Stephen Paulson, a social studies teacher at Greeley Central High School, has been named the 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year by the Colorado Department of Education. The announcement was made during a surprise assembly attended by over 100 students, teachers, and staff.
Paulson, who has taught at Greeley-Evans School District 6 for 15 years, is the first educator from the district to receive this honor. The award was presented by several education leaders, including Colorado State Board of Education Chair Rebecca McClellan, Vice Chair Yazmin Navarro, State Board Member Kathy Gebhardt, Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Córdova, District 6 Superintendent Deirdre Pilch, and Boettcher Foundation Vice President of Grants and Awards Tiffany Anderson.
“The Teacher of the Year award celebrates all Colorado educators who devote themselves to helping students learn and thrive,” McClellan said. “Mr. Paulson is an example of the dedication we see in classrooms across the state, where teachers inspire possibility and open doors for the next generation. The State Board of Education congratulates Mr. Paulson and thanks all of our teachers for their extraordinary service.”
Córdova stated: “Mr. Paulson brings heart and purpose to his classroom every day. His commitment shows how great teaching can open doors for students and strengthen communities across Colorado. We are proud to honor him as the 2026 Teacher of the Year.”
Superintendent Pilch added: “This is the first-ever Colorado Teacher of the Year for Greeley-Evans School District 6, and the selection team couldn’t have picked a more deserving educator. We are so proud of Stephen and all the educators in District 6 who work so hard every day to serve our students and families. This is an honor for not only Stephen, but for Greeley Central, District 6 and our entire community.”
Tiffany Anderson of the Boettcher Foundation said: “Stephen is the kind of educator who changes the trajectory of students’ lives. His ability to make every student feel seen and capable is extraordinary, and we celebrate the lasting impact he is making across Colorado.”
A letter submitted by student Rodrigo Garcia read: “He pushes us not because he has to, but because he believes and has even more faith in us than we have in ourselves. … Mr. Paulson isn’t only preparing us for the next grade level, but for life. We will forever be grateful for him.”
Paulson is a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado and holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Colorado State University. At Greeley Central, he leads the AVID program and created the Career Mentor Project, which connects students with local professionals for job shadowing and interviews. He also started the “Castle Clean Up” volunteer initiative, fostering a culture of service at the school. Earlier in his career, he contributed to establishing Mexican American Studies at Greeley West High School.
In September, Paulson was named one of eight finalists for the award after being selected from a record 419 applicants representing 109 districts. The number of applications increased by 375% compared to the previous year. As a finalist, he received $1,500 from the Colorado Department of Education and the Boettcher Foundation. Greeley Central High School received $500 from the Boettcher Foundation.
As Colorado’s 2026 Teacher of the Year, Paulson will receive a $5,000 gift from the Boettcher Foundation and $5,000 in funding from the Colorado Department of Education to support related events and activities throughout 2026. He will also receive continuing education credit and a student scholarship from Adams State University.
Paulson will represent Colorado as a candidate for the Council of Chief State School Officers’ National Teacher of the Year Award. He will participate in national program activities in Washington, D.C., and visit NASA’s Space Camp. His term as Colorado Teacher of the Year will begin in January 2026.
The Colorado Teacher of the Year program is sponsored by the Boettcher Foundation and supported by partners including the Colorado Education Association, Adams State University, and Blue Bell Creameries.
For more information about the Colorado Teacher of the Year program, visit the program webpage.
