DENVER – May 8, 2025: The Colorado Department of Higher Education and Colorado Department of Education honored Colorado’s future educators at an event on Wednesday, May 7, as part of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5-9). The seventh annual Future Educator Honor Roll celebrated 84 outstanding teacher candidates from Colorado’s educator preparation programs including 50 students from the state’s Teacher Recruitment Education and Preparation (TREP) program, which creates the opportunity for qualified students in an educator career pathway to concurrently enroll in postsecondary courses and earn college credit at no tuition costs to them or their families, for up to two years after their 12th-grade year.
While educator shortages remain a concern across the country, CDHE and CDE prioritize celebrating and elevating future educators to help fill in-demand professions. Governor Jared Polis provided a video stressing the importance of educators.
“We know that education is the best investment we can make in the future of our people for the future of our state and we are so proud of the educators across Colorado helping our students succeed in the classroom and beyond,” said Gov. Polis.
CDHE Executive Director, Dr. Angie Paccione, provided remarks at the event, “You are entering a field, a profession where the power of the spoken word is remarkable. Be a teacher or educator who uses the power to activate the potential in your students. What you say matters and will be remembered by your students forever.”
“It is always inspirational to celebrate Colorado’s future educators, said Commissioner of Education Dr. Susana Córdova. “Their passion and commitment give me real hope for the future of our schools. These aspiring teachers are stepping up at a critical time, and I know they’ll make a lasting difference for students and communities across our state.”
The event began with remarks from guest speakers that included Colorado Department of Education Commissioner, Dr. Susana Córdova and 2025 Teacher of the Year, Janet Damon. The ceremony was capped off with a candidate certificate presentation.
Profiles of the candidates are available on the CDHE website.
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