Colorado Teacher of the Year

2021 Colorado Teacher of the Year announced

The Colorado Department of Education has announced the 2021 Colorado Teacher of the Year. Gerardo Muñoz teaches high school and middle school social studies at the Denver Center for International Studies at Baker in Denver. During his 21 years as an educator, Muñoz has been involved in a number of programs, initiatives, campaigns and organizations to promote equity and antiracism, including EduColor, Choose the National Education Association’s Racial and Social Justice Conference, and the University of Colorado’s Teachers of Color and Allies Summit.

Muñoz has taught middle and high school students at DCIS for 14 years. His classes include Concurrent Enrollment Ethnic Studies, Advanced Placement World History and 5280 Challenge/Student Board of Education through DPS’s Student Voice and Leadership program. He earned his bachelor of arts degree in history and Latin American studies from the University of Colorado, as well as a master of arts in curriculum and instruction from the University of Denver.

Read the full news release.

About the Program

Each year, the Colorado Teacher of the Year Program honors an exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled K-12 classroom teacher to represent the entire profession in the state. The selected teacher will automatically become Colorado's nominee for the National Teacher of the Year competition. The national program is a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers. Visit the National Teacher of the Year program webpage for more information.

The Colorado Teacher of the Year receives many professional development opportunities and, along with the country’s other teachers of the year, is honored at a special ceremony at the White House and gets the opportunity to go to NASA’s Space Camp. The teacher also becomes a member of the Colorado Education Commissioner’s Teacher Cabinet.

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Colorado Teacher of the Year: My COVID-19 experience

Colorado's current Teacher of the Year came down with COVID-19 in the spring. She talks about how she recovered from the disease and how she is preparing for the new year.

"My advice to teachers this year is to listen to your district leaders and local health officials. Be safe. Help your students. And wear a mask!" - Hilary Wimmer

Read the full story

Colorado Teachers of the Year offer support during COVID-19

Colorado's current and former Teachers of the Year have advice for their teaching colleagues as they enter this unprecedented change in learning necessary while in-person instruction is suspended in Colorado:

You are not alone, try your best and don't take on too much.

More Teacher of the Year Advice

View COVID-19 resources

Program Partners

Teacher of the Year Archives

Recent Teacher of the Year Winners

Veteran Teacher of the Year Winners

View a list of Colorado's Teacher of the Year winners from 1963 to present

Colorado Council of the Network of State Teachers of the Year

The Colorado Council of the Network of State Teachers of the Year (NSTOY) is an organization committed to the preservation and enhancement of the Colorado Teacher of the Year Program. The Council works with the Colorado State Department of Education and other corporate and organizational partners to celebrate teaching excellence through the recognition of educators who have inspired a love for learning in their students, and who have distinguished themselves in the profession. All Colorado State Teachers of the Year, as well as each year's finalists, are invited to participate. For more information for upcoming meetings, as well as how to join, please visit the Colorado Council's website.