October is National Principal Appreciation Month! To celebrate this special month, we'll be highlighting our Principal Leadership Institute participants starting with Amy Herman, principal of Platteville Elementary in Weld RE-1. Watch to learn more about Amy & her career journey.

Today is the last day to apply to college in Colorado for free! October 9 is the last day of Free App Days, where all 32 public colleges and universities in Colorado and several private institutions will waive their application fees: https://cdhe.colorado.gov/cofreeappdays

All public Colorado colleges and universities are waiving application fees from October 7-9! That means you can apply for FREE on Free App Days. Learn more by visiting the Colorado Free Application Days: https://cdhe.colorado.gov/cofreeappdays

It's What's Up Wednesday, and we are spotlighting our School Quality and Support Team's work to support high school teachers working with struggling readers. Last week, we hosted 43 educators from 10 school districts for two days of professional learning.

Happy Free Application Days! From October 7-9, all 32 public colleges and universities in Colorado are waiving their application fees. Learn more in this video from the Colorado Department of High Education and @colorado.gov: https://youtu.be/0uMnSaCCgdY

For Teacher Tuesday, we want you to meet Nadene Klein, science chair, psychology and social issues teacher at Daniel C. Oakes High School in Douglas County School District. Outside the classroom, Nadene loves to explore the outdoors.

Did you know that Cabrini Day was the nation's first state holiday to recognize a woman? We are closed in honor of Cabrini Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, October 7.

Meet Colorado's 2026 Teacher of the Year: Stephen Paulson from Greeley Central High School in Greeley-Evans School District 6!

We're highlighting our Principal Leadership Institute (PLI). This program supports school leaders by pairing them with principal coaches who help them develop their skills as instructional and operational leaders. This year's cohort has 62 school leaders from 34 school districts.

Calling all teachers and future school leaders! Applications are open for New Leaders' January 2026 cohort of the National Aspiring Principals Fellows. Colorado educators accepted into the program will receive a $15,000 scholarship. http://www.fellowship.newleaders.org/landing-pages/districts

Congratulations to Librarian Jennifer Mathews from Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind on receiving the Colorado Association of Libraries President’s Award earlier this month! Thank you Jennifer for making such a difference in the lives of your students!

Today we are celebrating Kelsey Sutliff, a first-grade teacher at Olander School for Project Based Learning in the Poudre School District in Fort Collins. She is an active member of her school’s wellness and PBIS teams. Outside the classroom, Kelsey loves spending time with her kids.

Castle Rock Middle School students celebrated Mexican Independence Day! Earlier this month, the Douglas County school hosted a performance by a Mexican dance group as a part of Hispanic Heritage Month.

STEAM for all! Englewood Schools expanded their Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math (STEAM) program for all grade levels, including Pre-K. Thank you to Denver7 for featuring this innovative program: https://www.denver7.com/news/local-news/englewood-schools-link-steam-to-career-pathways

Before returning to play, students need to return to learn and teachers can help with Teacher Acute Concussion Tool (TACT). TACT is a FREE resource for schools. Explore TACT and more resources on our website to support every student’s safe recovery. https://www.cde.state.co.us/shs/braininjury

Last week, Rangeview High School in Aurora Public Schools celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month. The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) club host this fun and exciting community event. Students elevated Hispanic heritage through song, dance, food, and storytelling!

Gina Luber "felt a calling" to become a teacher and thanks to alternative licensure, she is an educator at Douglas County School District! Our alternative licensure pathways make teaching more accessible and affordable for aspiring educators. Thank you to 9News: https://bit.ly/4piJg6S

For Teacher Tuesday, we are celebrating Kristen Billingsley, who teaches gifted education at Springs Ranch Elementary in District 49. Kristen has been teaching for 28 years and serves on the lead team for the district’s gifted education department.

Campbell Elementary knows how much attendance matters! They kicked off RE-1 Valley School District's Attendance Matters campaign by personalizing colorful bracelets. What a great way to kick off the school year and Attendance Awareness Month!

Eagle County School District is taking over our social media! Join us on Friday, September 26 to get an in depth look at everything at Eagle County School District. We can't wait to see what they share with us!

Conozca a Martha Gómez, maestra de estudios sociales de escuela secundaria en Place Bridge Academy en Denver Public Schools. Lea más sobre Martha y su trayectoria en la educación: https://www.cde.state.co.us/fieldtrips/detail/Field%20Trips%20-%20Martha%20Gomez%20

We have been officially recognized as a Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediary by Apprenticeship Colorado! Together, we’re creating more opportunities for career seekers, supporting employers, and strengthening Colorado’s workforce for the future. https://bit.ly/4nrUdkM

For What's Up Wednesday, we're highlighting the school leaders in our Chronic Absenteeism learning cohort. These leaders represent 43 schools districts and BOCES across Colorado came together this month for the kickoff meeting of this cohort.

Jennifer Abeyta-Cifuentes, directora de Hinkley High School, comparte su recorrido desde su infancia en Commerce City hasta convertirse en directora en las Escuelas Públicas de Aurora y por qué la profesión educativa la inspira cada día. Lea su artículo completo en La Voz: https://bit.ly/3JYo9Xy

Today we’re celebrating Emelina Pacheco, a sixth grade teacher at Valley View Innovation School in the Mapleton School District who has been teaching for 16 years. When she’s not in the classroom, you’ll find Emelina hiking, camping, paddle boarding, walking her dog Moose, or watching baseball.

Meet our eighth finalist for 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year: Elisamaria Heredia from Alamosa Elementary School 3-5 in Alamosa School District!

Hispanic Heritage Month begins today! Westminster High School in Westminster Public Schools is one of the many schools that celebrates Hispanic heritage specifically through their Creative Arts Pipeline Mariachi Program. Watch this video to learn more!

For What's Up Wednesday, we're highlighting the schools in our Transformation Network! Last week, more than 44 representatives from 15 schools and 6 districts learned about creating consistent instructional practices and student learning experiences across school communities.

Today, we surprised Mesa County Valley School District 's Liz Fitzgerald in her classroom at Mesa View Elementary School with the news that she is one of our eight finalists for Colorado's 2026 Teacher of the Year!

It's Teacher Tuesday! Meet Renee Bartnick, a second-grade teacher at Upper Blue Elementary School in Summit School District. Renee has been a teacher for 12 years. Renee says she is motivated by knowing that she is providing a safe space for her students to come and learn and feel loved.

AXIS International Academy is making way for their new building! Thanks to the Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) grant, AXIS has begun working on their permanent residence in Fort Collins with a new PK-6 school building.

September is National Library Card Month! It's the perfect time to visit your local branch and get a library card. To learn more, visit the Colorado State Library website or your local library! https://bit.ly/3V3NQIy

Meet Harrison School District 2's Teacher of the Year finalist: Emily Gaytan from Centennial Elementary School! Superintendent Wendy Birhanzel told us: "She is the kind of educator every child deserves." Thank you to Boettcher Foundation for sponsoring this program.

Cañon City School District has one of our eight finalists for Colorado's 2026 Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to Julie Milam from Cañon City High School! We joined our partners at the Boettcher Foundation to surprise Julie at school this morning with the news.

Next stop: Greeley-Evans School District 6. Greeley Central High School educator Stephen Paulson is representing D6 as one of our eight Teacher of the Year finalists!

Mindy Green from Revere School in Revere School District got an exciting surprise this morning as we stopped by to let her know that she is one of our eight finalists for the 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year!

Today, we surprised Eagle County School District teacher Kendall Van Valkenburg with the news that she is one of our eight finalists for the 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year!

In June, we announced our 22 semi-finalists for Colorado's 2026 Teacher of the Year. Now it's time to start meeting our eight finalists...

Did you know the first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882 in New York City but it wasn't until 1894 that President Grover Cleveland made it a national holiday? We are closed in observance of Labor Day and will reopen on Tuesday, September 2.

Colorado is expanding opportunities for aspiring teachers to enter the classroom! Our Chief Talent Officer Dr. Margarita Tovar talked with KUNC about the impact of the new Access to Educator Pathways law: https://bit.ly/4my4igi

Did you know that our Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) program supports school districts to provide safe and modern learning environments? Projects range from fire alarm and security upgrades to full school replacements. https://www.cde.state.co.us/fieldtrips/detail/Field%20Trip%20-%20BEST%20

For What's Up Wednesday, we're highlighting our New Superintendent Orientation sessions hosted by our Field Services team! Good luck to our new superintendents this year - we look forward to supporting you!

For Teacher Tuesday, we want you to meet Aurora Public Schools teacher Sara Munstock from Tollgate Elementary School. Sara has been teaching for 12 years and currently serves as an English Language Development teacher and coaches her colleagues on multilingual instruction.

Widefield School District 3 is partnering with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for educators! And students are helping construct the houses. Thanks to Denver7 for celebrating this community effort. https://bit.ly/3UFuUzt

There is one week left to register for our 2025-2026 school year professional learning cohorts! These year-long learning cohorts provide opportunities for educators from across the state to learn about and share best practices. https://www.cde.state.co.us/cdeedserv/cdeleadershiplearningcohorts

Colorado’s state flower is the columbine. In 1891, Colorado school children voted it their favorite flower by 42%. https://www.coloradovirtuallibrary.org/resource-sharing/state-pubs-blog/colorados-state-symbols-the-state-flower/

Colorado's 2024-2025 assessment results show our students making progress. At the same time, persistent achievement gaps highlight the importance of continuing to focus on supporting every learner to succeed. Learn more https://www.cde.state.co.us/communications/news-release-82125-assessment-release

Roses are red, mountains are tall, to our Colorado educators - we love you all! 🥰❤️ Happy Valentine's Day to the 55,000+ teachers who support Colorado students to learn, grow, and thrive.

We are highlighting school counselors for National School Counseling Week. Today, we're spotlighting Melissa Goble from McClave Public Schools. Melissa prioritizes kindness and community building through McClave's RAKtivist Club. Thank you, Melissa!

It's National School Counselor's Week! Meet Greeley-Evans Lead School Counselor Deb Heck. In her role, Deb supports students of all ages with career exploration, goal-setting and academic planning, and building essential skills like self-awareness and resilience. Thanks for all you do, Deb!