News Release - Seven finalists for the 2022 Colorado Teacher of the Year announced

Sept. 20, 2021

Seven finalists for the 2022 Colorado Teacher of the Year announced

DENVER – The Colorado Department of Education today announced seven finalists for the 2022 Colorado Teacher of the Year competition with the sole finalist to be announced by the end of October.

Each year, the Colorado Teacher of the Year program recognizes an exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled K-12 classroom teacher to represent the entire profession in Colorado. The sole finalist becomes Colorado’s nominee for the National Teacher of the Year competition.

“The past couple of years have presented so many challenges for schools, and we are incredibly lucky to have such dedicated, resilient teachers to help our students and their families through these tough times,” said Katy Anthes, Colorado’s education commissioner. “I applaud these seven inspiring educators for their exceptional work and commend them for their desire to step up as leaders for the profession in our great state.”

The Colorado Teacher of the Year program is sponsored by Denver 7. Award partners include the Colorado Education Association, Adams State University and Blue Bell Ice Cream. 

The 2022 finalists for Colorado Teacher of the Year are:

• Carrianna DePace, a fifth-grade English language arts teacher at Mountain Vista Community School in Harrison School District 2.
• Julia Ferre, an eighth-grade science teacher at SkyView Academy in Douglas County School District.
• Emmylou Harmon, a secondary science, math and CTE agriculture teacher at West Grand High School in the West Grand School District.
• Ashley Lowe, an eighth-grade English language arts teacher at Falcon Middle School in School District 49.
• Autumn Rivera, a sixth-grade science teacher at Glenwood Springs Middle School in Roaring Fork School District.
• Cristina Vanzo, a STEM teacher for grades six through eight at Craig Middle School in Moffat County School District RE1.
• Paula Wilderman, a middle and high school math and science teacher at Ascent Classical Academy of Douglas County.

Visit the Colorado Teacher of the Year webpage for more information about each of the candidates and the program.