Members from across Colorado gathered at the Capitol earlier this month for the annual Educators of Color Lobby Day to discuss public education funding and the retention rates of educators of color with legislators.
The event is significant as it gives educators a platform to share their experiences and concerns directly with policymakers, aiming to influence decisions that affect students and schools statewide.
Before meeting legislators, attendees received training, which included a session with Attorney General Phil Weiser. Valerie Luutran, a seventh-grade science teacher and St. Vrain Education Association member, said, “I think it makes it really difficult for students to learn when they don’t feel safe and represented. And a huge part of that is our students of color seeing staff that look like them.” She added, “I’m really counting on my [legislators] to support Senate Bill 135 to allocate money towards funding public education so our students can be successful in the classroom.”
Victoria Paez, a middle school English language arts teacher and Westminster Education Association member, also spoke about her role as one of the only Latina teachers in her building. “I want to, one, be the representation that my students need, and two, I want to be the voice of my students,” Paez said. “We really need this funding for the schools because I have a lot of newcomers who are coming into this country now who don’t have the resources in that classroom.”
During a Senate Finance Committee hearing on Senate Bill 26-135, Patrick Jiner from Denver Classroom Teachers Association testified about ongoing challenges due to underfunding: “Chronic underfunding makes it extremely hard to provide the resources and programs our students need,” he said. “Thirty years later, I’m still dealing with the same issues, teachers taking from their own budgets just to buy basic supplies.” He concluded by urging support for the bill: “When we invest in public education, we are investing in the future of our economy, our communities, and our country.”
Irma Sandovol from Poudre Education Association described how lack of funding affects classroom safety after experiencing violence from a student. Zelda Alao from Cherry Creek Education highlighted staff shortages: “Our teachers are exhausted, so much so that they are quitting, and quitting on our students,” she said. Alao explained her expanded duties due to these shortages: “I started off as an instructional coach this year, but now I am teaching third grade as well as being a coach.”
The day ended with members meeting legislators informally over lunch. Sen. Tony Exum shared his legislative experience while Rep. Jamie Jackson discussed ways educators can become more involved politically. Rep. Jennifer Bacon and Attorney General candidate David Seligman thanked participants for advocating on behalf of their students.
According to organizers, participating in CEA Lobby Days allows educators—especially those of color—to help shape policies that foster culturally responsive learning environments.
