DENVER - Denver Public Schools is proud to announce that the 2024 district and Colorado Teacher of the Year, Janet Damon, was named a finalist for the National Teacher of the Year award. 

The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) today announced the finalists for national recognition. The 14 member committee selected the four finalists from the winners in each state.

The National Teacher of the Year award is a prestigious honor that recognizes outstanding teachers who demonstrate excellence in their profession. We are ecstatic to have Janet as one of the finalists. Her achievement highlights her exceptional contributions to education and her commitment to fostering a positive learning environment for her students. It also showcases the quality of education provided by Denver Public Schools. 

"Janet Damon exemplifies what it means to meet the moment as an educator," said DPS Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero. "She responds to each student’s unique needs with creativity, building excitement for learning and inspiring every student she touches. Her impact is transformative, shaping the future one student at a time."

Janet, a proud DPS graduate, has spent her more than 25 year career as an educator with the district in a variety of roles, including as a history teacher, literacy interventionist, library specialist and trainer, and a K-12 school librarian. She currently serves as a history teacher at DELTA High School.

"I am truly honored to be named a finalist for the National Teacher of the Year award," Damon said. "This recognition is a reflection of the amazing students, colleagues, and community I am fortunate to work with every day. Teaching is about empowering others, and I’m excited to continue sharing the incredible work happening in our classrooms."

As a finalist, Janet will travel to Washington, D.C. in February to interview with the National Teacher of the Year Selection Committee. 

CCSSO will announce the 2025 National Teacher of the Year in the spring. If selected as the 2025 National Teacher of the Year, Janet would serve as the nation’s ambassador for education and represent the voices and perspectives of all teachers and students.

-DPS-