CEA Journal - Summer 2025

Denver, Colo.

Summer Leadership LEGISLATIVE WINS A.C.E. FELLOWSHIP WRAP-UP

2025 Summer Issue

Vol. 140, No. 4

Contents

photo by CBS News In May, Middle school social studies teacher and District Twelve Educators Association member Michelle Pearson received word that she was being inducted into the National Teacher Hall of Fame. Michelle has been a dedicated and inspiring educator for 31 years. Congratulations Michelle!

PRESIDENT Kevin Vick VICE PRESIDENT Liz Waddick

03

Letter from the President

04

Delegate Assembly Recap

06

2025 Legislative Wins

09

2025 School Board Elections Preview

10

Bargaining Wins

12

Summer Leadership Conference Recap

14

2024–2025 A.C.E. Fellowship Wrap-Up

16

Member Spotlights

18

Get Involved

19

Staff Hires

SECRETARY-TREASURER Amber Wilson NEA DIRECTORS Angela Anderson Dave Lockley EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Kooper Caraway COMMUNICATIONS Manager of Public Affairs Erin Bennett Director of Communications Bethany Morris Director of Digital Communications Sydney Slifka Communications Program Assistant Sydney Breakfield

2 • CEA Journal • Summer 2025

Follow CEA coloradoea.org @ColoradoEA Text “CEA” to 45955 to receive action alerts and updates

We Showed Up, We Spoke Up, We Won, Now We Keep Going Dear Members, It’s hard to believe that we’ve made it to the end of yet another school year, but persist we did. As educators, we know that the final stretch is uniquely demanding. The end of the school year brings a whirlwind of emotions and responsibilities. We find ourselves saying goodbyes to the students we’ve nurtured, guided, and grown alongside over the past several months.

CEA President Kevin Vick

At the same time, we’re packing up our classrooms, clearing out bulletin boards, sorting supplies, and closing up the spaces that have served as vibrant learning environments.

It’s a time of both reflection and exhaustion, joy and bittersweet partings. Yet through it all, we remain steadfast in our commitment to our students and to each other.

This year we’ve had some impressive victories. This legislative session, funding for public education was once again under attack.

But we showed up in solidarity and strength to demand “No More Cuts” to education in Colorado. We sent over 100,000 emails to legislators, and over 400 members lobbied for the future of public education in Colorado.

Due to our outstanding efforts, I’m proud to say that we won that battle. A responsible School Finance Act was passed with an additional $150 million bookmarked for public education in the Kids Matter Fund. We also had many more impressive victories this session that we could not have won without your support. Now we must look to the future. The fight for public education in Colorado is far from over. We must find a sustainable way to fund public education in Colorado. The future depends on it.

As I write this, we’re in the midst of bargaining season, a critical time when educators across the state are standing together to demand fair contracts, improved working conditions, and the resources our students need to thrive. These negotiations are more than just discussions over salaries and benefits—they are declarations of our values and our unwavering belief that every student in Colorado deserves a fully funded, high-quality public education.

The momentum we’ve built this year must carry us forward. Our collective voice is powerful, and when we organize, advocate, and support one another, real change is possible. As we head into the summer, I hope you take time to rest and recharge—you’ve earned it. But know this: the fight for the future of public education continues, and we need your voice in it. Together, we will keep pushing forward—because our students, our schools, and our communities are worth it.

In solidarity,

Kevin Vick Kevin Vick is a high school social studies teacher and president of the CEA.

CEA Journal • Summer 2025 • 3

This Is Where You Belong HOW WE WORK TOGETHER TO BUILD POWER AND SET OUR DIRECTION AT DELEGATE ASSEMBLY

By Sydney Slifka, Director of Digital Communications

This spring, during the 99th Delegate Assembly and in the midst of our 150th year as a union, hundreds of educators from every corner of Colorado stepped into one room with a shared purpose: to shape the future of our union and the future of public education.

“To me, Delegate Assembly is about 500 people from across the state coming together to help shape the policy and the work that the union does

“I feel really empowered when I come together with my colleagues,” said Hannah for people across Colorado,” said Hannah Squire, a 4th grade teacher and member of the Durango Education Association. “I love participating in Delegate Assembly. I feel really empowered when I come together with my colleagues. Even though sometimes the conversations are uncomfortable, they’re conversations that we really need to have.”

Educators spoke up. They listened. They voted. They challenged one another. They raised their voices and debated policy on the floor with passion and respect.

photo by Sammy Emerson

4 • CEA Journal • Summer 2025

“My first time, I was surprised by the amount of civil debate that actually happens,” said Ny Cahill, a paraprofessional and member of the Jeffco Education Support Professionals Association. “People hear each other and make change. People change their minds and aren’t afraid to change their minds, and come to a new decision and be educated on what we all need—and be able to just continue to do the work together.

Angel Givler, a 5th grade reading teacher and member of the Colorado Springs Education Association, added, “Being a delegate, to me, means that my local trusts me to be their voice. There’s a big difference between northern Colorado, southern Colorado, on the plains, and in the mountains— and it’s important that voices from across the state are heard.”

We know that every community faces different challenges. But the intensity and passion that filled the room proved just how much we have in common.

“To be honest, it’s uncomfortable,” said Rasheeda Ouedraogo, a school psychologist and member of the Denver Classroom Teachers Association.

“Being here, I understand the intensity comes from the passion,” said Rasheeda “But being here, I understand the intensity comes from the passion. As educators, we’re passionate about what we do. We’re passionate about our students.

We’re passionate about education. We’re passionate about our profession—that we are putting our lifeblood into it.”

Harvey Burns, a retired library media specialist and member of Jefferson County Education Association– Retired, echoed that sentiment: “It makes me feel a part of my profession—that I can have a voice in, especially with elected officials—because every political decision is an educational decision.”

Every voice matters. And when we come together, we become something bigger.

photo by Sammy Emerson

“It makes me feel empowered to be surrounded by so many educators that are passionate about what they do,” said Clari Hernández, an instructional coach and member of the Poudre Education Association.

“We are the union together.”

We show up at Delegate Assembly because our profession, our students, and our future are worth fighting for.

“We’re the ones in the buildings,” said Ny. “We’re the ones teaching the kids, engaging with the kids, and working toward a better future. The children are my biggest hope for the future, every day.”

photo by Sammy Emerson

IF WE DON’T SPEAK UP FOR OURSELVES, SOMEONE ELSE WILL.

If you’re thinking about stepping into this space—do it.

“Come ready to express who you are— your authentic self.”

“Be brave” ­—Hannah

“You have people who are here to support you.”

­—Rasheeda

“We need you.

Your voice matters” ­—Cari

­—Ny CEA Journal • Summer 2025 • 5

legislative

wins

historic school funding victory secured

By Bethany Morris, Director of Communications

After months of advocacy, mobilization, and engagement at the Capitol, we are celebrating a landmark legislative session that resulted in a significant turnaround in investments in public education and meaningful progress on issues affecting educators, students, and communities across Colorado.

In one of the most critical fights of the session, thousands of members, parents, students, and allies showed up at the Capitol, and members sent over 100,000 emails urging legislators to pass a responsible School Finance Act (HB25-1320). As a result, HB25-1320 passed with an additional $150 million in funding for public schools and the creation of the Kids Matter Fund, a permanent funding source that helps to ensure the Budget Stabilization (BS) Factor—long a source of education underfunding—will never return.

Across seven CEA Lobby Days, over 400 educators from across the state came to Denver to advocate for students and schools. In total, CEA tracked almost 100 bills, actively supported the passage of 15 bills, and helped defeat eight harmful bills.

6 • CEA Journal • Summer 2025

KEY LEGISLATIVE WINS HB25-1192 CEA successfully advocated for amendments to prevent burdens on educators around financial literacy and aid instruction, and secured funding to help districts cover curriculum costs.

SB25-005 CEA supported this pro-worker legislation that eliminates the unnecessary and duplicative “second election” requirement, making it easier for workers—including education support professionals—to organize and collectively bargain.

SB25-276 CEA backed this monumental immigration bill as vital protection for immigrant families. Educators rallied and mobilized in support of this crucial counter to harmful federal policies.

SB25-167 A step toward solving the educator housing crisis, this bill creates a down payment assistance program for educators buying their first homes—marking meaningful, though not comprehensive, progress.

SB25-154 CEA amended this bill to ensure that currently licensed Colorado teachers are prioritized in new pathways for licensure endorsement, supporting professional growth and retention.

HB25-1245 Educator testimony and organizing helped pass this bill, allowing school districts improved access to federal funds for HVAC upgrades—vital for safe and healthy learning environments.

HB25-1278 CEA championed reforms expanding allowable resource use to start earlier, supporting flexible, community-led turnaround strategies, more community-led, non-punitive tools for districts, and ensuring transparency when districts contract with private organizations.

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Protecting our rights at the School Board level is the best defense against whatever attacks come for public education from the current administration in Washington.

2025 School Board Elections Preview CEA plans to heavily resource the upcoming 2025 School Board elections. Protecting our rights at the School Board level is the best defense against whatever attacks come for public education from the current administration in Washington. We anticipate large investments from bad actors looking to undermine public education in many districts all over the state and have already started building election plans and helping to recruit candidates in many of these potential hot spots.

To combat those bad actors, CEA has invested in five professional campaign consultants to be stationed around the state to help locals recruit candidates and get them up and running with their fundraising and campaign structure. They will be positioned in the following areas: •

Northern Colorado: Brighton, Ft. Lupton, Thompson

•

Denver metro: Aurora, Denver

•

El Paso County: Academy, Colorado Springs, Falcon, Widefield, Woodland Park

•

Southern Colorado: Cañon City, Pueblo City, Pueblo County

•

Western Slope: Garfield, Mesa Valley, Montrose

KEY 2025 DATES JUN 09 CEA Fund meeting (last before summer break)

AUG 06 SB candidates can begin collecting signatures for the ballot

AUG 28 CEA Fund meeting AUG 29 Signatures due for

School Board candidates

SEP 05 SB candidates

finalized on ballots

SEP 11 CEA Fund meeting

(FINAL meeting for new recommendations)

OCT 02 CEA Fund meeting (late Bond/Mills and extra funding ONLY)

OCT 13 Ballots mailed to voters NOV 04 Election Day

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT KEVIN PAPE, POLITICAL DIRECTOR AT KPAPE@COLORADOEA.ORG. CEA Journal • Summer 2025 • 9

Bargaining Wins The end of the school year brought on some significant bargaining wins for locals across the state! These victories reflect the strength of collective advocacy and the power of educator voices in the bargaining process.

ABOVE: Photo by Jenn Sherman, Steamboat Springs EA member; SSEA’s May 1st Day of Action rally.

RIGHT: TESPA members and supporters gather at the Thompson SD school board meeting.

10 • CEA Journal • Summer 2025

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS EDUCATION ASSOCIATION secured a major win as the School Board voted in favor of their proposed compensation package for the 2025–2026 school year. The approved package ensures more competitive pay and improved benefits for educators across the district.

Thompson Education Support Professionals Association (TESPA) went public with their intent to collective bargain. They presented a petition to the Thompson School District with over 500 signatures of support.

FINANCIAL WINS AURORA

CONTRACT LANGUAGE WINS

Won 2.7% increase plus steps and lanes.

BRIGHTON

POUDRE

Coverage must be arranged for building reps to attend member meetings when requested.

Association membership information and lists cannot be requested through the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA).

Successfully negotiated new steps and COLA update, which resulted in a minimum increase of 4.4%.

SALIDA Beginning fall of 2025, $2500 will be added to each ‘cell’ of the salary schedule for certified teachers, which brings the base salary to $45,000. Steps and lanes were also added.

ST. VRAIN Career band steps will be increased by $100, $150, $200, and $250, along with $2,000/cell and the addition of steps and lanes.

THOMPSON Won 2.5% increase plus steps and lanes, TEA president is now full time release. This bargaining season was the first time members watched negotiations take place.

CHERRY CREEK Clarified language on SpEd workload and how to submit hardship considerations.

ENGLEWOOD Increased Local Association’s input and feedback regarding district professional development.

Increased bereavement leave allowance.

SOUTH PARK Added explicit representation language, right to submit rebuttal, and expectations around due process. Clarified process covering payout for missed plan time.

While these are only a small collection of bargaining wins that took place, we congratulate the local leaders, bargaining teams, organizing committees, and rank and file members who achieved another year of historic wins!

CEA Journal • Summer 2025 • 11

Building

workplace power

together

2025 Summer Leadership Conference

By Sydney Slifka, Director of Digital Communications

This June over 250 educators, union leaders, and public education advocates gathered in Breckenridge for CEA’s 2025 Summer Leadership Conference, where the theme “Leading the Way to Workplace Power” resonated through every session and conversation. This conference was a chance for members to recommit to building a stronger union, rooted in collective action and led by those closest to the work.

Keynote speaker Kim Kelly, labor journalist and author of Fight Like Hell: The Untold History of American Labor, didn’t just set the tone for the event—she lit a fire under it. Her core message, that the labor movement is built by ordinary people doing extraordinary things together, sparked a

12 • CEA Journal • Summer 2025

passion and purpose for the days that followed.

She reminded us that workplace power isn’t something handed to us; it’s something we build together. That idea resonated in every session, from contract organizing and political action to workshops focused on supporting education support professionals and strengthening member engagement.

Kelly also challenged attendees to think about power not just in terms of contracts or legislative wins, but in the everyday act of refusing to give up on each other. She shared stories of workers and educators who had been pushed out, pushed down, or pushed to the edge—only to rise, together.

“Hope is one of the few things the boss can

never take from us,” she told the room. “Hope is a constant struggle, but history shows us: victory is always possible.” In the face of exhaustion and adversity, her message was clear—hope lives in our commitment to one another, and together in our union, we keep it alive.

fight, who we fight for, and what’s possible when we lead—not as individuals, but together in our union. They spoke to a truth many in the room already knew: the future of public education won’t be saved from the top down. It will be built from the bottom up.

As her keynote address closed, Kelly left members with one final charge: “Every worker in the universe holds so much potential to do anything, when we do it together.” Her words reminded us why we

And after three days in Breckenridge, one thing is clear: CEA members are ready to lead the fight.

“None of our rights were granted by benevolent rulers. We organized, fought, struggled, lost, and tried again—until finally, we took them,” said Kim Kelly.

CEA Journal • Summer 2025 • 13

A.C.E.

fellowship wrap-up

By Sydney Breakfield, Communications Program Assistant

This year’s Advocacy, Civil Rights, and Equity Fellowship journey was shaped by powerful workshops, pushing for legislative action, hands-on conference experiences, and building leadership skills.

PURPOSEFUL PROGRAMMING Guest speakers added powerful depth and real-world perspective to this year’s fellowship program. CEA leaders President Kevin Vick, Vice President Liz Waddick, and Executive Director Kooper Caraway spoke about the role leadership plays in advancing equity in education. NEA Associate Director of Human and Civil Rights, Dr. Hilario Benzon, presented a memorable session emphasizing the importance of “calling in” harmful language. A practice that fosters more inclusive environments and offers a national lens on racial justice. Former Denver educator and current education consultant Dr. Asia Lyons’ powerful session on Black wellness, addressed the unique challenges BIPOC educators face and shared practical strategies to support mental health and navigate systemic barriers (check out her podcast, The Exit Interview, which focuses on the 14 • CEA Journal • Summer 2025

lived experiences of former Black educators).

In a powerful book study of White Fragility

by Robin DiAngelo, fellows dug deep into complex topics like systemic oppression, white saviorism, and privilege. Together, these experiences laid the foundation for a transformative year of learning, selfawareness, and meaningful change.

Understanding that equity work can be emotionally taxing, another session prioritized mental health. Fellows explored self-care as a radical act of sustainability, creating individualized rest plans to help balance the demands of advocacy with their well-being. The takeaway was simple but essential: we can’t pour from an empty cup, and lasting change starts with taking care of ourselves. During their final meeting, fellows wrapped up their mindfulness sessions by completing a yoga class led by 2024–2025 fellow and Aurora Education Association member, Soyoung Chung.

To celebrate Black History Month, educators of color gathered at the State

Capitol to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in Colorado’s public schools.

They met with legislators to discuss key issues like recruiting educators of color, culturally responsive curriculum, and equitable funding. They also attended CEA’s first Black History Month event, which featured speakers, music, a classroom resource fair, and a powerful speech

by Taurean Hamm, Denver Classroom Teachers Association (DCTA) member, and 2024-2025 A.C.E. Fellowship Mentor, on the importance of representation and resilience. Their advocacy continued at the Delegate Assembly, where a New Business Item was introduced to strengthen racial affinity groups across the state passed unanimously. This effort, along with the success of the A.C.E. Fellowship and its programming, highlights the need for ongoing support for educators of color.

This year’s fellowship concluded at the Summer Leadership Conference, where first-year fellows shared presentations on various topics.

MENTORING COMMUNITY The development of a mentorship program is a key element that marked this second year of the A.C.E. Fellowship from its inaugural year. Fellows from the 2024–2025 class had the opportunity to apply and be mentors to the new class of educators.

Mapleton Education Association member Veronica Wilder and DCTA member Patrick Jiner served alongside Taurean as this year’s fellowship mentors. Armed with the knowledge and training from their year as fellows, the mentors created spaces of belonging and support for their fellow educators. “I feel like I’m always wanting to be [a] support for other educators, especially educators of color, it was cool to be that for

someone else this time,” shares Taurean.

Veronica echoes his feelings saying, “As a mentor, my role was not to have all the answers, but to build capacity and empower others to grow into their own power.”

Looking back on the year, Veronica describes the experience as “enlightening, rewarding, and transformative.” She continues, “What impacted me the most was witnessing the transformation of all the Fellows, including myself. Many began the fellowship unsure of their role in the union or felt silenced in their schools. By the end, they were writing new business items, advocating at the state capitol, speaking at Delegate Assembly, and preparing to lead sessions at CEA’s Summer Leadership Conference. That kind of growth is what keeps me committed to this work.” For Taurean, transitioning from being a fellow to being a mentor meant “shifting from searching for support to becoming that support for others, especially educators of color navigating schools and systems that often leave them isolated.”

SHAPING THE FUTURE In addition to fellows becoming mentors for the 2025–2026 program year, fellows from the 2024–2025 cohort will now have the opportunity to complete a second year of the program. The second year is

designed for those who want to deepen their organizing knowledge and advocacy efforts, building on the foundation of their first year. The addition of this second-year option reflects the incredible sense of community that fellows have built together.

The second year will help fellows stay engaged and take the next step by plugging into their union work at the local, state, and national levels.

As the fellowship program evolves, the mentors see powerful potential for the future. The fellowship has inspiring goals: to build a strong, connected group of BIPOC educators who work to make education more fair and inclusive. These goals guide our work to support fellows to work closely with their local associations so their learning makes an impact in their community and encourages past fellows to become mentors for the next group.

Are you a BIPOC educator interested in becoming an A.C.E. Fellow?

Apply for the 2025-2026 A.C.E. Fellowship: coloea.org/ acefellowshipapp.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT DIRECTOR OF HUMAN AND CIVIL RIGHTS, MONICA HUNTER MHUNTER@COLORADOEA.ORG.

CEA Journal • Summer 2025 • 15

Member Spotlights

By Sydney Breakfield, Communications Program Assistant

THE IMPACT OF TEACHING SPECIAL EDUCATION Katie Dionesotes, affectionately known as Ms. Dion to her students, is a passionate Integrated Services teacher and member of the Poudre Education Association (PEA). Katie has worked as an Integrated Services educator for 14 years, with eight of those being in the Poudre School District (PSD). Katie became a special education teacher because she wanted to help people reach their goals, no matter how difficult the journey. Her motto is, “We can do it together,” and it shows in how she teaches and lives her life. What she loves most about her job is seeing her students grow, which happens due to the hard work of teachers, the determination of students, and the support of their families.

Katie’s dedication goes beyond her classroom.

She has been an active union member for all 14 years of her career. She joined PEA because she wanted to stand up for the teaching profession and help ensure every student has a safe and caring place to learn. She believes teaching should be a respected and supported career where educators feel heard and valued. One of the most meaningful things she has done as a member was serving on the “Big Circle” negotiations team for two years. “It really takes a whole community to keep a school district going,” Katie says. “Being on that team helped me understand how much work happens behind the scenes and helped me connect with people all over the district.”

Katie Dionesotes creates a classroom where students feel connected, supported, and inspired to grow. Her passion for teaching has earned her the prestigious Mary Hull Award from PSD, which honors excellence in inclusive education and integrated services. Nominated by colleagues and students, Katie is celebrated for her dedication, encouragement, and deep care for every student.

A coworker called her teaching “an art form,” while students praised her support and positivity. One wrote, “Ms. Dion is always happy and makes her students feel welcomed!” Another added, “She never gives up on something or someone. She motivates me to work my hardest.”

When she is not teaching or advocating for public education, Katie is living a full and active life. She is an avid runner working toward completing a half marathon in all 50 states. As a full-time mom and wife, she balances family life with passion and energy. Whether it’s kayaking, hiking, camping, or snowshoeing, Katie and her family make the most of every opportunity to connect with nature and their community.

Katie Dionesotes

“Be an active member. Watch “Big Circle” to see how negotiation works. Take advantage of going to the Capitol. Talk with your local government— share your story and listen to theirs.”

CELEBRATE A COLLEAGUE! NOMINATE AT COLORADOEA.ORG/MEMBERNOMINATION

16 • CEA Journal • Summer 2025

CENTERING EDUCATOR WELLNESS AFTER A YEAR OF SERVICE It has been a busy year for Janet Damon as she fulfilled her duties as the 2025 Colorado Teacher of the Year and finalist for the 2025 National Teacher of the Year. Over the past six months, Janet Damon participated in national education policy discussions, amplifying the voices of Colorado educators and advocating for issues affecting teachers and students. She also continued her work with Afros and Books, planning summer outdoor activities and literacy resources for families. Janet was awarded the Golden Apple Award at this year’s Delegate Assembly.

This award honors a CEA member, committee, or local for outstanding contributions to educational excellence, teacher advocacy, and programs that uplift the profession and public education.

Janet shares that she’s also grown a lot and met amazing teachers from all over the country.

Through these travels, she’s seen just how hard educators are working and how much stress they’re carrying. So often, it’s not until educators are a week into their summer that they realize the toll the school year has taken on their minds and bodies. Whether it’s the grief

Janet Damon

of losing a student, the frustration of fighting for resources, or the emotional impact of ongoing attacks on public education, the effects are real and long-lasting. “I’ve seen how much stress teachers hold in their bodies, and how little time they take to heal,” says Janet. That’s why this summer, Janet is leading a series of yoga and mindfulness sessions specifically designed for educators. She understands that summer isn’t just a break, it’s an opportunity to rest and reset.

Janet’s series will provide a space to release that stress and begin rebuilding from the inside out. “This is a time to release, to restore, and to regenerate our root system of wellness,” she says.

The ten-session series will blend breathwork, mindfulness techniques, and vinyasa flows, all crafted to support physical healing and emotional balance. The themed sessions will incorporate intentional movement and a mindfulness strategy, encouraging participants to tap into their body’s natural healing mechanisms.

More than just a yoga class, Janet’s series is a call to action for educators to prioritize their own wellbeing, not just for themselves, but so they can continue the work they do with renewed strength and clarity. “Each session is designed to integrate mindfulness and movement—to help close the stress cycle and support sustainable wellness,” Janet explains. The poses help with strength, flexibility, and joint health, while the mindfulness activities help with focus and emotional healing.

Janet Damon continues to inspire others by leading with compassion, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to educator wellness.

This summer series is just one way she’s helping build a healthier, more balanced future for those who dedicate their lives to others.

Check out Janet’s sessions, Root System & Safety, Breathing into the Flow, and more! Visit coloea.org/restoreyoga for more info and to register.

CEA Journal • Summer 2025 • 17

Get Involved COLORADO’S RISING EDUCATORS (CORE) COUNCIL Colorado Rising Educators (CORE) is dedicated to supporting and empowering early career educators across Colorado. If you’re in your first eight years of teaching, CORE offers a space to connect, grow professionally, and advocate for the changes you want to see in public education. Interested? Email CORE Staff Liaison, Chesca Smotherman csmotherman@colroadoea.org.

EQUITY COUNCIL FOR RACE AND CULTURE

photo by Sammy Emerson

Beginning this month, the Equity Council will be supported by the newly formed Human and Civil Rights Department. More information to come!

Interested? Email Equity Council Staff Liaison, Monica Hunter mhunter@coloradoea.org.

EDUCATION SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS (ESP) COUNCIL ESP members from around the state attended this year’s Summer Leadership Conference, where they learned to dismantle systemic barriers in schools and associations through shared leadership and organizing; using NEA’s Organizing Leadership Competency and ESP Professional Growth Continuum framework. Interested? Email ESP Council Staff Liaison, Vicki Flores vflores@coloradoea.org.

CEA-RETIRED COUNCIL The CEA-Retired Council will have a few changes for the next year. Phyllis Robinette will be taking over as the new Retired Council President and Ann Franco will be the new Vice President/Treasurer. After representing the CEA Retired on the CEA Board of Directors for six years, Bev Green will be rolling off and Lori Goldstein will be taking her place. Representing Region 1 will be Arby Martin, representing Region 3 will be Mary Jo Abbott, and representing Region 5 will be Kathleen Brannan. Delegates to the CEA-R Annual Meeting and RA, will be Bev Green, Ann Franco, Arby Martin, and Lori Goldstein.

Interested? Email cearetiredcouncil@gmail.com.

18 • CEA Journal • Summer 2025

photo by Sammy Emerson

Find your voice, build community, and help strengthen your union, join a CEA council today!

Staff Hires APRIL Erica Bettenhausen - Legal Administrator, CEA HQ Seneca Cherry - Paralegal, CEA HQ

MAY Sean Brailey - UniServ Director, Northern Colorado UniServ Unit Lindsay Floyd - Staff Attorney, CEA HQ

*Staff updates since 4/1/2025

photo by Sammy Emerson

CEA Journal • Summer 2025 • 19

coloradoea.org nea.org @ColoradoEA photo by Sammy Emerson

The Colorado School Journal is the official member publication of the Colorado Education Association (CEA), an affiliate of the National Education Association. The Journal (ISSN-0079-3326) is published

by CEA throughout the school year. Digital issues are posted on CEA’s website. Acceptance of advertising does not necessarily imply CEA endorsement.