EDUCATOR OF
THE YEAR AWARDS
Thompson Education Foundation recognizes exceptional educators in Thompson School District each year with the TEF Educator of the Year awards.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2026 EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
AND STUDENT CHOICE WINNERS:
2026 EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS:
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TSD Staff Member of the Year: Ronald McGarr, Peakview Academy, Paraprofessional
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Rookie Teacher of the Year: Katie Kouns, Ferguson High School, Social Studies Teacher
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Elementary Teachers of the Year: Daniel Garcia, Truscott Elementary School, Dual Language 4th Grade Teacher; Mandy Farrar, Big Thompson Elementary School, 1st Grade Teacher
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Secondary Teacher of the Year: Tristan Oliver, Thompson Valley High School, Math Teacher
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Principal of the Year: Keysha Martin, Ferguson High School/Thompson Career Campus, Assistant Principal
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TEF Educator of the Year: Ben Evensen, Ferguson High School, Science Teacher
2026 STUDENT CHOICE AWARD WINNERS:
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Kate Atrash, Mountain View High School, Language Arts Teacher
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Jess Burdick, Bill Reed Middle School, FACS Teacher
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Jordan Jennings, Berthoud High School, Counselor
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Chandon Perry, Loveland High School, Art Teacher
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Jacob Little, Thompson Valley High School, FACS Teacher
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Chelsea Stuvel, Mountain View High School, Language Arts Teacher
FORM CODE: EDUCATOR
Coworkers, supervisors, parents, students and community members are welcome to nominate in the following categories:
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Elementary Teacher of the Year (early childhood - fifth grade)
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Secondary Teacher of the Year (sixth grade-twelfth grade)
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Principal of the Year
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TSD Staff Member of the Year (secretaries, district administrative staff, counselors, paras, custodians, transportation, etc.)
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Rookie Teacher of the year (any educator new to the profession and with TSD for 18 months or less)
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Student Choice Award (Students should nominate their favorite educator using the student-only nomination form.)
All nominations must be submitted by Friday, February 6, 2026 for consideration.