Colorado Educator Janet Damon Receives 2026 NEA Member Benefits Award for Teaching Excellence
Janet Damon receives top national award at the NEA Foundation’s gala
Janet Damon accepts the 2026 NEA Member Benefits Award for Teaching Excellence
Colorado educator Janet Damon has been named the 2026 recipient of the NEA Member Benefits Award for Teaching Excellence, one of public education’s highest honors recognizing exceptional classroom impact and leadership.
The award was presented by NEA Member Benefits President and CEO Leona Lindner at The NEA Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Education Gala held February 13, 2026, in Washington, D.C. The national recognition includes a $25,000 prize honoring Damon’s commitment to equity, literacy and community-centered learning.
Continuing a Tradition of Educator Excellence
The NEA Member Benefits Award for Teaching Excellence is presented annually as part of the NEA Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Education Gala, which honors outstanding educators and advocates for public education nationwide. Learn more about the award and past honorees on the NEA Foundation’s NEA Member Benefits Award page.
Last year’s honoree, the 2025 NEA Member Benefits Award for Teaching Excellence winner, was recognized for advancing educator impact and student opportunity through outstanding teaching and leadership.
Read The NEA Foundation’s original press release: 2026 The NEA Foundation Honors Colorado Educator with NEA Member Benefits Award for Teaching Excellence
Honoring Transformational Teaching and Literacy Leadership
Damon teaches ninth through twelfth grade history and social studies at DELTA High School, a Title I pathways school in Denver, Colorado. Over a 25-year career serving urban students and families, she has held multiple roles including classroom teacher, literacy interventionist, K–12 librarian and professional development instructor.
Her instructional approach emphasizes inquiry-based learning and connecting students with real-world issues to deepen engagement and relevance. Damon was previously named the 2025 Colorado Teacher of the Year and a finalist for National Teacher of the Year.
“Janet embodies the transformative power of education through her unwavering belief that literacy is a vehicle for liberation and self-determination,” said NEA Foundation President and CEO Sara A. Sneed in announcing the award.
Expanding Literacy and Opportunity Beyond the Classroom
Damon’s work extends into the broader community through several initiatives designed to increase access to reading, mindfulness and outdoor learning opportunities.
She founded the Nature Book Club, a city-wide literacy initiative for youth and families, and co-founded Afros and Books, a nonprofit that provides diverse literature to historically marginalized communities. Through Soft Spirit Yoga, she offers mindfulness programming for students, educators and families.
Partnerships with Cherry Creek and Colorado State University have also enabled Damon to connect families with free national park access and community restoration projects, linking environmental stewardship with literacy and learning.
Leadership Within the Education Profession
Damon actively supports fellow educators through union and district leadership. She serves as a building representative for the Denver Classroom Teachers Association and participates in the Colorado Education Association. She also established Denver Public Schools’ first Women of Colorado affinity group to support women educators, particularly women of color.
In addition, Damon provides professional learning for educators across the district on anti-bias pedagogy, literacy development and trauma-responsive instruction.
Celebrating Excellence in Public Education
The NEA Member Benefits Award for Teaching Excellence is presented annually as part of The NEA Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Education Gala. The 2026 ceremony also recognized recipients of the Outstanding Service to Public Education Award, Equity Partner Award, and Student Voices for Education Award for their contributions to students and communities nationwide.
About the NEA Member Benefits Award for Teaching Excellence
The NEA Member Benefits Award honors public school educators whose practice demonstrates exceptional dedication to student learning, equity, and community impact. Presented in partnership with The NEA Foundation at the Foundation’s annual Salute to Excellence in Education Gala, the award recognizes the vital role educators play in strengthening public education.