Moy of Cortez Middle School; Mary Veach-Birdsall of Beech Street Preschool; and Jarrett Watkins of Montezuma-Cortez High School. The nominees must now apply for the honor, with semifinalists announced on May 22, finalists in September, and the winner later in the fall.
- Nominations opened in February 2026.
- Nominations closed on March 20, 2026.
- Applications for the award are due by April 13, 2026.
- Semifinalists will be announced on May 22, 2026.
- Finalists will be announced in September 2026.
The players
Christina Gray
A teacher at Kemper Elementary in the Montezuma-Cortez School District.
Teresa Kraus
A teacher at Kemper Elementary in the Montezuma-Cortez School District.
Melody McNeill
A teacher at Kemper Elementary in the Montezuma-Cortez School District.
Gladys Lovette Manzano
A teacher at Mesa Elementary in the Montezuma-Cortez School District.
Lissa Lycan
A teacher at Cortez Middle School in the Montezuma-Cortez School District.
Robby Moy
A teacher at Cortez Middle School in the Montezuma-Cortez School District.
Mary Veach-Birdsall
A teacher at Beech Street Preschool in the Montezuma-Cortez School District.
Jarrett Watkins
A teacher at Montezuma-Cortez High School in the Montezuma-Cortez School District.
What’s next
The selected nominees must apply for the Colorado Teacher of the Year honor by April 13, 2026. Semifinalists will be announced on May 22, 2026, and finalists will be announced in September 2026, with the winner to be named later in the fall.
The takeaway
The nomination of eight Cortez teachers for the prestigious Colorado Teacher of the Year award highlights the exceptional educators in the Montezuma-Cortez School District who are making a positive impact on their students and communities.
