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.​
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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2026 EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
AND STUDENT CHOICE WINNERS:
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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.