Mountain Vista Educator Named Finalist for Teacher of the Year
![Jason Cochrane learns he is a finalist for Colorado Teacher of the Year.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1789151902/dcsdk12org/uw9bex9ktbofo92nuveu/Cochrane2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1789151902/dcsdk12org/uw9bex9ktbofo92nuveu/Cochrane2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1789151902/dcsdk12org/uw9bex9ktbofo92nuveu/Cochrane2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1789151902/dcsdk12org/uw9bex9ktbofo92nuveu/Cochrane2.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1789151902/dcsdk12org/uw9bex9ktbofo92nuveu/Cochrane2.jpg","width":1500}])
Jason Hackett
Jason Cochrane, Mountain Vista High School science and cybersecurity teacher, started his day like normal on Wednesday — until MVHS cheerleaders led a number of state and district leaders into his classroom to announce he is one of eight finalists for the 2027 Colorado Teacher of the Year.
State Board of Education Chair Rebecca McClellan, State Sen. John Carson of Douglas County, Commissioner of Education Susana Córdova, DCSD Superintendent Erin Kane, MVHS Principal Rob Ceglie, and Boettcher Scholar Alum Matt Lausten and others sprang the surprise on Cochrane and explained why he is one of the top teachers in the state.
“After 20 years in education, he continues to bring curiosity, innovation and a willingness to try new approaches to his classroom,” Commissioner Córdova said. “That kind of commitment to continually improving his practice makes a real difference for students.”
Sen. Carson presented Cochrane with his finalist certificate, and Lausten gave him a pair of checks: $1,000 from the Colorado Department of Education and the Boettcher Foundation and $500 from the Boettcher Foundation for MVHS.
The 2027 Colorado Teacher of the Year winner will be announced in October. This year, there were 297 applicants from 76 districts.
Cochrane holds a bachelor’s degree in science education and a master’s degree in principalship from the University of Northern Iowa. A respected teacher of everything from chemistry to data analysis and technology integration, Cochrane is passionate about building community, student achievement and teacher effectiveness.
“We are so fortunate to have such a high-caliber educator as part of the Mountain Vista High School and Douglas County School District Family,” said Supt. Kane. “We wish Jason the best of luck in the next round of the Teacher of the Year process!”
The 2027 Colorado Teacher of the Year will receive $10,000 from CDE and the Boettcher Foundation, represent the state as a candidate for the National Teacher of the Year program and serve as a teaching ambassador to communities and organizations around the state and nation.
The program is sponsored by the Boettcher Foundation and supported by partnerships with the Colorado Education Association, Adams State University, and Blue Bell Ice Cream.