News Release: Four teachers announced as finalists for Colorado’s 2025 Teacher of the Year

Janet Damon, history teacher, DELTA High School, Denver Public Schools

Janet Damon has educated students in Denver Public Schools for more than 25 years. Her lessons focus on inquiry, research, digital storytelling, and culturally sustaining learning. She designs learning to help students think critically about challenges in their own lives. Her students imagine new solutions to problems in our state and create podcasts to advocate for issues like homelessness, gun violence, incarceration, inflation, immigration, racism, health disparities, and drug addiction in Colorado. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in History from Metropolitan State University, Master's of Library and Information Science from the University of Denver, and Educational Specialist (Ed.S) in Leadership for Educational Organizations from the University of Colorado at Denver.

"Janet creates a classroom where every student is seen, heard, and empowered to share their stories and learn from one another," Córdova said. "We are so fortunate to have exceptional educators like Janet helping to prepare our students to be successful."

"Janet Damon is an exceptional educator and a prime example of the power of connection, engagement, and community," said Denver Superintendent Dr. Marrero. "After 25 years of teaching, her unwavering commitment to her students and school community continues to be unmatched. We are grateful for her tireless efforts to ensure her students thrive."

Tera Johnson-Swartz, English teacher, STEM School Highlands Ranch, Douglas County School District

Tera Johnson-Swartz, an English teacher at STEM School Highlands Ranch, has been an educator for two years. She specializes in building meaningful relationships with her students while also providing lessons remembered beyond her classroom. She tells her students from day one, that teaching wasn't a career she had to take, but one she wanted to, humbly and with all of her heart. Johnson-Swartz has a Bachelor of Music at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mass., and is earning her Master of Arts in English Composition and Rhetoric at Eastern Illinois University.

"We were impressed to learn about Tera's ability to build meaningful relationships that inspire her students to explore their passions and embrace learning as a lifelong journey," Córdova said. "We are grateful to have such a dedicated and dynamic educator shaping the minds and hearts of Colorado's next generation."

"We are incredibly proud of STEM School teacher Tera Johnson-Swartz on being named a finalist for Colorado's 2025 Teacher of the Year," said Erin Kane, Superintendent of the Douglas County School District. "Tara is one of only seven finalists in the entire state, out of 1,300 nominations - this is a huge accomplishment! Tara represents the STEM School Highlands Ranch and the Douglas County School District so well. We will have our fingers crossed for Tara when the 2025 Teacher of the Year is named this October."

Amy Okimoto leads efforts to build connectedness and belonging for students at Summit Elementary School. She is the co-facilitator for her district's Asian American Pacific Islander Affinity Group. She has been working in education for 28 years and has taught in Arizona, Colorado, as well as in Nepal. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Affairs with a minor in Asian Studies from Northern Arizona University and a master's degree in cultural and linguistic diversity from Adams State University.

"Amy creates a learning environment that is engaging, inclusive, and transformative for her students," Córdova said. "We are fortunate to have educators like Amy, who continually center their students in their practice and ignite a love of learning that lasts a lifetime."

"We are excited to celebrate Amy Okimoto as a finalist for Colorado Teacher of the Year 2025," said Cherry Creek Superintendent Christopher Smith. "Amy is an incredible educator whose dedication to social-emotional learning and restorative practices has made a big impact at Summit Elementary. Her leadership in student groups and her commitment to fostering a supportive community exemplify the values we hold dear in Cherry Creek Schools."