Educators from across Colorado participated in a virtual All-Member Meeting this week, organized by the Colorado Education Association (CEA). The meeting, designed and led by union members, aimed to foster solidarity and amplify the collective voice of educators statewide. The sessions provided a platform for participants to share experiences and discuss key issues affecting schools.
Sam Farnham, a member of the Colorado Springs Education Association (CSEA), recounted recent events leading up to a strike in District 11. He explained that after the district replaced a longstanding collective bargaining agreement with an employee handbook subject to change, teachers faced increased uncertainty. “The actual day of action itself was amazing. It really was a validation of all the work that we did leading up to it,” said Farnham. He noted strong community support during the CSEA Day of Action, with over 10,000 doors knocked, 1,000 people joining picket lines, and more than 2,000 rallying in Acacia Park for public education and fair treatment for teachers.
Farnham also described collaborative efforts such as canvassing for school board candidates and organizing art projects for rallies. Parents contributed by mobilizing within their schools despite communication restrictions from district leaders.
The meeting included discussion on how financial interests are influencing public education policy in Colorado. Speakers addressed concerns about private investors and hedge funds redirecting public education funds into private ventures through reform initiatives. They argued these policies often exploit underfunded schools as justification for promoting privatization options.
Educators were encouraged to inform their communities about funding issues such as TABOR and privatization efforts. The CEA recommended using its voter guide to identify pro–public education candidates in upcoming school board races across several districts including Loveland, Grand Junction, Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Denver, and Jefferson County.
Future quarterly meetings will continue virtually on December 9th, February 10th, and April 14th via Zoom. Members can contact Grace Lynch at glynch@coloradoea.org for more information.
