EDUCATE Denver

Rachele C Espiritu’s personal journey plays a big part in why she advocates for equitable education. It’s also why she joined EDUCATE Denver. “Growing up as a Filipina immigrant, I faced many challenges from bullying to questions of belonging in my school community. These experiences shaped my understanding of the critical role education plays in ensuring every child feels valued and included. My personal and professional journey from the Philippines to behavioral health equity professional to the DPS School Board fuels my commitment to advocate for an educational system that celebrates diversity and fosters a sense of belonging for all students. With EDUCATE Denver, I strive to create environments where every child knows they are an integral part of our community.”

EDUCATE Denver shares its support of the $975 million bond proposal put forth by the DPS Community Planning & Advisory Committee. “All DPS students deserve learning environments that are safe, comfortable and highly functional,” said Rosemary Rodriguez, chair of EDUCATE Denver. “The capital resources on the table can support them to that end. As civic leaders, we endorse an effort to procure critical resources, but emphasize the need for very sound oversight. We owe that to the Denver community and especially to our DPS families.” Read more in this press release: https://lnkd.in/gpbz9UEa

Colorado State Senator James Coleman attributes his education as a propeller of his success. Today, he’s an EDUCATE Denver participant to ensure all students receive the high-quality education they deserve. “Growing up, many wouldn’t have predicted the leadership role that I earned and enjoy today as a state senator in Colorado. I never fail to appreciate – and I want others to understand – that education propelled my success. I was one of a few fortunate kids in my community with a well-informed parent, who knew how to access high-quality school options. That wisdom unlocked a school setting for me that allowed me to thrive. It is why I participate in EDUCATE Denver, a community of civic leaders who own their responsibility to develop the next generation of leaders in Denver.”

Rosemary Rodriguez has served as the president of Denver City Council as well as on the DPS Board of Education. Hear why this civic leader continues to serve through EDUCATE Denver: "Civic participation is a long-standing personal passion. Much of my government career involved work related to voter access and voter rights. Education plays a huge role in preparing our community to become literate, participatory voters – and as such, I also spent volunteer time tutoring young learners and teaching English as a Second Language for adults. I am enthusiastic that the community leaders in EDUCATE Denver can help Denver voters of all backgrounds make informed choices at the polls.”

EDUCATE Denver’s Rosemary Rodriguez shared her thoughts on the DPS Board of Education’s recent progress – as well as the need to accelerate their efforts. “As DPS students settled into summer, the Board of Education continued its work through June with activity that, while perhaps not full Fourth of July fireworks, shone brightly in the DPS landscape.” Read the full op-ed in the Denver Gazette: https://lnkd.in/gzWtfGkn

Academic achievement in math among Denver students has not returned to pre-pandemic levels, with Black and Latino students experiencing slower growth than their white peers.

As a physician, Dr. Steve Federico believes in children’s well-being in the classroom and beyond – and he joined EDUCATE Denver to continue helping students thrive. "As a Denver-based pediatrician for over 20 years, I am acutely aware of the many supports DPS students need to thrive in school, including social-emotional and health care services. Our team has been working for 46 years in partnership with DPS to provide free physical and behavioral health care to DPS students through our school-based clinics. I joined EDUCATE Denver to advocate for these students with a group of civic leaders who are similarly committed to the well-being of Denver youth both inside the classroom and beyond."

Throughout his career, Federico Pena has been a longtime advocate for Denver students. Hear why the city’s former mayor decided to become a co-founder for EDUCATE Denver: "Most people know of my political life, but few know of my background in educational equity. As a young lawyer, I helped develop the legal basis for bilingual education and the hiring of Latino teachers. As a state legislator, I worked to improve the School Finance Act. As Mayor, I visited every school in Denver. Today, I am a founding member of EDUCATE Denver because we need a first-rate school district to ensure a quality education for all students. We don’t have that today and we will advocate for Denver students until they do.”

EDUCATE Denver published our final 2023-24 DPS Board of Education progress report this week as part of a campaign to focus district leaders on activities that support high-quality education in Denver Public Schools. Read the June report: https://lnkd.in/gaRJE-kk

The recent K-3 READ Act results show that more students with disabilities are reading on grade level this year compared to the same midyear review in 2022-23.