One of these seven teachers will be Colorado’s 2018 Teacher of the Year

Call it the Academy Awards for Colorado teachers. And the nominations are in.

The state education department Tuesday announced seven finalists for the 2018 Colorado Teacher of the Year competition.

The seven emerged from 47 teachers who applied, the department said in a statement.

“Colorado values the dedicated teachers from around the state who inspire and motivate our children every day,” Katy Anthes, Colorado’s education commissioner said in a statement. “The Colorado Teacher of the Year award is just one of many ways we can honor our state’s educators. We look forward to hearing from the seven finalists in the search for the individual who will represent our state’s teaching profession.”

Here are the finalists:

  • Kathleen Anderson, STRIVE Prep-Kepner, Denver Public Schools
  • David Lunn, Liberty Common High School, Poudre School District
  • Renee Motter Air Academy High School, Academy School District 20
  • Wendy Murphy, Woodmen Hills Elementary School, Falcon School District 49
  • Christina Randle, Soaring Eagles Elementary School, Harrison School District 2
  • Amy Rehberg, Horizon High School, Adams 12 Five Star Schools
  • Wendi Sussman, STRIVE Prep-Federal, Denver Public Schools

The teacher of the year will be announced by Nov. 1. The winner is chosen by a committee of individuals from within the education community. The process includes a written application, letters of recommendation, site visits, endorsements from the teacher’s district and personal interviews.

The Colorado Teacher of the Year will represent the state in National Teacher of the Year competition. The National Teacher of the Year Program is a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers in partnership with Voya Financial and People to People Ambassador Programs.