Colorado Seeks Nominations for Next Teacher of the Year

Deadline to nominate an educator for the 2027 award is March 20.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The Colorado Department of Education is accepting nominations for the 2027 state Teacher of the Year. The deadline to submit a nomination is March 20, 2026. Semifinalists will be selected in August, finalists in September, and the 2027 Teacher of the Year will be announced in October at a ceremony in their school.

Why it matters

The Colorado Teacher of the Year program honors exceptional educators who demonstrate excellence in the classroom and leadership in their communities. Winning this award can bring important recognition and opportunities for the selected teacher.

The details

Anyone can submit a nomination for the 2027 Colorado Teacher of the Year through the state Department of Education's website. The nomination process involves providing information about the educator's teaching experience, achievements, and impact on students. A panel will review the nominations and select semifinalists, finalists, and ultimately the 2027 honoree.

  • The nomination deadline is March 20, 2026.
  • Semifinalists will be selected in August 2026.
  • Finalists will be announced in September 2026.
  • The 2027 Colorado Teacher of the Year will be selected in October 2026 at a ceremony in the winner's school.

The players

Janet Dimon

The 2025 Colorado Teacher of the Year, who was also a finalist for the National Teacher of the Year award.

Colorado Department of Education

The state agency that oversees the Teacher of the Year program and is accepting nominations for the 2027 award.

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What they’re saying

“The Colorado Teacher of the Year program honors exceptional educators who demonstrate excellence in the classroom and leadership in their communities.”

— Janet Dimon, 2025 Colorado Teacher of the Year (CBS Colorado)

What’s next

The Colorado Department of Education will review all nominations and select semifinalists in August 2026, finalists in September 2026, and announce the 2027 Colorado Teacher of the Year in October 2026 at a ceremony in the winner's school.

The takeaway

Nominating an outstanding educator for the Colorado Teacher of the Year award is a great way to recognize their hard work and dedication, and to celebrate the important role teachers play in their communities.