Greeley Central High School's Stephen Paulson named 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year

Stephen Paulson, a social studies teacher at Greeley Central High School, was named the 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year in a surprise assembly at the school today. This is the first time that an educator in Greeley-Evans School District has been selected as the Colorado Teacher of the Year.

“I love this school. I love our colors. I love all of you,” Paulson told the packed gymnasium at Greeley Central Thursday morning. Students erupted into a chant of “We love Paulson,” to honor their teacher.

Colorado State Board of Education Chair Rebecca McClellan (CD6), Vice Chair Yazmin Navarro
(CD8), Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Córdova, Greeley-Evans School District 6
Superintendent Deirdre Pilch, and Boettcher Foundation Vice President of Grants and Awards Tiffany Anderson presented the award to Paulson in a ceremony that was attended by students, teachers and staff at Greeley Central.

“The Teacher of the Year award celebrates all Colorado educators who devote themselves to helping students learn and thrive,” McClellan said. “Stephen 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 Stephen and thanks all of our teachers for their extraordinary service.”

“Stephen brings heart and purpose to his classroom every day,” said Commissioner Cordova. “His dedication 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.”

Paulson is a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado and has his master’s degree in
educational leadership from Colorado State University. He has been teaching at Greeley-Evans for
15 years. 

“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,” said Dr. Pilch. “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.”

In September, representatives from CDE and the Boettcher Foundation visited Paulson’s classroom to announce that he was one of the state’s eight Teacher of the Year finalists. That surprise announcement included $1,500 from CDE and the Boettcher Foundation, and Greeley Central High School received $500 from the Boettcher Foundation.

As Colorado’s 2026 Teacher of the Year, Paulson will also receive:

• A gift of $5,000 from the Boettcher Foundation;
• Funding from CDE totaling $5,000 to support Teacher of the Year events and activities through 2026; and
• Continuing education credit and a student scholarship from Adams State University.

Following today’s announcement, Greeley Central High students and staff also enjoyed ice cream
provided by Blue Bell Ice Cream. 

 

As Colorado’s 2026 Teacher of the Year, Paulson also becomes the state’s candidate for the Council of Chief State School Officers’ National Teacher of the Year Award and will participate in a week of national program activities in Washington, D.C., and a trip to NASA’s Space Camp. His term as Colorado Teacher of the Year begins in January 2026.

In a letter submitted on Paulson’s behalf, student Rodrigo Garcia said: “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.”

From a record 419 applicants representing 109 districts, 22 semifinalists were announced in June.
From that group, eight finalists were selected this year — marking a 375 percent increase in applications from the previous year.

The Colorado Teacher of the Year program is sponsored by the Boettcher Foundation and supported by program partners the Colorado Education Association, Adams State University and Blue Bell Ice Cream.