The Colorado Education Association (CEA) has begun the third cycle of its Advocacy, Civil Rights, Equity (A.C.E.) Fellowship program. The fellowship is designed for CEA members of color and aims to address challenges that educators of color encounter in their classrooms, schools, and districts. Through the program, fellows engage with CEA programming and campaigns while learning about how both the CEA and National Education Association operate.
The initial meeting for this year’s fellowship took place last week. This session served as an orientation where new fellows learned about program expectations and norms. For the first time, participants were divided into two groups: Cohort 1 includes new fellows who will follow a schedule of monthly meetings, a book study, and a retreat; Cohort 2 consists of returning fellows from the previous year who will focus on expanding their skills and developing personal learning goals.
CEA leaders attended the meeting to discuss their roles within the organization and share their perspectives on the fellowship. Kevin Vick, CEA President, said: “Kevin Vick, CEA President, acknowledged the barriers BIPOC educators face on a day-to-day basis. He also touched on CEA playing a role in helping educators of color stay in the field of education.” Liz Waddick, Vice President of CEA, added: “CEA Vice President Liz Waddick highlighted that the goal of the fellowship is to provide BIPOC educators the opportunity to find community when they ordinarily may not receive support at their schools.” Kooper Caraway, Executive Director at CEA remarked: “And finally, Kooper Caraway, CEA Executive Director gave a rousing speech on the history of labor unions and the impact of BIPOC workers on the labor movement itself.”
Janet Damon—2025 Colorado Teacher of the Year, National Teacher of the Year Finalist, and Denver Classroom Teachers Association member—led a mindfulness session during which she discussed her wellness series co-sponsored by CEA’s Human & Civil Rights department. The series will include yoga classes, meditation sessions, and mindfulness journaling guides. Damon also led attendees through a guided breathing exercise.
Breakout sessions allowed Cohort 1 fellows to discuss their experiences as BIPOC educators in schools where they are often among few or only colleagues of color. Some noted that participation in this fellowship offered them more diversity than they typically experience at work. Cohort 2 focused on tracking progress toward personal goals and implementing organizing strategies developed through their involvement with A.C.E.
The first meeting set priorities for growth and collaboration throughout this cycle as participants prepare to address ongoing challenges facing educators of color across Colorado.
