Fort Collins science teacher recognized for leadership in outdoor education and community engagement
FORT COLLINS, CO – Sarah Bayer, a secondary science teacher at Polaris Expeditionary Learning School, has been named one of 22 semifinalists for the 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year award by the Colorado Department of Education. Selected from a record-breaking pool of 419 applicants statewide, Bayer is the sole representative from the Poudre School District (PSD) to receive this honor.
With 24 years of teaching experience—13 of which were spent at Polaris—Bayer is renowned for her innovative approach to science education, integrating real-world applications and outdoor experiences into her curriculum. She has established PSD’s only Natural Resource and Outdoor Leadership Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway, offering students hands-on learning opportunities in environmental science.
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