Liz Fitzgerald, a first-grade teacher at Mesa View Elementary in Grand Junction, has been named one of eight finalists for the 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year award. Fitzgerald was informed of her selection during a surprise visit by several officials, including Sherri Wright from the Colorado State Board of Education, Tiffany Anderson from the Boettcher Foundation, Emma Garrett-Nelson from the Colorado Department of Education, Andrea Haitz, president of the Mesa County Valley School Board, Brian Hill, superintendent of Mesa County Valley School District 51, and Stacey Cohen, principal of Mesa View Elementary.
This year saw a significant increase in interest for the award. A total of 419 teachers applied from 109 districts across Colorado—an increase of 375% compared to last year. From these applicants, 22 semifinalists were announced in June 2025 before being narrowed down to eight finalists.
Fitzgerald is the seventh finalist announced so far; the eighth and final finalist will be revealed next week. The winner for the 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year is scheduled to be announced in October.
Each finalist receives $1,500 from both the Colorado Department of Education and the Boettcher Foundation. Additionally, each finalist’s school receives $500 from the Boettcher Foundation.
“The Teacher of the Year finalists showcase the very best of Colorado’s teaching profession,” said Anderson of the Boettcher Foundation. “We are grateful to help elevate their voices and shine a light on the remarkable role educators play in our communities.”
