Episode #35
Colorado Teacher of the Year Finalist Jason Cochrane - and students
In early September, Mountain Vista High School science and cybersecurity teacher Jason Cochrane received a surprise visit from state and district leaders informing him that he is among eight finalists for the 2027 Colorado Teacher of the Year. While he waits to find out who the winner is, he continues teaching high-level classes grounded in career preparation and relevance. Along with featuring Cochrane, this episode also has three students to share their experiences in his classes: Charlie Smyth, a junior, and seniors Nathan Samuel and Cooper Casanova. 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, he is passionate about building community, student achievement and teacher effectiveness. As a finalist, Cochrane received a $1,000 check 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. The winner 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. Guests this episode: Jason Cochrane, chemistry and cybersecurity teacher at MVHS Cooper Casanova, MVHS senior Nathan Samuel, MVHS senior Charlie Smyth, MVHS junior Host: Jason Hackett, DCSD Director of Communications Resources: 2027 Colorado Teacher of the Year website Teacher of the Year sponsors and partners: Boettcher Foundation Colorado Education Association Adams State University Blue Bell Ice Cream . About DCSD Excellence meets opportunity in Douglas County School District. We're not just the third-largest school district in Colorado; we're a community dedicated to helping every student discover their unique talents and reach their full potential. DCSD is the TOP-scoring district in the Denver/Metro area for the third year in a row. Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area). The Class of 2026 earned more than $124 million in scholarships and saved over $25 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships. Our students volunteered 174,900 hours with community organizations during the 2025/26 school year. DCSD offers 90 Career and Technical Education and Concurrent Enrollment Pathways (including Trades) and is one of the leaders — nationwide — in "blurring the lines" between PK-12, higher education and industry. With 89 schools spread across the 850 square miles of our nationally renowned county, we have options galore. Whether you're looking for a comprehensive neighborhood school, a charter school with specialized curriculum, or support for students with special needs, we've got you covered. Interested in learning more? Take a look at the webpage where we answer the question Why DCSD?
