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Just like many educators, Deidre Bergquist navigated the challenges of transitioning to remote learning with her students in 2020, her first year teaching first-grade after earning her bachelor of arts in psychology with a teaching license in elementary education from CU �鶹ӰԺ. Even with all the new hurdles that came with teaching during a pandemic, she started her master’s program in CU �鶹ӰԺ School of Education in the Fall of 2020.

Since her first semester, Bergquist strives to model lifelong learning for her students as part of her desire for her them to develop a love of learning and reading. Her passion for early literacy education and reaching her students where they are, the quality and care she puts into her lesson planning, and her thoughtful contributions to class discussions and assignments, and she has been named the 2022 Outstanding Literacy Studies Master’s Graduate.

Working with diverse student groups in the Adams 12 school district, Bergquist looks for ways to “take note of each of my students, notice what their background is, where they come from, so I can take action for them and help them develop empathy in a loving and welcoming environment.” Her vision for creating a community of literacy learners demonstrates her commitment to ensuring her students see themselves in the work that is taken up in her classroom, including the selection of responsive texts and instructional practices.  

As she completes her journey in the master’s program, Bergquist is stepping into her role as a literacy leader in her school, supporting her colleagues through thoughtful coaching, and sharing her own reflections as a teacher learner. 

“Deidre has so eloquently and courageously shared her own personal journey with her students and has reflected on how these experiences have allowed for expansive opportunities for learning and self-growth,” her faculty nominators said. “In her instruction, she has created humanizing and empathetic experiences that give students the space to be themselves.”

In her own words

Please tell us a bit about yourself

  I'm originally from Ft. Collins, Colorado, and I decided to come to �鶹ӰԺ for my undergraduate degree because I was always in awe of the city and campus growing up. My time as an undergraduate lead me to education and I decided to pursue a career in teaching. When I finished my undergraduate degree, I knew I didn't want to be done with school. I knew that I wanted to further my learning in the education field and I promptly applied to graduate school at CU �鶹ӰԺ. Throughout my undergraduate education, I heard about the PIE (Partners in Education) program and how good of an experience it was. I figured I would apply to do PIE and get my masters degree so I could experience all aspects of the graduate program. My mindset throughout my time in the program shifted as I began to realize all of the different directions I could take my career in education. This program has opened my eyes to the idea of being a literacy leader and the various positions I can have as a literacy leader in and out of the classroom. Not only are there opportunities to be a literacy leader in schools, but there are also opportunities elsewhere.”

What is one of the lessons from your time at CU �鶹ӰԺ that you’ll carry with you into the next chapter?

  CU �鶹ӰԺ prepared me to be a literacy leader. With equity, justice, and diversity at the forefront of its program, I feel inspired to make a change within my community. I now see through a critical lens and feel empowered to challenge inequities that exist within education. This program has fostered my love for literacy and the need to be an advocate for each and every student through their literacy journey.”

What does graduating from CU �鶹ӰԺ represent for you and/or your community?

  Graduating from CU �鶹ӰԺ represents an experience of learning that I can take with me and apply throughout my career and life. It represents being someone who can go out into my community and fight for those who have been oppressed and marginalized, students who deserve an equitable and accessible education.”

What is your best piece of advice for incoming students?

  My advice would be to embrace every aspect of CU and all that it has to offer. There is groundbreaking work going on and it's a great feeling to be a part of it. There are many amazing programs and resources for the community to get involved in and everyone is so supportive. I would also say, lean on your cohort and classmates for support, the work we do isn't easy and it's reassuring to be around people that are in similar situations.”

What continues to drive your passion for your work after graduation?

  After graduation, I plan to continue my work as an educator that strives towards creating equity and inclusion for all learners. This work has really opened my eyes to the inequalities that exist within in education and I hope to make strides as a literacy leader to create a positive impact on literacy and ensure that education is accessible to all learners. I am totally up for the challenge that comes with becoming a literacy leader. I absolutely love literacy and the learning that comes with it (being a primary teacher). I love seeing the growth students can make when they receive literacy instruction and I believe that every student deserves an excellent literacy education and a chance to learn how to read. I can’t wait to have a positive impact on my students and colleagues with everything I’ve gained from the Literacy Studies program at CU �鶹ӰԺ.”