We are excited to announce that East Middle School Instrumental Music Teacher and Band Director Jimmy Day II earned the 2023 Colorado Teacher of the Year award!
Out of more than 60,000 teachers across the state, the Colorado Department of Education honored and surprised our very own Mr. Day with the distinguished title for pairing his passion for music with his ability to help students achieve their highest potential.
"Jimmy stands out because of his commitment to his students and the drive that he has to teach music to all students even if they are not initially inclined towards learning an instrument. He knows students need to have something they can be passionate about in their education."
- Jacquelyn Brown, East Middle School Interim Principal
Brown's staff and students partnered with state leaders to surprise Day with the award and to thank him for the significant impact he has made and continues to make at East. Check out the video below to witness a few heartwarming moments from the surprise event.
The event made for a fun-filled day, but the excitement does not end there. Day will enjoy a lively year of recognition, professional learning and development. President Biden will honor the 2023 cohort of state teachers of the year during a ceremony at the White House. Day will also enjoy a trip to NASA's Space Camp and will become a member of the Colorado Education Commissioner's Teacher Cabinet.
"I know my mother, up in Heaven, is smiling down on me," said Day.
We are proud to have Day represent Colorado in the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) National Teacher of the Year competition. If selected as National Teacher of the Year, Day would be released from his classroom duties for one year to travel across the U.S. as a full-time spokesperson to share his wisdom, advocate for students, elevate issues teachers face, and inspire others to join the teaching profession.
The entire Aurora Public Schools community is rooting for Day as he embarks on this once-in-a-lifetime journey.