AURORA | Aurora’s Vista Peak teacher Viviana Martinez was tabbed yesterday during a surprise ceremony in her classroom as one of eight statewide finalists for the Colorado Teacher of the Year award.

“The true measure of a teacher’s success is in the inclusive culture they create in their classroom and the indelible impact they leave long after a student walks out of their school doors,” Aurora Public Schools Superintendent Michael Giles, Jr. said in a statement. “Mrs. Martinez is an expert at both and we are honored to call her an Aurora Public Schools teacher.”

Martinez and Strasburg High School teacher Merci Ames were both notified of their finalist status yesterday. Six other teachers in Colorado will be notified as finalists in the next several days, according to state education department officials.

Martinez, who teaches English and Spanish language classes to native speakers of both languages, as well as a Latino history class, had her afternoon classroom interrupted for the finalist news by Giles, state Rep. Michael Carter, state board of education Chairperson Rebecca McClellan, state ed board member Kathy Gebhardt, education department external relations officer Emma Garrett-Nelson, Principal Mehran Ahmed and Boettcher alum Mark Paricio.

“ From her dedication to teaching the crucial contributions of Hispanics and Latinos in America to her devotion in celebrating the uniqueness of language, Mrs. Martinez truly exhibits what it means to be one of Colorado’s top teachers,” Giles said.

For Martinez, teaching has never been just about helping her students learn Spanish or English, the Sentinel wrote earlier this year when she was named one of the state’s semi-finalists for the award.

It’s about helping young people understand who they are, where they come from and what responsibilities come with opportunities.

Her philosophy is simple.

“Passing the good on,” Martinez said. “Not one of us got where we are alone.”

That credo has shaped nearly two decades in education. 

Every opportunity in her own life, Martinez said, came because someone invested time, encouragement and belief in her.

“My parents, teachers, family members, mentors and friends opened doors for me,” she said. “Education opens doors, but when doors are open, we have the responsibility to hold them open for someone else.”

That belief defines her classroom, those who’ve been there say.

Viviana teaches Spanish and history, but her lessons extend well beyond conjugating verbs and pondering idioms. Students are challenged to discover their own talents, embrace their family histories and use their talents in service to others.

“The goal is not simply to create successful students,” Martinez said. “The goal is to create those leaders that we need who lift others after them.”

Vista Peak Principal Mehran Ahmed described her approach as one that “seamlessly weaves together academic rigor, cultural advocacy and systemic leadership.”

Those are some big words for what others might call leading by example.

“Viviana does not simply teach Spanish; she builds bridges of identity and opportunity for the next generation of Colorado’s leaders,” her nomination letter states.

“I hope from this classroom will come future mayors, teachers, lawyers, business owners, fathers and mothers,” she said. “People who really want to make a positive difference in their community.”

Ahmed praised Martinez for creating spaces “where Hispanic students see themselves reflected in their learning” while fostering “critical thinking and civic awareness.”

The nomination also credits Martinez for work she’s done that reaches directly outside of her classroom. She founded a project called “Voces de Vista Peak,” a bilingual initiative that helps Spanish-speaking families become active in their children’s education by breaking down language and communication barriers.

She also leads Latinos in Action, where students tutor younger children and gain leadership skills and show how critical community service is for themselves and everyone.

As a teacher, however, Martinez sees language itself as deeply personal.

“Language reveals what is in your heart,” she said. “Those words should tell your story, reflect your values and help us connect with others.”

That’s what she says compels her to push students to find their own voices, in as many languages as possible, but at least two.

“Every student walks into my classroom carrying a unique set of experiences, talents, dreams and friends,” she said. “This is what I celebrate.”

The 2027 Colorado Teacher of the Year will be announced from the list of finalists later this year and receive $10,000 from the Colorado Department of Education and the Boettcher Foundation. The winner will represent the state as a candidate for the National Teacher of the Year program.

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