Teachers First

April 'Teachers First' winner: Scott Elementary's Stephanie Flynn

Sat, 16 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Disclaimer: This is sponsored content. All opinions and views are of the Urban Egg and Salsa Brava and does not reflect the same of KOAA.

Teachers help shape our lives, but they rarely get recognized for their talents. This month's winner is Stephanie Flynn, from Scott Elementary.

Each month, KOAA News5, Salsa Brava, and Urban Egg team up to recognize an educator in our communities who goes above and beyond for their students.

We present to them, for their efforts, a $500 check that can be used in their classrooms!

April's Teachers First award winner is Ms. Stephanie Flynn at Scott Elementary!

If you would like to nominate a deserving teacher, fill out the form below your screen and tell us why they should be the next Teachers First Award recipient.

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If you know a teacher in the community, you would like to nominate, there is a link to do so below.

Teachers First Award Qualifications

AWARD

One teacher a month, from September through May will be chosen to receive the award. Teachers First recipients will receive $500 for classroom supplies for the following year. They will receive a $100 gift card that may be used at any Salsa Brava or Urban Egg location.

PURPOSE

To recognize and honor teachers who exemplify excellence in teaching. To encourage and inspire others. To raise the importance of the teaching profession.

QUALIFICATIONS

Must currently teach in a Southern Colorado accredited public or private K-12 school.

NOMINATION PROCESS AND RESTRICTIONS

Nominations will be accepted all year. Applications received in the summer months will be considered the following semester. Please do not submit additional support materials (photos, DVDs, audio cassettes)

Nominations must include:

The Nomination Form Letter of Nomination

CLICK HERE to submit your nomination online. Nominations can also be submitted by mail - DOWNLOAD THE FORM HERE. Nomination materials will not be returned. Only complete nominations will be considered. The winner will be featured on News5. (W

inner, nominee, and school agree to be featured on News5.)

GUIDELINES FOR WRITING A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

Describe specific examples of how this teacher cares. Describe how this teacher provides a positive, stimulating classroom. Explain how this teacher makes a connection with his/her students. Tell what this teacher does that is above and beyond normal duties. Be specific on how the teacher helps develop successful members of the community.

Email nomination and letters of recommendation to - teachersfirst@koaa.com

Use this address for regular mail: Teachers First c/o News5, 2200 7th Ave., Pueblo, Co 81003

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Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.

March 'Teachers First' Winner: Mountain Vista Community School's Brett Hildebrandt

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:17:23 GMT

Disclaimer: This is sponsored content. All opinions and views are of the Urban Egg and Salsa Brava and do not reflect those of KOAA.

Each month, KOAA News5, Salsa Brava, and Urban Egg team up to recognize an educator in our communities who goes above and beyond for their students.

We present to them, for their efforts, a $500 check that can be used in their classrooms!

March's Teachers First award winner is Mr. Brett Hildebrandt at Mountain Vista Community School!

He is a Middle School Communication, Social Development, and Special Education Teacher

Dr. Nicole Paxton, the Principal at Mountain Vista Community School, says Mr. Hildebrandt mentors a number of their special education teachers, and he does a great job with social skills, life skills, and building students through their social and emotional capacity.

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If you know a teacher in the community whom you would like to nominate, there is a link to do so below.

Teachers First Award Qualifications

AWARD

One teacher a month, from September through May, will be chosen to receive the award. Teachers First recipients will receive $500 for classroom supplies for the following year. They will receive a $100 gift card that may be used at any Salsa Brava or Urban Egg location.

PURPOSE

To recognize and honor teachers who exemplify excellence in teaching. To encourage and inspire others. To raise the importance of the teaching profession.

QUALIFICATIONS

Must currently teach in a Southern Colorado accredited public or private K-12 school.

NOMINATION PROCESS AND RESTRICTIONS

Nominations must include:

The Nomination Form Letter of Nomination

CLICK HERE to submit your nomination online

Nominations can also be submitted by mail - DOWNLOAD THE FORM HERE.

Nomination materials will not be returned. Only complete nominations will be considered. The winner will be featured on News5. (

Winner, nominee, and school agree to be featured on News5.)

GUIDELINES FOR WRITING A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

Describe specific examples of how this teacher cares. Describe how this teacher provides a positive, stimulating classroom. Explain how this teacher makes a connection with his/her students. Tell us what this teacher does that is above and beyond normal duties. Be specific about how the teacher helps develop successful members of the community.

Email nominations and letters of recommendation to teachersfirst@koaa.com.

Use this address for regular mail: Teachers First c/o News5, 2200 7th Ave., Pueblo, Co 81003

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Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.

February 'Teachers First' Winner: Rogers Elementary School's Aaron Nicholson

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 01:31:25 GMT

Disclaimer: This is sponsored content. All opinions and views are of the Urban Egg and Salsa Brava and do not reflect those of KOAA.

Each month, KOAA News5, Salsa Brava, and Urban Egg team up to recognize an educator in our communities who goes above and beyond for their students.

We present to them, for their efforts, a $500 check that can be used in their classrooms!

February's Teachers First award winner is Mr. Aaron Nicholson at Rogers Elementary School! He is an art teacher.

Geoffrey Green, the Assistant Principal at Rogers Elementary School says Mr. Nicholson is one of the most dedicated teachers, and he goes above and beyond for all of children to make sure they can express their creativity.

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If you know a teacher in the community, you would like to nominate, there is a link to do so below.

Teachers First Award Qualifications

AWARD

PURPOSE

To recognize and honor teachers who exemplify excellence in teaching. To encourage and inspire others. To raise the importance of the teaching profession.

QUALIFICATIONS

Must currently teach in a Southern Colorado accredited public or private K-12 school.

NOMINATION PROCESS AND RESTRICTIONS

Nominations must include:

The Nomination Form Letter of Nomination

CLICK HERE to submit your nomination online

Nominations can also be submitted by mail - DOWNLOAD THE FORM HERE.

Nomination materials will not be returned. Only complete nominations will be considered. The winner will be featured on News5. (

Winner, nominee, and school agree to be featured on News5.)

GUIDELINES FOR WRITING A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

Describe specific examples of how this teacher cares. Describe how this teacher provides a positive, stimulating classroom. Explain how this teacher makes a connection with his/her students. Tell us what this teacher does that is above and beyond normal duties. Be specific about how the teacher helps develop successful members of the community.

Email nominations and letters of recommendation to teachersfirst@koaa.com.

Use this address for regular mail: Teachers First c/o News5, 2200 7th Ave., Pueblo, Co 81003

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Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.