Julie Milam from Cañon City School District and Emily Gaytan from Harrison School District 2 have been named as finalists for the 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year award. The announcement took place during surprise visits at their respective schools, with education officials and representatives from the Boettcher Foundation present.
In Cañon City, State Board of Education member Karla Esser, Commissioner Susana Córdova, Curtis Esquibel and Jackie Yelton from the Boettcher Foundation, Superintendent Adam Hartman, and local board members surprised Julie Milam at Cañon City High School. In Colorado Springs, State Board Chair Rebecca McClellan, Harrison School District 2 Superintendent Wendy Birhanzel, Esquibel from the Boettcher Foundation, Commissioner Córdova, former Teacher of the Year Christina Randle, and district board members announced Emily Gaytan’s selection at Centennial Elementary School.
Each finalist received $1,500 from the Colorado Department of Education and the Boettcher Foundation. Their schools were awarded $500 each by 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.”
This year saw a record number of candidates for the honor. Out of 419 applicants representing 109 districts—a 375% increase over last year—22 semifinalists were selected in June. Eight finalists are being named over several weeks; Milam and Gaytan are fifth and sixth on this list. The winner will be announced in October.
The Teacher of the Year 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 recipient will represent Colorado as a candidate for National Teacher of the Year and serve as an ambassador to communities statewide and nationally.
The Colorado Department of Education works to improve student outcomes across all its school districts by providing guidance and resources aimed at creating equitable educational environments for students and staff throughout Colorado.
