The Colorado Education Association (CEA) has started the third cycle of its Advocacy, Civil Rights, Equity (A.C.E.) Fellowship. The program is designed for CEA members of color and aims to address challenges that educators of color face in their professional environments. Through the fellowship, participants engage with CEA programming and campaigns while learning about how both the CEA and National Education Association (NEA) operate.
Last week, fellows and mentors attended the first meeting of the new cycle. This session served as an orientation, introducing new fellows to program expectations and outlining the year’s structure. For the first time, fellows are divided into two groups: Cohort 1, which follows a standard schedule including monthly meetings and a book study; and Cohort 2, which consists of returning fellows focusing on further skill development and setting personal learning goals.
CEA leaders participated in the meeting to share insights about their roles and perspectives on the fellowship’s importance. Kevin Vick, President of CEA, said: “He also touched on CEA playing a role in helping educators of color stay in the field of education.” Liz Waddick, Vice President of CEA, stated: “the goal of the fellowship is to provide BIPOC educators the opportunity to find community when they ordinarily may not receive support at their schools.” Kooper Caraway, Executive Director of CEA, discussed labor union history and highlighted contributions from BIPOC workers.
Janet Damon—2025 Colorado Teacher of the Year, National Teacher of the Year Finalist, and Denver Classroom Teachers Association member—led a mini mindfulness session during the meeting. She spoke briefly about her wellness series co-sponsored by CEA’s Human & Civil Rights department. The series will include yoga classes, meditation sessions, and mindfulness journaling guides. Damon also led attendees through a guided breathing exercise.
Breakout sessions allowed Cohort 1 fellows to discuss their goals for the fellowship and share experiences as BIPOC educators—many noted being among very few educators of color at their schools. One fellow described the program as offering more diversity than he had previously experienced in education settings. Cohort 2 focused on tracking progress toward goals and planning how to apply organizing strategies learned during their first year.
The opening meeting aimed to foster connection among participants while establishing plans for collaboration throughout the year.
