Out of 419 applicants, the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) chose University of Northern Colorado (UNC) alumnus Stephen Paulson, '11, as Colorado's 2026 Teacher of the Year. Paulson is a social studies teacher at Greeley Central High School and has been working in the Greeley-Evans School District 6 for 11 years.
According to the CDE, Paulson is the first District 6 teacher and 19th UNC alum to win the award. He was presented with the honor at a surprise school assembly, where he was greeted by cheering students, staff and his wife.
Photo courtesy of the Colorado Department of Education
Photo courtesy of the Colorado Department of Education
Photo courtesy of the Colorado Department of Education
Photo courtesy of the Colorado Department of Education
Photo courtesy of the Colorado Department of Education
Photo courtesy of the Colorado Department of Education
Photo courtesy of the Colorado Department of Education
Photo courtesy of the Colorado Department of Education
Photo courtesy of the Colorado Department of Education
Photo courtesy of the Colorado Department of Education
Paulson answered some questions from us about his teaching career:
How does it feel to be the newest Colorado Teacher of the Year?
To be honest, it’s been a lot to process and take in. I’m rarely at a loss for words, but today I couldn’t find the words I wanted to share. The recognition of our students, Greeley Central, the district and our community mean the most to me. They all deserve to be recognized for their greatness, and hopefully, this brings that to light.
How has UNC helped prepare you to become the excellent educator that you are?
UNC gave me a foundation of philosophies and practices that helped me transition into this career. It also helped me connect with District 6. I did every single step of my education program at D6 schools, and I am thankful for the relationship between UNC and the district.
What makes you so passionate about teaching?
Students are my why. Helping them achieve things they may not have thought possible is the greatest joy that any career can give you.
Is there anyone or anything that inspired you to become a teacher and/or strive for excellence?
Knowing what is at stake for many of my students is what makes me strive for excellence. Many of our students face numerous challenges, and I know an education can be the golden ticket to a better future. I take that very seriously and do the best I can to help them achieve as much as possible to ensure a brighter future for them and their families.
What is your philosophy on teaching?
I don’t know if I truly have a teaching philosophy. I do believe in high expectations and providing support to reach those expectations. I believe in every kid having an opportunity to succeed and doing all that I can to help them. I believe that I must constantly grow and change as a teacher to meet the needs of students.
UNC has a long history of alumni being recognized by the Colorado Department of Education. During this year's award selection process, 22 semifinalists were selected from 106 school districts across the state, including the following UNC graduates:
- Julie Ahrens, ‘19, a kindergarten teacher at Twin Peaks Classical Academy, a charter authorized by St. Vrain Valley School District.
- Mindy Green, '98, an elementary teacher at Revere Elementary School in Revere School District.
- Stephen Paulson, ‘11, a social studies and AVID teacher at Greeley Central High School in Greeley Evans School District 6.
- Kendall Van Valkenburg, ‘17, an English teacher from Red Canyon High School in Eagle County School District.
- León Vásquez, ‘88, a seventh-grade science teacher at Drake Middle School in Jeffco Public Schools.
Overall, about 30% of Colorado Teacher of the Year awardees have been UNC graduates. The most recent recipient was 2024 Colorado Teacher of the Year Jessica May, a middle school teacher at Turner Middle School in Berthoud.
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