Educators are the foundation of student learning and achievement and Colorado’s strategic investments in supporting teachers reflects its approach to providing an excellent education to all students, according to Colorado Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera, who addressed educators attending Learning Forward’s Annual Conference near Denver on Monday, Dec. 9.
“Education is the cornerstone of a thriving society, and for the Polis-Primavera administration, it’s more than a priority — it’s a core value,” Primavera said. Advocating for teachers and leaders is something all of us must do: “As an advocate for this state — whether in my recent public roles or as a private citizen — I know how important it is to use your voice to advocate for continuing support for your community,” she said. “Advocacy is powerful. Don’t hesitate to tell your policymakers that professional learning is key to improving education and must be supported.”
Primavera accepted Learning Forward’s Policymaker of the Year Award on behalf of Gov. Jared Polis, the organization’s 2024 recipient. From serving on the Colorado State Board of Education to advocating for students and teachers in Congress, Gov. Polis has made investing in education a top priority throughout his career.
Nationally, Polis leads “Let’s Get Ready: Educating All Americans for Success,” a National Governors Association initiative that ensures students get the skills they need to succeed in today’s and tomorrow’s economy.
In Colorado, state policymakers stand up for educators in a variety of ways, supporting professional development, offering loan forgiveness, creating pathways for mentorship, and expanding access to housing near job centers, Primavera said. The state’s Donors-Choose program helps educators access critical resources they need to be effective.
“You’re not just attending a conference — you’re embracing an opportunity to learn, grow, and strengthen the support systems in your schools and districts,” she told conference attendees.
Learning Forward CEO/President Inspires Colleagues on Leadership and Learning
Frederick Brown, Learning Forward’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, addressed the gathering as Monday’s conference keynote speaker.
In a deeply personal journey of growth, leadership challenges, and the importance of empathy for all students and community members, Frederick Brown, CEO and president of Learning Forward delivered a heartfelt and candid keynote address to over 3,000 educators at Learning Forward’s 56th Annual Conference.
Brown’s reflections highlighted the importance of understanding how personal experiences shape individual perspectives. He emphasized that these diverse journeys could serve as a foundation for finding common ground to advance both education and society. Brown called on educators to take the lead in creating authentic engagement and navigating complex conversations with grace and understanding.
Acknowledging the political and emotional weight that terms like “equity” and “DEI” can carry, Brown offered a thoughtful reframing of the discussion. “Let’s focus on treating people with dignity and valuing their lived experiences,” he said. “Let’s talk about practicing empathy as we listen and learn. And let’s consider how we can address ignorance differently from indifference, prejudice, or hate. I know firsthand that professional learning aligned with these reframed DEI concepts can lead to measurable improvements in student outcomes.”
Brown addressed the growing societal divisions that hinder progress, urging educators to embrace diversity and build bridges of understanding. “Our differences make us great. Let’s learn from them and find ways to come together,” he said. “The path to meaningful change in education requires courage, reflection, and leading with empathy.
