Each year, the Colorado Teacher of the Year program recognizes educators who go above and beyond to inspire, uplift, and empower their students. In partnership with the Colorado Department of Education, the Boettcher Foundation sponsors this prestigious award that highlights outstanding teachers across the state. As part of the recognition, finalists also receive a financial award to be used at their school, helping them further enrich their students’ learning experiences.
We had the privilege of interviewing this year’s finalists to get a better sense of their passion for teaching, their deep connections to their communities, and their plans for further impact.
What inspires you to show up vibrantly for your students every day?
Janet Damon, history teacher, DELTA High School (Denver), 2025 CO Teacher of the Year: “It’s an honor to walk alongside my students on their educational journey. Watching them graduate and achieve their goals is one of the greatest blessings of my career.”
Shelley Donnellon, 2nd/3rd grade teacher, Norwood Elementary School (Norwood): “Teaching in my hometown, where my family has lived for generations, makes this work deeply personal. I want my students to see that they matter — to our town, to the world, and to me. When kids feel seen and valued, they grow into confident, capable adults who give back to their communities.”
Amy Okimoto, Connections Coordinator, Summit Elementary School (Aurora): “Teaching is an integral part of who I am. As the Connections Coordinator at Summit Elementary, I make it my mission to ensure every student — kindergarten through fifth grade — feels seen, connected, and loved the moment they walk through our doors.”
Tera Johnson-Swartz, English teacher, STEM School Highlands Ranch (Highlands Ranch): “My students know I don’t expect perfection, but I do expect effort. Every day, I show up with energy and enthusiasm, and I ask them to do the same. Even on hard days, I remind them they are valued, and they inspire me just as much as I hope to inspire them.”
Wanda Vásquez García, music teacher, Escuela Bilingüe Pioneer (Lafayette): “As an immigrant and a bilingual educator, I show up to honor my students’ unique journeys. Music is a catalyst for joy and self-expression, and in my classroom, it’s where students feel the most seen and accomplished.”
Ashley Smith, 6th grade teacher, Summit Middle School (Boulder): “Teaching is a reciprocal profession — we learn from each other every day. Middle schoolers make me laugh, challenge me, and inspire me to show up fully. Being part of something bigger than myself keeps me coming back with enthusiasm.”
Anthony Williams, 5th grade teacher, Wildflower Elementary (Colorado Springs): “The small, personal moments — handshakes, inside jokes, morning check-ins — make this work so fulfilling. Seeing a student’s excitement when they finally grasp a concept reminds me that teaching is about more than academics — it’s about making a lasting impact.”
How do you build meaningful connections with students and their communities?
Janet Damon: “I ask students and their families about their gifts, talents, and dreams. Their answers become the anchor for our journey together, allowing me to nurture their aspirations with intention.”
Shelley Donnellon: “I believe in knowing students as whole people, not just as learners. I attend their games, lead community service projects, and help with local events. These connections extend beyond the classroom walls and create a sense of belonging.”
Amy Okimoto: “Relationships take time and effort. I attend my students’ sporting events, plays, and recitals because showing up matters. When students see that I care about their interests beyond the classroom, it deepens our trust and connection.”
Tera Johnson-Swartz: “I greet every class with, “Make good choices! Do great things!” By the time they’re seniors, I whisper what I really mean: You are loved. And I believe in you. I also stay connected long after they leave my classroom, reinforcing that they matter beyond their grades.”
Wanda Vásquez García: “In my classroom, students have a voice in shaping their learning. Beyond school, I maintain an open-door policy for families, fostering strong partnerships that enrich our cultural and musical experiences.”
Ashley Smith: “Learning my students’ names within the first two days is my priority. I also get to know their families, passions, and interests. Because I’ve lived in Summit County for 21 years, I’m deeply invested in the community and share that connection with my students.”
Anthony Williams: “Daily connection circles create safe spaces for students to express themselves. I also attend their extracurricular activities, showing them that I care about their whole selves, not just their academic performance.”
How do you hope to use the CO Teacher of the Year finalist financial award to benefit your students and school?
Janet Damon: “I’m investing in wellness initiatives for students and staff, including yoga and holistic well-being programs. Teaching is hard work, and fostering sustainability in our profession is crucial.”
Shelley Donnellon: “Our small school has limited resources. I hope to invest in STEM tools, like drones for environmental mapping, and fund community outreach projects that connect students to the world beyond Norwood.”
Amy Okimoto: “I’ve reimagined recess at Summit Elementary by creating a “Creativity Cart” filled with arts and crafts, board games, and a puppet theater. This award allows us to expand student-requested activities that bring joy and inclusivity to playtime.”
Tera Johnson-Swartz: “My students take annual field trips, but financial barriers prevent some from attending. I plan to use the award to create scholarships, ensuring all students can participate, regardless of their financial circumstances.”
Wanda Vásquez García: “This award is helping fund a new piano for our school, a lasting symbol of what we can achieve when we come together. More than that, it’s a reminder to my students that their voices and efforts matter.”
Ashley Smith: “I hope to provide additional learning resources, technology subscriptions, and materials for our newly established student clubs. These funds will create more opportunities for cooperative learning and engagement.”
Anthony Williams: “The financial award will support school clubs and enrichment activities, helping students explore their passions beyond the classroom.”
The Colorado Teacher of the Year finalists exemplify the best of education: passion, dedication, and a relentless belief in their students. Their commitment to building strong, meaningful relationships and investing in their communities is shaping the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers.
That’s the spirit of Boettcher.
