Student News

Words of gratitude for our 2024 mentor teachers

Anonymous — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 21:23:36 +0000

Words of gratitude for our 2024 mentor teachers Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 06/17/2024 - 15:23

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PosIqmr2Ag]

Each year, over 200 mentor teachers from over 30 partner schools give their time, energy and expertise to supporting our CU �鶹ӰԺ School of Education student teachers. Watch our video or read the quotes below to see how mentor teachers impact our student teachers.

We asked our students, how has your mentor teacher impacted your student teaching experience?

Having a mentor teacher to really reflect with and connect with about even the little moments that are happening every single day in a classroom has been absolutely amazing. To have that backbone of support though the process of learning how to teach and having a person to give me feedback has been an amazing experience.”—Caitlin Johnston, BA in Elementary Education

In so many ways. Without seeing a mentor teacher or having those relationships, I don't know if I could have done it. It's just been incredible to be able to co-teach and co-plan and see someone else in a real context outside of our education classes and see someone do the real work and be able to get feedback and questions and pose any sort of problems and seeing how they do it. It's just invaluable.”—Marcus Willimas, MA+ Teacher Licensure in Secondary Humanities

Without my mentor teacher, I would be pretty lost the whole way through. She supported me every step of the way, and as I grew my confidence in being an educator, she was there to meet me with challenges and encourage me to expand my horizons. She was a supportive mentor who helped push my abilities as an educator.”—Hunter Mayhew, MA+ Teacher Licensure in STEM Education

See more student testimonials

“It's been able to make me feel more confident in my teaching and be more reflective on the practices I'm using and to adapt what I'm doing.”—Grace Haas, BA in Elementary Education

“I think it's really helped my confidence for just being in the classroom and knowing what it takes to be a teacher day in and day out. When I first showed up to the school, I felt like I had no idea what it really meant to be a teacher but leaving this year gave me a way better idea of what to expect.”—Derek Wasiecko, BA in Elementary Education

“I think having a mentor teacher has created my entire experience. I wouldn't be where I am without her. Just from practicum last year and then coming into the classroom and having her to guide me kinda along the way. Always giving me positive feedback and helpful hints but after the fact, actually letting me build on that with my next lessons. She's taught me how to build positive relationships with my students and other teams in the classroom. Everything I learned she just pushed me out of my comfort zone to the point where I am ready to teach at my own classroom and am really excited. Everything I learned was from her.”—Tatum Rohdes, BA in Elementary Education

“Having a mentor teacher has impacted my student teaching experience in so many ways. It’s given me a template for how to act, how to be, and how to plan as a teacher. It’s given me so many wonderful experiences of seeing how they work and collaborate with their fellow peers and has given me a template with how I am going to work with mine in the future. It's also inspired me to become a mentor teacher when I finally get that chance.”—Ridge Isley, BA in Elementary Education

“Having a mentor teacher has been really nice for my experience because I was able to learn everyday with the same person and keep it consistent and knowing exactly what that routine would look like.”—Kathryn Stone, BA in Elementary Education

“It's great to have someone to really look up to. My mentor teacher, she's really awesome and amazing, even though sometimes she’s like ‘don't follow my instructions’. She's absolutely the best mentor I can ask for. She knows how to co-teach because she co-teaches with the other fifth grade teacher, and she's just so open and welcoming.”—Jennifer Jinnohn Douglas, BA in Elementary Education

“It's been amazing to work with a teacher who has been teaching for over thirty years and just learn from someone who has been in it for so long. It has influenced me in how I go about teaching in my everyday life.”—Abigail Bonanotte, BA in Elementary Education

“[My mentor teacher] has just taught me so much throughout this year. I've learned a lot especially in regard to like literacy instruction and group management and just like all things education. I feel really appreciative that I got a mentor this year and I wouldn't have it any other way. I really appreciate it.”—Analise Schultz, BA in Elementary Education

“Truly, I don't think that my student teaching experience would have been anywhere nearly as powerful or as life changing without [my mentor teacher].”—Madeleine Leman, MA+ Teacher Licensure in Secondary Humanities

“Truly immensely in almost every way. [My mentor teacher] is always been there to teach me what I might have missed from school. Or just correct me when I just start going off and it's nice to have someone to lean on like that. That is constantly there because you can't bring the whole School of Education into the classroom.”—Roxanne Garland, MA+ Teacher Licensure in Secondary Humanities

“This semester working with my mentor teacher has definitely helped me learn a lot of new strategies that I wanna use in the classroom. It's also a really great opportunity to get to know a new group of students and work with them closely. And work with my mentor teacher to meet their needs in the classroom.”—Aspen Krist, teacher licensure in secondary science

“It's made me a lot more confident. The advice that grant has offered me is invaluable as well as the opportunities that he allows me to take part in in his classroom. Along with planning my own classes and supporting students and building relationships. It's really been an amazing experience.”—Jo Robbins, MA+ Teacher Licensure in STEM Education

“Having a mentor teacher has greatly impacted my student teaching experience because the advice, the investment, and the encouragement that my mentor teacher has given me is incomparable. Words can't describe the amount of support that I received and it definitely wouldn't have been the same without that support and encouragement.”—Samantha Milison, MA+ Teacher Licensure in STEM Education

Do you have any messages or words of gratitude you would like to share with your mentor teacher, School of Education supporters, or about your field experiences?

I really wouldn't be where I am as a teacher without you. Thank you so much for all the effort and the help you put in. Inside of school, outside of school. All the support you're giving me through every idea I have, like helping me add to every idea. Even when I'm teaching my lessons you're on the side there adding in and helping me, supporting me along the way. So thank you.”—Tatum Rohdes, BA in Elementary Education

I would not be where I am without Ian Evans, he truly has just been like a light in the darkness. He's helped me see things from different ways. He's helped me realize that even when it's hard I still wanna be a teacher and he's everything is strive to be as a teacher.”—Roxanne Garland, MA+ Teacher Licensure in Secondary Humanities

Honestly, no words can describe how thankful I am. I think that this has been one of the best experiences that I've had on my educational and teaching journey. I think Becky Bullman is a great mentor teacher and I'm just super lucky and super fortunate and I wouldn't change a thing. So, words can't really describe my gratitude. I'm really grateful.”—Samantha Milison, MA+ Teacher Licensure in STEM Education

See more student testimonials

“I would just tell her thank you for everything and thank you for being a shoulder of support. And being there for me when I need you.” — Grace Haas, BA in Elementary Education

“I want my mentor teacher to know that I love her very much and she taught me so much more than she will ever know and I will continue to take all that I learned and apply it now that I'm going into a classroom of my own.” — Caitlin Johnston, BA in Elementary Education

“I just wanna say thanks for everything. I know it's been super busy for him and everything in life. Thanks for giving me the time and helping set everything up for the future.”—Derek Wasiecko, BA in Elementary Education

“Tyler was very qualified to be my mentor teacher. He was the best mentor teacher I could have asked for at a certain time when I didn't think I was going to be able to have a mentor teacher. I really appreciate everything he has taught me. I've appreciated every step of the way that we've taken and I'm looking forward to working with him next year so much. And also a quick shout out to my first mentor teacher, Sara. Unfortunately I didn't get to finish the year with her but I appreciate her as always and I know that I am making her proud as well. So, thank you so much.”—Ridge Isley, BA in Elementary Education

“I just want to say thank you for vocalizing everything for me. I feel like I've grown so much by the small things that you've taught me on a daily basis. I just really appreciate the constant support that I felt like in your classroom and at the school overall by our students. Everything was wonderful. So, thank you.”—Kathryn Stone, BA in Elementary Education

“Robin, thank you so so much for taking care of me this entire year. I really don't have enough words and gratitude to express that but know that you have been awesome and amazing. And you have really helped shape the teacher I am today. So, thank you so much for that.”—Jennifer Jinnohn Douglas, BA in Elementary Education

“I would like to thank Rebecca in so many ways and endless throughout all of time. I will never forget our time together. It's been so impactful to me. She's been like a big sister. And our sixth period class will live on in infamy.”—Marcus Willimas, MA+ Teacher Licensure in Secondary Humanities

“I mean it from the bottom of my heart that you are the teacher I would love to be one day, and I see so many phenomenal qualities and the things that I hear from students is so inspiring. You had students visit this year from a couple of years ago that are still begging to be in your class. You are just really unbelievable and you taught me so much both about the active teaching and what it means to be a human that teaches”—Madeleine Leman, MA+ Teacher Licensure in Secondary Humanities

“Thank you so much for all the support throughout the past two years. It's been amazing. I love working with you and at the school in general so thank you. I appreciate it so much.”—Abigail Bonanotte, BA in Elementary Education

“Burns, I appreciate you for everything you do. I've learned so much from you and I'm really going to miss being in the first grade with you. Thanks for an awesome year.” —Analise Schultz, BA in Elementary Education

“I am immensely grateful, and I will miss our Starburst snack time after lunch. But it’s a tradition I will continue in my own teaching career going forward.”—Hunter Mayhew, MA+ Teacher Licensure in STEM Education

“Thank you for having me here this semester. It was really wonderful being in your classroom and I hope next year is not too difficult for you.” —Aspen Krist, teacher licensure in secondary science

“Just really grateful for the whole experience and for all his help and all the stuff that I've experienced at Niwot. I really do feel more confident and maybe my next year is not going to be exactly feeling like second year of teaching but it definitely should be better than an actual first year of teaching.”—Jo Robbins, MA+ Teacher Licensure in STEM Education

Thank you to our mentor teachers for all of your dedication and support!

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MA+ graduate Marcus Williams wears many hats: IT professional, education policy advocate and now teacher

Anonymous — Fri, 03 May 2024 22:22:42 +0000

MA+ graduate Marcus Williams wears many hats: IT professional, education policy advocate and now teacher Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 05/03/2024 - 16:22

After working for the CU �鶹ӰԺ Office of Information Technology for six years, Marcus Williams decided to switch careers and enroll in the one-year intensive MA+ Secondary Humanities Teacher Licensure program to become a teacher.

“As a teacher, Marcus is guided by unwavering commitments to justice and to organizing culturally responsive classrooms that honor youth voice,” said Assistant Professor Sara Staley, one of his award nominators. Staley nominated him for the Outstanding Secondary Humanities Master’s Plus Teacher Licensure Program Graduate award.

For his inquiry capstone project, he explored his and his students’ metacognition skills, asking his students to create literacy goals for themselves and guiding them through executive functioning strategies in order to create a safe and equitable learning environment. As a teacher, Williams believes in critical self-reflection and examining his own biases.

“Learning is vulnerability; teaching is vulnerability,” said Williams. “If I want my students to be open and honest then I must also be open and honest.”

Williams is also an advocate and believes in paying it forward for future student teachers like him. Earlier this spring, Williams testified at the Colorado State Capitol for a hearing for House Bill 24-1290, which discussed state appropriations for the Student Educator Stipend Program established in 2022 to reduce financial barriers for students completing their clinical practices. At the hearing, he testified on the impact of student stipends on his teaching career.

“Without this stipend, I would not be here in front of you today, but perhaps more importantly, without this stipend I would not be in the classroom,” said Williams.

“I am proud to be in a profession where I can serve the young people of my community, happy to wake up every morning knowing I have the opportunity to do this for the rest of my working life, and I am thankful to a state that has given me this chance.”

In the fall, Williams will teach personal finance, intro to business/marketing and creative writing at Niwot High School.

In his own words

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I received my English and economics degrees from Virginia Tech and an MFA in creative writing and now, an MA in Curriculum and Instruction from CU �鶹ӰԺ. I have also worked for CU �鶹ӰԺ in the Office of Information Technology for the past six years. I've loved penguins ever since I saw them at the Boston Aquarium in second grade, and I hate onions. Most importantly, I own many, many hats.”

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

Learning is vulnerability; teaching is vulnerability. If I want my students to be open and honest then I must also be open and honest.”

What is your best piece of advice for incoming students?

The only life path is the one behind us.”

What are your next steps after graduation?

I will be teaching Personal Finance, Intro to Business/Marketing, and Creative Writing at Niwot High School.”

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Living the dream: Hasan Elsayed found his passion for teaching science and math

Anonymous — Fri, 03 May 2024 18:43:54 +0000

Living the dream: Hasan Elsayed found his passion for teaching science and math Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 05/03/2024 - 12:43

Born and raised in Aurora, Colorado, Hasan Elsayed had a love of math and science from an early age. Now as a math and science teacher, he gets to live his dream of empowering students to pursue their aspirations and achieve success.

Despite initially planning to pursue physics and graduate studies in high-energy physics, Elsayed’s experience as a Learning Assistant for physics courses at CU �鶹ӰԺ inspired him to pursue a career in education.

Co-developed by Education Professor Valerie Otero, the Learning Assistant program trains undergraduate students in pedagogical content and inclusive pedagogies, so that they are part of the instructional team—breaking down traditional power structures in higher education.

After two semesters as a Learning Assistant, Elsayed realized his passion for teaching, and he enrolled in the CU Teach Undergraduate Teacher Licensure program, where he has been selected as the program’s 2024 Outstanding Graduate.

“Hasan is a leader in the CU Teach licensure program, and he’s dedicated to teaching STEM for equity and justice,” said Will Lindsay, assistant teaching professor in STEM Education and one of Elsayed’s award nominators. “His caring temperament, kindness and dedication to building authentic relationships with students are uniquely suited to ensuring that all students identify themselves as knowers and doers of STEM.”

Lindsay also noted that Elsayed’s mentor teachers, peers and professional colleagues have praised his ability to plan and facilitate lessons that aligned with state academic standards, and their interactions with him have helped them grow as educators.

Following his student teaching at Centaurus High School in Lafayette, Elsayed was able to secure his first official teaching position at the same school, where he also coaches e-sports and boys’ volleyball. But first, he will celebrate his graduation from the CU �鶹ӰԺ School of Education with a month-long adventure in Iceland, Germany, Spain, and backpacking through the Dolomites Mountains in Italy.

In his words

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I was born and raised in Aurora Colorado, the youngest of five siblings. Growing up I always had a love for both math and science. Throughout my education I have come to really appreciate the feeling of struggling through a difficult problem and finally arriving at a solution. Only one thing makes that experience better through, and that is sharing it with another person. I originally planned to attend CU �鶹ӰԺ to get a degree in physics and set myself up to go to grad school for high energy physics. However, after spending two semesters as an Learning Assistant in the Physics department, I knew I had found my passion. I knew I wanted to go into education. After learning and growing in the School of Education, I landed a job at a great school at �鶹ӰԺ Valley School District, and I am now living my dream of supporting students to become empowered as individuals so that they can pursue their dreams and achieve their goals. I am extremely grateful to the School of Education and especially my peers and professors who taught me so much! Thank you!

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

At CU �鶹ӰԺ I realized that when we are passionate about something in the way that I am passionate about education, the work that we put into our passions doesn't feel like work. Instead it feels like the right thing to be doing, and a useful expenditure of the limited time we have/share here together. Not only that but when our passions allow us to support others, then, I believe, we are engaging in truly rewarding and fulfilling work that makes a difference in our and others lives.

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

Graduating from CU �鶹ӰԺ means a great deal to me and my family. My mother couldn't be more proud. I feel as though a major chapter in my life has come to a close, and it couldn't be a better end to that chapter. I know that I will take many of the lessons I learned at CU with me for the rest of my life. I also have lifelong friends and colleagues that I have made during my time here. Not only that but by pursuing my passion for education and becoming a classroom teacher, I also think that I have taught my family a lesson about truly considering what we value in life and what we want to spend our time doing.

What is your best piece of advice for incoming students?

Read the assigned literature, you will learn a great deal from the insight of great minds.

What are your next steps after graduation?

I have been lucky to land a great job at the school I student taught at, and I will be teaching both math and science next year! At my school I coach the e-sports team and the boys volleyball team, and I love doing both! This summer I plan to take a month-long trip to Europe visiting Iceland, Italy, Germany, Spain, and backpacking through the Dolomites!

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MA graduate Bethany Morton is modeling advocacy for her students and inclusive mathematics education

Anonymous — Fri, 03 May 2024 18:21:27 +0000

MA graduate Bethany Morton is modeling advocacy for her students and inclusive mathematics education Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 05/03/2024 - 12:21

Throughout her academic journey at the CU �鶹ӰԺ School of Education, Bethany Morton has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments for her students, particularly children from marginalized backgrounds.

A fourth-grade teacher at Colfax Elementary School, Morton has been selected as this year's outstanding STEM Education master’s graduate for the ways she thoughtfully questions how current practices and policies in math and science education are not yet serving minoritized youth and her support of colleagues and educators seeking more humanizing mathematics education experiences for students.

“Bethany draws upon her expertise in sociology by delving deeply into the history of the subject areas to theorize how they led to inequitable experiences for minoritized youth at a foundational level,” said award nominators and STEM Education Faculty David Webb and Melissa Braaten. “Bethany understands the constraints imposed upon her as a classroom teacher and factors that contribute to educational injustice.”

Morton’s capstone project investigated the presence of opportunities for mathematical reasoning and justifications in elementary classrooms, identifying areas for teacher collaboration and professional development to better support educators and student learning.

Reflecting on her experiences at CU �鶹ӰԺ, Morton said she is grateful for the advocacy in education that was modeled by her professors and encourages new students to embrace authentic learning experiences.

“During challenging times, several professors at CU �鶹ӰԺ served as advocates for me, demonstrating the importance of supportive teachers who inspire, motivate and empower students,” she said. “As I have learned more about the complexities of the education system and issues of injustice and deficit perspective, my professors not only showed the importance of advocacy, but also showed me ways to be an advocate for teachers and students.

“From improving my capacity to support students—socially, emotionally, and academically—to understanding what truly serves students’ needs, my experiences at CU �鶹ӰԺ have equipped me to be an advocate for students and teachers.”

Following graduation, Morton plans to continue her advocacy as an elementary school teacher in Denver Public Schools, while also considering opportunities for leadership roles, further education and international teaching experiences, all driven by her passion for education and equity.

In her words

Please tell us a bit about yourself

Although I was born in Colorado, I spent most of my life in Georgia. When it was time for college, I wanted to return to Colorado, and when I visited CU �鶹ӰԺ, I immediately knew it was where I wanted to be. While my goals and dreams have always centered around being an elementary school teacher, it was my undergraduate experience at CU �鶹ӰԺ that strongly influenced my perspective on education and motivations as a future educator. While here, I was inspired to become a culturally responsive teacher, prioritize equity and passionately advocate for students' learning needs. When I finished my undergraduate degree at CU, I knew I wanted to continue in my education. Due to many impactful professors and things learned, I knew I wanted to stay at CU �鶹ӰԺ, a place where I could continue to grow as an educator.

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

One of the most significant lessons I have taken away from being a student at CU �鶹ӰԺ, both through my undergraduate and graduate studies, is the importance of being an advocate for my students, myself, and others. My professors and coursework have shed light on the many inequalities embedded in our education system. Yet, they have also shown me the importance of advocacy.

During challenging times, several professors at CU �鶹ӰԺ served as advocates for me, demonstrating the importance of supportive teachers who inspire, motivate and empower students. Their mentorship also highlighted the significance of agency in effecting positive change. Furthermore, as I have learned more about the complexities of the education system and issues of injustice and deficit perspective, my professors not only showed the importance of advocacy but also showed me ways to be an advocate for teachers and students. From improving my capacity to support students—socially, emotionally, and academically—to understanding what truly serves students’ needs, my experiences at CU �鶹ӰԺ have equipped me to be an advocate for students and teachers.

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

Personally, graduating with my master’s from CU �鶹ӰԺ represents a commitment to being a lifelong learner and to continuing to work towards being the best teacher for my students’ and school community.

What is your best piece of advice for incoming students?

My advice for new students would be to fully embrace the authentic learning experiences offered within the School of Education. Throughout your coursework, you will encounter numerous opportunities to engage in meaningful and authentic learning experiences. Take advantage of these opportunities as they directly contribute to your growth as a future or current educator and can be used to make a real impact in education.

What are your next steps after graduation?

Following graduation, I will continue to be an elementary school teacher in the Denver Public School system, where I am a fourth-grade teacher at Colfax Elementary. Looking ahead, I have many different ideas such as moving into a leadership role, pursuing a PhD, and teaching abroad. However, regardless of the path, education will always be my passion and focus.

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MA graduate Yazmine Patiño is paving the way for first-generation students to come

Anonymous — Fri, 03 May 2024 16:34:55 +0000

MA graduate Yazmine Patiño is paving the way for first-generation students to come Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 05/03/2024 - 10:34

Yazmine Lynette Patiño is passionate about supporting first-generation college students as one herself.

“I’m the first in my family to receive a bachelor's and now a master's degree, both of which I could not have accomplished without the unwavering support of my family” she said. “Graduating from CU �鶹ӰԺ represents sacrifice, growth, and possibilities for myself and for my family.”

Patiño grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, but she was drawn to CU �鶹ӰԺ's scenic location and the School of Education’s reputation for her master’s studies.

She has been selected as the 2024 Outstanding Master’s Graduate for Educational Foundations, Policy and Practice for her academic performance and her “diligence, thoughtfulness, and excellence in research” that she demonstrated in her classes as well as during her final capstone project. Patiño’s capstone project involved a thorough interviews exploring the experiences of staff members in pre-collegiate programs designed for first-generation and underrepresented students in higher education and it applied theories of community cultural wealth — centering students assets from their families, culture and experiences — and "acompañamiento” — the idea of learning alongside of students.

Patiño’s graduation is only the beginning. She hopes to continue working for the Colorado Department of Education or support first-generation students on college campuses.

In her words

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I'm originally from the San Francisco Bay Area in California, and I moved to Colorado almost two years ago to attend CU �鶹ӰԺ. After graduating with my bachelor's, I knew I wanted to return to school for my master's but wasn't sure what I wanted to study or where. I've always had a love for education and learning and loved the idea of being a part of others' educational journeys. With that in mind, I chose to pursue a master's degree in education. Both the beautiful location and the great things I had heard about the School of Education at CU �鶹ӰԺ drew me to apply for the master's in educational foundations, policy and practice.

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

You, especially as a student, will never have enough hours in the day to read everything there is to read on a particular subject. And that's okay. It takes many, many years to become an expert, so as long as you continue to learn and read about the subjects that interest you, you will be okay.

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

Graduating from CU �鶹ӰԺ represents sacrifice, growth, and possibilities for myself and for my family. I'm the first in my family to receive a bachelor's and now a master's degree, both of which I could not have accomplished without the unwavering support of my family, especially when I decided to move away from home to attend CU �鶹ӰԺ. Every educational milestone has also represented the possibilities that are out there for my younger siblings, who now have an older sister to help them through whatever educational pathway they choose to follow.

What is your best piece of advice for incoming students?

I would advise incoming students to make time in their schedule to meet with their professors and advisors at least once every semester. They have such a wealth of knowledge not only about the subjects they teach, but about academia in general that is worth tapping into.

What are your next steps after graduation?

After graduation, I hope to either continue working for the Colorado Department of Education or work on a college campus supporting first-generation students.

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MA Graduate Silvia Ortiz is a passionate advocate for rural, bilingual learners

Anonymous — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 21:50:38 +0000

MA Graduate Silvia Ortiz is a passionate advocate for rural, bilingual learners Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 04/24/2024 - 15:50

As a proud bilingual educator, Silvia Ortiz exemplifies excellence in teaching, leadership and advocacy for bilingual learners at her school and in her small rural district. Ortiz is a passionate advocate for her mostly Latinx bilingual students as an English Language Development Teacher at Hudson Elementary School in Weld RE-3 School District.

As a member of the BUENO Center for Multicultural Education’s Northeast Teacher Cohort, Otriz was able to earn her Master’s Equity Bilingualism and Biliteracy from the CU �鶹ӰԺ School of Education by attending courses close to home in Brighton and alongside 20 peer educators across three districts in the rural northeast region of Colorado.

Respected by her colleagues and revered in her community, Ortiz is also a strong bilingual writer and thinker. She completed her Teacher Inquiry Project, the culminating project and report for her master’s program, bilingually written in Spanish and English where she explored bilingual identities of her young Latinx students through linguistically and culturally responsive children’s literature.

For her work as an exemplary educator and graduate student, Ortiz has been selected the 2024 Outstanding Graduate of the Master’s in Equity, Bilingualism and Biliteracy Program by the faculty in the BUENO Center. However, she has been a member of BUENO Center community since she participated first in the BUENO Career Ladder program in 2005, a partnership between CU �鶹ӰԺ and Aims Community College, on her pathway to becoming a teacher. Engaging in the master’s program helped bring Ortiz’s career, education, and connections with CU �鶹ӰԺ full circle.

In her own words

Please tell us a bit about yourself

My journey to CU �鶹ӰԺ is a unique one. I reside in the Brighton area and teach in a small town in Northeastern Colorado. During my undergraduate program, I had the privilege of participating in the BUENO program through the Career Ladder Program. This experience not only deepened my passion for educational equity but also paved the way for my decision to pursue my master’s degree through the BUENO program at CU �鶹ӰԺ. The opportunity to return to BUENO now as a graduate student was a clear sign that this was the right path for me."

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

I have always considered myself a lifelong learner, and my time at CU �鶹ӰԺ has satiated my desire to explore new learning and revive my passion for equity for bilingual learners. The most profound and significant lesson I take away from my time at CU �鶹ӰԺ is this: all of our students come to us with various gifts and talents. It is up to us, educators, to explore such gifts and talents and leverage them to inspire and nurture independent learners and thinkers. By disrupting injustices created by systemic oppression we give our students the opportunities to thrive."

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

Graduating from CU �鶹ӰԺ as a BUENO Center master’s student is a momentous achievement. CU �鶹ӰԺ has always been at the forefront of educational equity and advocacy for bilingual students and communities. As a Latina, this accomplishment holds a special place in my heart. It is a testament to my dedication and the support I have received from my community. This honor will undoubtedly enrich my work with my brilliant bilingual students."

What is your best piece of advice for incoming students?

I believe that one’s most remarkable ability is the ability to use metacognition. The ability to evaluate, monitor, and apply new teachings to our understanding is essential. A student with the caliber of being a critical thinker and having metacognitive awareness will find success in their endeavors."

What are your next steps after graduation?

As a lifelong learner, I have enjoyed my time as a student. Now is the time to apply all of what I've learned. My graduate program was robust and rich, with mastery in the field of educational equity. Now is my time to discern how best to apply my newfound knowledge in my specific role. Furthermore, I would like to inspire other educators through my example and leadership."

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Your CU �鶹ӰԺ Guide to AERA 2024

Anonymous — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 18:55:35 +0000

Your CU �鶹ӰԺ Guide to AERA 2024 Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 03/25/2024 - 12:55

Each year, the American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting represents the world's largest gathering of education researchers and is a showcase for groundbreaking, innovative research. We are looking forward to the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting that will take place in Philadelphia, PA, April 11-14.

Our faculty, students and alumni will be busy presenting, learning, and exchanging ideas. Use this guide to follow and support CU �鶹ӰԺ researchers and their work. This year, we have CU �鶹ӰԺ faculty, students and alumni featured in over 80 sessions!

See the full CU �鶹ӰԺ AERA guide

AERA Key Sessions

Presidential Session:
Bilingual Special Education for the 21st Century: Reimagining the Future

Sat, April 13, 9:35-11:05 a.m. ET; Pennsylvania Convention Center, Level 200, Room 201A
Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Teaching in Bilingual Inclusive Classrooms
Authors: Vanessa Santiago Schwarz and Elizabeth Silva Diaz

Spotlight on Philadelphia and the Region:
Weight of the Crown: Anti-Essentialist Futures for Black Girls’ Identity Construction

Fri, April 12, 7:45-9:15 a.m. ET; Pennsylvania Convention Center, Level 200, Room 201B
I’m Not Your Superwoman: Ethnographies of Softness, Silence, and Healing for Black Girls
Author: Alexis Hunter

Spotlight on Artificial Intelligence:
Critical Sociotechnical Perspectives on Young People Using, Experiencing, and Making Sense of AI

Thu, April 11, 2:30-4:00 p.m. ET; Pennsylvania Convention Center, Level 200, Exhibit Hall B
Chair: José Lizárraga

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Two new BAs in middle and high school teaching, education studies coming next fall

Anonymous — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 21:33:40 +0000

Two new BAs in middle and high school teaching, education studies coming next fall Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 11/10/2023 - 14:33

This past year, the University of Colorado Board of Regents approved the creation of two new Bachelor of Arts degrees forthcoming for the CU �鶹ӰԺ School of Education: the BA in Middle and High School Teaching and the BA in Education Studies.

“These exciting new undergraduate degrees have the potential to help address significant teacher shortages or introduce graduates to non-teaching careers in education at a time when support for and understanding of public education is critical for a healthy democracy,” said Dean Kathy Schultz. “These majors build on the long-standing excellence of our education minor and teacher-education programs that have been seen as model programs across the country.”

The BA in Middle and High School Teaching program is for undergraduate students seeking a career in middle and/or high school teaching in a subject area they are passionate about, such as English, math, science, social studies, or Spanish.

These exciting new undergraduate degrees have the potential to help address significant teacher shortages or introduce graduates to non-teaching careers in education at a time when support for and understanding of public education is critical for a healthy democracy.” — Dean Kathy Schultz.”

The program will continue the highly regarded secondary teacher licensure programing in the School of Education, but now students will earn a BA in middle and high school teaching in addition to an initial teacher license in secondary education (grades 7-12) from the state of Colorado and a dual degree in their content-area major in other CU �鶹ӰԺ departments.

The BA in Education Studies is for students who are interested in education-related careers but not necessarily teaching.

With a degree in education studies, graduates can work in governmental and nonprofit agencies, community outreach, youth development and other non-school educational programs or pursue graduate studies in education. It also offers an alternative major for students who begin a teacher education program, in elementary education or middle and high school teaching for example, but decide they no longer want to be a classroom teacher. Rather than “sticking it out” when they discover classroom teaching is not a good fit for them or dropping the major entirely, students can transfer to this major that allows them to continue learning about and working in rewarding education careers.

Both degrees will open for applications in fall 2024.

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2023 Scholarship Celebration celebrates and honors our students and supporters

Anonymous — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 21:29:38 +0000

2023 Scholarship Celebration celebrates and honors our students and supporters Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 11/01/2023 - 15:29

On Oct. 26, over 200 faculty, staff, donors, and students and their families gathered to honor scholarship and fellowship recipients and supporters at the 2023 School of Education Scholarship Celebration.

"Our scholarship awards have continued to grow year-over-year as we recognize the growing needs of our students. We are incredibly grateful for our donors, whose generosity brings our students and our school closer to realizing our goals." said Dean Kathy Schultz.

"Throughout the year, and especially tonight, we celebrate our scholarship award recipients who are on their way to becoming teachers, researchers, policy-makers, and community leaders at a time when the world needs compassionate and well-prepared leaders."

The event also celebrated the School of Education's donor boards, schoarship committe, and new scholarship proposals, such as the Los Seis Memorial Scholarship Fund, which would honor the Chicano and Chicana activists tragically killed in �鶹ӰԺ in 1974.

Warmest congratulations to more than 150 scholarship award recipients and respect and gratitude to the scholarship supporters who make so much possible.

View the Scholarship Ceremony program

View photos from the Scholarship Ceremony

The annual CU �鶹ӰԺ School of Education Scholarship Awards Ceremony brought together and honored scholarship and fellowship recipients and supporters on Thursday, Oct. 26. The ceremony celebrated student accomplishments and recognized the generosity of supporters. The 2023 program and listing of scholarship awards and photo album from the ceremony are now available.

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New documentary about LGBTQ+ students’ experiences to make campus debut on Oct. 23

Anonymous — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 22:46:54 +0000

New documentary about LGBTQ+ students’ experiences to make campus debut on Oct. 23 Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 10/13/2023 - 16:46

On Monday, Oct. 23, the Center for Student Involvement and A Queer Endeavor are co-hosting the on-campus screening and discussion about the path-breaking documentary, Reclaiming the Narrative: A Documentary �鶹ӰԺ LGBTQ+ Students.

The film was locally produced by A Queer Endeavor, a nationally renowned center for gender and sexuality in education based in the �鶹ӰԺ School of Education, in partnership with Denver Public Schools.

The film provides a level of depth that’s often missing from professional development opportunities focused on gender and sexual diversity, which tend to focus on foundations of learning—pronouns, inclusive vocabulary, and all-gender bathrooms. While those are incredibly important, there’s more that’s needed to support educators so that they can develop and nurture authentic relationships with these students.”

First released this summer, Reclaiming the Narrative is an hour-long film that features the stories and perspectives of 16 students in 13 Denver high schools. Their stories paint a broader and more nuanced picture of LGBTQ+ youth. While recognizing some of the challenges LGBTQ+ students face in schools, their stories reframe and disrupt detrimental narratives with moments of joy and celebrations of intersectional identities.

The on-campus screening will be followed by a talk back with film's producers Bethy Leonardi, co-founder of A Queer Endeavor and associate professor of education, and Levi Arithson, LGBTQ+ equity program manager for Denver Public Schools’ Culture, Equity and Leadership Team.

The film provides the foundation for a new professional development for educators, a central focus of A Queer Endeavor, which has worked with more than 15 school districts. In addition to providing educators with a deeper understanding of the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth, the film layers in perspectives from leading queer scholars in the field of education research.

“Stories of LGBTQ+ youth often feature damage-centered narratives, ignoring the systems that create the damage to begin with,” said Leonardi. “By focusing only on the damage, we miss the opportunity to understand the rich complexity of who these students are and what they need.

“In our view, the film provides a level of depth that’s often missing from professional development opportunities focused on gender and sexual diversity, which tend to focus on foundations of learning—pronouns, inclusive vocabulary, and all-gender bathrooms. While those are incredibly important, there’s more that’s needed to support educators so that they can develop and nurture authentic relationships with these students.”

Leonardi points to the depth and perspective that only the young people can provide.

As Maddie says in the film, “There’s a lot going on in the world. You can flip on the news and see on the news, like, ‘Oh, this law was just passed.’ And that's a lot for LGBTQ people, especially LGBTQ youth. I think a lot of us need people to just listen and hear us.”

Attendees of the screening are invited to gather in community and to practice listening to what LGBTQ+ students need us to hear.

The on-campus screening will begin at 5 p.m. Seating is limited and registration is required at colorado.edu/involvement/dscc-events. A Queer Endeavor and the Center for Student Involvement, part of the Dennis Small Cultural Center, invites students, staff and faculty to attend the screening as a way to mark LGBTQ+ History Month.

For educators interested in learning more about the film or A Queer Endeavor’s partnerships and professional development opportunities, visit colorado.edu/center/a-queer-endeavor.

On Monday, Oct. 23, the Center for Student Involvement and A Queer Endeavor are co-hosting the on-campus screening and discussion about the path-breaking documentary, Reclaiming the Narrative: A Documentary �鶹ӰԺ LGBTQ+ Students, as part of LGBTQ+ History Month. The film was locally produced by A Queer Endeavor, a nationally renowned center in the School of Education, in partnership with Denver Public Schools.

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Student News

Words of gratitude for our 2024 mentor teachers

We asked our students, how has your mentor teacher impacted your student teaching experience?

Do you have any messages or words of gratitude you would like to share with your mentor teacher, School of Education supporters, or about your field experiences?

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MA+ graduate Marcus Williams wears many hats: IT professional, education policy advocate and now teacher

In his own words

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Living the dream: Hasan Elsayed found his passion for teaching science and math

In his words

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MA graduate Bethany Morton is modeling advocacy for her students and inclusive mathematics education

In her words

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MA graduate Yazmine Patiño is paving the way for first-generation students to come

In her words

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MA Graduate Silvia Ortiz is a passionate advocate for rural, bilingual learners

In her own words

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Your CU �鶹ӰԺ Guide to AERA 2024

AERA Key Sessions

Presidential Session: Bilingual Special Education for the 21st Century: Reimagining the Future

Spotlight on Philadelphia and the Region: Weight of the Crown: Anti-Essentialist Futures for Black Girls’ Identity Construction

Spotlight on Artificial Intelligence: Critical Sociotechnical Perspectives on Young People Using, Experiencing, and Making Sense of AI

Off

Two new BAs in middle and high school teaching, education studies coming next fall

Off

2023 Scholarship Celebration celebrates and honors our students and supporters

Off

New documentary about LGBTQ+ students’ experiences to make campus debut on Oct. 23

Off

Presidential Session:
Bilingual Special Education for the 21st Century: Reimagining the Future

Spotlight on Philadelphia and the Region:
Weight of the Crown: Anti-Essentialist Futures for Black Girls’ Identity Construction

Spotlight on Artificial Intelligence:
Critical Sociotechnical Perspectives on Young People Using, Experiencing, and Making Sense of AI