Kirsten Brendtro Named Steamboat Springs School District 2025-2026 Educator of the Year

The Steamboat Springs School District honored Kirsten Brendtro as its 2025-2026 Educator of the Year during the district's end-of-year celebration on May 28, 2026. Brendtro was selected from a group of building-level Educators of the Year who were nominated by staff and later interviewed for the districtwide honor. 

The 2025-2026 Building Educators of the Year were:

• Erin Early, Soda Creek Elementary
• Jaime Passchier, Strawberry Park Elementary
• Elissa Chapman, Sleeping Giant School
• Cindy Ruzicka, Steamboat Springs Middle School
• Kirsten Brendtro, Steamboat Springs High School
• Garret Swartzendruber, Yampa Valley High School

Brendtro serves as a science teacher and Career and Technical Education (CTE) coordinator at Steamboat Springs High School. She is known for her rigorous instruction, dedication to students, and leadership in expanding career-connected learning opportunities across the district.

Additionally, Brendtro teaches AP-level science classes and developed and continues to lead a biotechnology program that provides students with advanced academic opportunities comparable to college-level coursework. Staff also highlighted her ability to balance excellence in the classroom with leadership of the school’s growing CTE programming.

As CTE coordinator, Brendtro has also strengthened partnerships between the high school and the broader community. Her nomination highlighted her work with the Yampa Valley Partnership for Students, Stewardship, and Sustainability (YVPS3), the development of advisory boards with local professionals, and support for internship and work-based learning opportunities for students. Under Brendtro’s leadership, students at the high school have opportunities to explore careers in outdoor leadership, health science, education, engineering, biotechnology, business and more. 

Brendtro was additionally recognized for the support she provides to fellow educators. Her nomination noted that she regularly mentors teachers, shares opportunities for program growth and funding, and helps strengthen cross-departmental collaboration. 

“Kirsten exemplifies the passion, innovation, and student-centered mindset we strive for in the Steamboat Springs School District,” said Superintendent Dr. Celine Wicks. “She consistently creates meaningful opportunities for students while also serving as a leader and collaborator among her colleagues. We are incredibly proud to recognize her as this year’s District Educator of the Year.”

From left to right: Dr. Celine Wicks, Cathy Girard, Nancy Hvambsal, Tiffany Gebhardt, Deirdre Mewborn, Anne Barbier, and Marco Cuevas 

The district also honored retirees whose careers have made a lasting impact on students, staff, and the community. Recognized retirees included Anne Barbier, Marco Cuevas, Tiffany Gebhardt, Cathy Girard, Nancy Hvambsal, Sharon Irwin, Deirdre Mewborn, Kathy Rosborough, Nancy White, and Superintendent Dr. Celine Wicks.