Educators from across Colorado participated in what organizers say is the first-ever statewide All-Member Meeting, held virtually this week. The event was designed and led by members of the Colorado Education Association (CEA) to provide a platform for educators to share experiences, discuss challenges, and strengthen collective advocacy efforts.
The meeting included a review of recent actions by the Colorado Springs Education Association (CSEA). Sam Farnham, a CSEA member, recounted the events leading up to a strike after District 11 ended a decades-old collective bargaining agreement. According to Farnham, this decision created uncertainty and frustration among educators, leading to organized action. “The actual day of action itself was amazing. It really was a validation of all the work that we did leading up to it,” Farnham said.
During the strike, educators and supporters canvassed neighborhoods, knocked on over 10,000 doors, and gathered more than 2,000 people in Acacia Park to advocate for public education and fair treatment of teachers. Parents and community members also contributed by organizing within schools and participating in art builds to support the rally.
The meeting also addressed concerns about the impact of education reform efforts on public school funding. Speakers discussed how financial interests, including investors and private equity groups, are redirecting public funds to private initiatives under the guise of nonprofit programs. These policies, they argued, have resulted in fewer resources for classrooms and increased workloads for teachers.
Attendees were encouraged to inform their communities about issues such as the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) and to support pro–public education candidates in upcoming school board elections. The CEA has identified key races in several districts, including Loveland, Grand Junction, Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Denver, and Jefferson County.
Members who missed the meeting were invited to participate in future quarterly sessions and to use resources like the CEA Voter Guide to stay informed and involved. For more information about upcoming meetings or to get involved, members can contact Grace Lynch, NEA Organizing Fellow.
