Board of Education honors top district teachers with Excellence In Education awards

27J Schools honored the best of the best on April 22. 

The new Excellence in Education award, presented by the Board of Education and Brighton Education Association, was created to honor teachers who demonstrate instructional excellence, a growth mindset, and a commitment to fostering belonging and community partnerships. Recipients were nominated by their school principal. 

Each teacher was presented flowers, a recognition plaque and is automatically nominated for the 2026 Colorado Teacher of Year honor.

Learn more about each recipient below:

Michele Hynes - Teacher for the Center Based Program for Students with Autism at Padilla Elementary School

What Her Principal Said: "As the teacher of our center-based Autism program, Michele consistently demonstrates extraordinary instructional expertise, an unwavering commitment to professional growth, deep alignment with district values, and exceptional leadership in building partnerships that positively impact students, families, colleagues, and the broader educational community." - Kevin Purfurst, Padilla Elementary Principal

What Michele Said About Receiving The Award: "I don't think I can put it into words. It's a team award, first and foremost. It means a lot to me because I think it's a school award. My school has just bought in to my inclusive philosophy and I can't ask for anything else. Programs like mine often get put to the side so just getting recognized for a program that a lot of people feel like they don't even really want to talk about, it means the world."

Andrea Lopez - Sixth Grade Science Teacher at Stuart Middle School

What Her Principal Said: "Andrea Lopez is a teacher who makes a lasting difference. She leaves students with strong academic skills, confidence, and memories that stay with them long after they leave her classroom. She is a model educator in every sense, and I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition." - Krista Dean, Stuart Middle School Principal

What Andrea Said About Receiving The Award: "It means the world to me. I worked really, really hard and never thought of myself being at this spot. It's an honor. I've worked 12 years here and I was just living every day and happy with the kids so this was just a surprise to me. It means everything to me."

Kristina Burnham - BioMedical/Patient Care Tech Teacher at Riverdale Ridge High School

What Her Principal Said: "Kristina embodies the spirit of “EVERY.” She ensures that every student feels seen, valued, and capable of success in a rigorous healthcare pathway. She intentionally builds relationships that foster trust and belonging, particularly in a field that demands both technical skill and compassion." - Cody Clark, Riverdale Ridge High School Principal

What Kristina Said About Receiving The Award: "It really just brings attention to how great our whole community is. My program, I work with the greatest people ever so when I get recognized, I feel like we're all getting recognized - my students, my co-workers, my admin - we're all in this together."

The following additional nominees were recognized during a May 7 event:

• Jordanne Blankenship - Brighton High School
• Jen Ehrlich - Prairie View High School
• Carl Elledge - Henderson Elementary
• Jordan Freske* - Pennock Elementary School
• Katie Garmatz - Turnberry Elementary
• Hanna Heilig - Northeast Elementary School
• Beau Jestice - Innovations & Options
• Emily Jones - Second Creek Elementary School
• Joshua Kellison - Southeast Elementary
• Shauna Makelky - Reunion Elementary School
• Alicia Marquez - Overland Trail Middle School
• Pamela McNamara - West Ridge Elementary School
• Nicole Morales - Vikan Middle School
• Charles Oldenkamp* - Quist Middle School
• Gus Ruybal - 27J Online Academy
• Jennifer Wilson - South Elementary 

*Excellence in Education nominees also nominated for CDE's Teacher of the Year Award

27J educators also nominated to CDE for Teacher of the Year: Alicia Banuelos, Jessica Beilman, Claudia Felix, Brittany Michaud, Elizabeth Nelson, and Kristi Reynolds.