Janet Damon, the 2025 Colorado Teacher of the Year and a finalist for the National Teacher of the Year, has had an eventful year. She engaged in national education policy discussions to represent Colorado educators and address issues impacting teachers and students. Additionally, she continued her involvement with Afros and Books by organizing summer outdoor activities and literacy resources for families.
At this year’s Delegate Assembly, Janet received the Golden Apple Award. This accolade is given to a CEA member, committee, or local entity that significantly contributes to educational excellence and teacher advocacy. Reflecting on her experiences over the past year, Janet expressed growth from meeting dedicated teachers nationwide. “I’ve seen how much stress teachers hold in their bodies, and how little time they take to heal,” she stated.
In response to these observations, Janet is spearheading a series of yoga and mindfulness sessions aimed at educators this summer. The initiative is designed not just as a break but as an opportunity for rest and rejuvenation. “This is a time to release, to restore, and to regenerate our root system of wellness,” she emphasized.
The ten-session program will incorporate breathwork, mindfulness techniques, and vinyasa flows tailored for physical healing and emotional balance. Each session aims to integrate mindfulness with movement to help close the stress cycle while promoting sustainable wellness. “Each session is designed to integrate mindfulness and movement—to help close the stress cycle and support sustainable wellness,” Janet explained.
These sessions are more than typical yoga classes; they serve as a call for educators to prioritize their well-being so they can continue their work with renewed strength. Janet’s commitment remains steadfast as she leads efforts toward building healthier futures for those devoted to teaching others.
For more information about Janet’s sessions such as Root System & Safety or Breathing into the Flow, visit coloea.org/restoreyoga.
