The 5 Best School Teachers, Grades K-8

The elementary and middle school years lay the groundwork for a lifetime of learning, with teachers helping children develop academic skills, confidence and curiosity. From early reading and mathematics to hands-on projects and outdoor exploration, educators find creative ways to engage young minds. The Best of the Boat 2026 celebrates K-8 teachers whose work supports student growth and learning throughout Steamboat Springs and surrounding Routt County communities.

Deirdre Mewborn || Soda Creek Elementary

Deirdre Mewborn has a long history of teaching at Soda Creek Elementary School in the Steamboat Springs School District. She joined the school in 1999 as a fourth-grade teacher and continued serving the school community for more than two decades before retiring in June 2026. Beyond her classroom responsibilities, Mewborn participated in the school's accountability committee and served on a design advisory group involved in planning improvements to the campus. Her years of service reflect a longstanding commitment to elementary education and the Soda Creek school community.

Melanie Walker || North Routt Community Charter School

Melanie Walker teaches English language arts and science to sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students at North Routt Community Charter School in Clark. With 15 years of teaching experience, she also serves on the school's leadership committee and mentors fellow educators. Walker has incorporated environmental education into classroom activities, including projects involving honey bees and raised-bed gardens. Her work in language arts has included encouraging students to explore creative writing and participate in playwriting competitions. In 2026, Walker was selected as a semifinalist for Colorado's 2027 Teacher of the Year award, recognizing her contributions to education.

Dave Marrs || Steamboat Mountain School

Dave Marrs provides mathematics support and technology instruction at Steamboat Mountain School, an independent K-12 day and boarding school in Steamboat Springs. His work is based at the school's Emerald Campus, which serves younger students within the school's academic program. Outside the classroom, Marrs has been involved in youth Brazilian jiu-jitsu instruction, helping develop a children's program that began at the school before expanding to Steamboat Springs Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. A first-degree black belt, Marrs combines his background in education with experience teaching martial arts to young participants.

Julie Hoff || Soroco Middle School

Julie Hoff teaches middle school science and high school and college-level mathematics at Soroco Middle/High School in Oak Creek. Her teaching responsibilities span multiple grade levels and subject areas, providing students with instruction in scientific concepts and mathematical reasoning. The school serves students from communities throughout the South Routt School District, including Oak Creek and Yampa. Hoff's work across middle and high school courses contributes to students' academic development as they progress through increasingly advanced science and mathematics studies.

Katelyn Ayala || Sleeping Giant School

Katelyn Ayala is a teacher at Sleeping Giant School in the Steamboat Springs School District. The school serves elementary and middle school students, providing academic instruction and opportunities for students to develop foundational skills as they progress through the grade levels. Sleeping Giant School's educational environment emphasizes academic development, student engagement and connections within the school community. Ayala's role as a classroom teacher contributes to the school's work supporting students during their elementary and middle school years.

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