Elisamaria Heredia, a teacher for multilingual learners at Alamosa Elementary School 3-5 in the Alamosa School District, has been named the eighth and final finalist for Colorado’s 2026 Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made during a special ceremony at her school.
The event included Colorado Department of Education Chief Talent Officer Margarita Tovar, Boettcher Foundation Alumni Engagement Manager Floyd Pierce, Adams State University’s Executive Director of Extended Studies Renae Haslett, Alamosa School District Superintendent Diana Jones, Assistant Superintendent Luis Murillo, and Principal Michelle Rubidoux-Wilson.
This year saw a significant increase in interest for the award, with 419 applicants from 109 districts—a 375% rise compared to last year. Eight finalists were chosen from 22 semifinalists announced in June. The winner will be announced in October.
Each finalist receives $1,500 from the Colorado Department of Education and the Boettcher Foundation. In addition, each finalist’s school is awarded $500 from the Boettcher Foundation.
“These outstanding finalists remind us of the power of teaching to inspire curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning,” said Boettcher Foundation’s Vice President of Grants & Programs Tiffany Anderson. “Their leadership in the classroom and commitment to students set an example for all of us.”
