Isabel Rodriguez, a Spanish International Baccalaureate teacher and member of the Summit County Education Association, has quickly become active in union advocacy. As a first-generation Latina educator, Rodriguez initially hesitated to join union work, uncertain about representation. She said, “If I cannot see it, then I must create or become it,” explaining her decision to take an active role.
Rodriguez’s involvement in negotiations as a board member gave her insight into how educational decisions are made. “Sitting at negotiations as a board member was an eye-opening experience to know what and how decisions are taken into consideration,” she said. This experience motivated her to participate from the perspective of a union member and seek ways to contribute more effectively.
She credits much of her activism to learning from women leaders in her local union. “I learn from all the women that I come in contact with,” Rodriguez stated. Having previously worked in a nonprofit without unions, she now values the advocacy unions provide for educators.
Rodriguez encourages others interested in activism to observe and listen closely to union leaders. “What has worked for me has been listening to the work the union does.” She believes that understanding leadership challenges helps members navigate negotiations and priorities. Inspired by these experiences, Rodriguez spoke at the Capitol during the No More Cuts Rally about how funding cuts affect students.
“If we don’t learn how to navigate politics, we give away a bit of our power,” she said, emphasizing that political decisions directly impact classrooms. Rodriguez urges educators to engage with politics to protect their interests and those of their students. Despite obstacles, she remains hopeful: “We know we are planting seeds.” She believes current efforts will lead to future improvements even if they are not immediately visible.
As an educator of color representing both district and statewide colleagues, Rodriguez highlighted her recent selection as a 2024-25 A.C.E. Fellow and mentor for the 2025-26 A.C.E. Fellowship. With over 25 percent of her students coming from minority backgrounds but few teachers of color in her district, she stressed the importance of representation: “I believe students deserve to see educators who look like and speak for them. I thought this may be my chance to make an impact.” She hopes her efforts will help attract more educators of color across Colorado.
Rodriguez continues her advocacy through union work and leadership roles such as Cohort Two member of the A.C.E. Fellowship, aiming for greater equity and representation within education.
