Educators from across Colorado are encouraging greater involvement in shaping education policy during the current legislative session. They are inviting community members to join their advocacy efforts by texting LOBBY to 45955, which connects participants with updates and opportunities to take action at the state level.
As part of National Education Week, schools throughout Colorado opened their doors to policymakers through the “Educator for a Day” initiative. This program allowed elected officials to spend time inside school buildings and observe daily operations firsthand. The goal was to provide a clearer understanding of the realities educators face and the conditions under which students learn.
The event highlighted that schools rely on a wide range of staff beyond classroom teachers. Office personnel greet students and families each morning, setting a welcoming tone. In classrooms, educators manage instruction while addressing student needs and working with limited resources. Paraeducators on playgrounds help support students’ social and emotional development, intervening when conflicts arise and ensuring inclusion. Cafeteria workers provide essential meals for many students, offering both nutrition and care. Custodial staff maintain clean, healthy, and safe environments throughout the day.
According to organizers, “Educator for a Day made clear that schools do not run on teaching alone, that every school staff play an essential role in creating environments where every student can thrive.” However, they noted that decisions about staffing, funding, facilities, and working conditions are often made without significant input from those directly involved in school operations.
Organizers emphasized: “Educators must be involved in all decisions that affect them, from building level choices to district priorities to policies made at the state Capitol. When educators are excluded, policies miss the mark. Educator for a Day was just one way to help close that gap, ensuring lawmakers see the full picture of what it takes to run a school. It brings visibility to the work, challenges, and expertise of educators and school staff, and reinforces a simple truth: the best education policy is built with educators, not for them.”
This article was originally published in the 2026 Winter CEAjournal.
