DENVER (KDVR) — A social studies and AVID teacher at a Weld County school district has been named the 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year.
During a surprise visit, the Colorado Department of Education said on Thursday its representatives presented the award to Stephen Paulson at Greeley Central High School. More than 100 students, teachers and staff at the high school attended the ceremony.
“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,” said Colorado State Board of Education Chair Rebecca McClellan in a press release.
Stephen Paulson from Greeley Central High School was awarded the 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year. (Credit: Joshua Polson of Greeley-Evans School District 6) 
Stephen Paulson from Greeley Central High School was awarded the 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year. (Credit: Joshua Polson of Greeley-Evans School District 6) 
Stephen Paulson from Greeley Central High School was awarded the 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year. (Credit: Joshua Polson of Greeley-Evans School District 6)
Paulson is the first-ever Colorado Teacher of the Year in the Greeley-Evans School District 6, where he has been teaching for 15 years.
According to CDE, Paulson has led the school’s AVID program and created the Career Mentor Project, which pairs sophomores with local professionals for workplace opportunities. He also launched “Castle Clean Up,” a volunteer effort where students not only clean the historic school building but also mentor younger students.
“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,” said Boettcher Foundation Vice President of Grants and Awards Tiffany Anderson.
The Colorado Teacher of the Year received a record 419 applications from 109 districts, according to CDE. Eight teachers were selected to be Teacher of the Year finalists.
Paulson, as Colorado’s 2026 Teacher of the Year, will also receive opportunities and funding, including a student scholarship from Adams State University, $5,000 in funding from CDE to support Teacher of the Year activities and a trip to NASA’s Space Camp.
Paulson’s term as Colorado Teacher of the Year will begin in January 2026, said CDE.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
