Helping CEA members become the policy leaders of tomorrow
The CEA Ambassador Fellowship helps CEA members, both teachers and support professionals, expand their knowledge and ability to influence educational policy and professional practice at the local and state level. Through the fellowship, we amplify educator voice on issues that influence public education like quality learning, working conditions, and civic engagement.
Apply to be a Fellow
The fellowship will give participants the opportunity to collaborate with association leaders and staff to elevate their leadership in educational policy and professional practice. Fellows must be committed to attend all face-to-face and online meetings. See below for a tentative outline of time commitments. Due to COVID–19 more details on the face-to-face meetings will come in the next few months. Fellows receive a stipend at the completion of each semester for their time commitment and work.
The application deadline has been extended to Monday, June 13.
Virtual Interviews will take place this summer TBD. The fellowship is open to and will be accessible to all interested applicants from across the state. Geographic location will not prohibit full participation in the fellowship.
Below is a rough outline of face-to-face and online participation throughout the term:
- Potential Fellows will be invited to participate in a video interview in June, 2022.
- Fellows announced in July, 2022.
- Fall and Winter retreats, ideally face-to-face (September, 2022 and January, 2023)
- Informal virtual meet and greet with mentor in August.
- 2-hour online meetings in October, November, December, February, March, April, and May
- Policy in Action – Lobby Day during legislative session and a state board meeting in the Spring of 2023 (February, March, or April – TBD and will replace that month’s meeting)
- 1-hour check-ins via face-to-face or online throughout the term between mentors and fellows
- CEA’s Summer Leadership Conference in June, 2023 (TBD)
For any questions about eligibility or the program itself, please contact us.
Apply to be a Mentor
Mentors will be the main facilitators of the CEA Fellowship and plan content to be addressed throughout the fellowship. They will provide content learning and coaching for their assigned fellows. Mentors will support up to six fellows throughout the year and will be expected to schedule one-on-ones either virtually or face-to-face with their assigned fellows throughout the term. Mentors receive a stipend at the completion of each semester for their time commitment and work. Due to COVID–19 more details on the face-to-face meetings will come in the next few months.
Applications have now closed.
Virtual Interviews will take place this summer TBD. In addition, the mentors will take the lead on interviewing for the fellows selection and will participate in a planning retreat this summer. The mentorship position is open to and will be accessible to all interested applicants from across the state. Geographic location will not prohibit full participation in the fellowship.
For any questions about eligibility or the program itself, please contact us.
2021-2022 CEA Ambassador Fellows
Patience Agana
Colorado Springs Education Association
Meghan Bonde
District Twelve Educators’ Association
Cheri Cahill
Jefferson County Education Association
Katie Cahill
Jefferson County Education Association
Will Daniel
Littleton Education Association
Erin Ellis
Denver Association for Educational Office Professionals
Andrew Gitner
Jefferson County Education Association
Angelica Givler
Colorado Springs Education Association
Katy Grieble
Jefferson County Education Association
Jen McClain
Falcon Teachers Education Association
Tabitha Nickerson
Thompson Education Association
Heather O’Brien
Mesa Valley Education Association
Kathryn Quinn
Denver Classroom Teachers Association
Brooke Sassi
Calhan Teachers Association
Christine Sparks
Jefferson County Education Association
2021-2022 CEA Ambassador Fellow Mentors
Angela Anderson
Ang Anderson is a Social Studies teacher at Bear Creek High School in Jeffco. She currently teaches Economics, AP Macroeconomics, Psychology, and U.S. History. She is passionate about making our schools and communities more just and empowering educators to use their voices. She serves on the boards of the Jefferson County Education Association, the Colorado Education Association, and she is a Mountain Region Director for the National Council of Urban Education Associations. She has a B.A. in Social Studies Education from the University of West Florida and an M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University.
Jill Connell
Jill Connell is a Music teacher at Dunn Elementary, an IB World School in Fort Collins. Her current role is as a k-5 Music teacher who teaches general music, Little Kids Rock, after school choir and is on the grade level Primary Years Program coordinators team, as well as serving on the music curriculum team for the district and Little Kids Rock in the district. Her leadership roles include Poudre Education Association’s Executive Board member and Secretary, membership chair, and Two Rivers Uniserv Unit council member. Jill’s credentials include a BS in Music Education K-12 from Chadron State College in Chadron Nebraska and has begun her journey for her Masters in Curriculum Technology and Development through the same institution.
Rachel Connell
Dr. Rachel Connell is a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Educator at Vista Ridge High School in Colorado Springs, School District 49 and a member of the Falcon Education Association. She has been teaching for 21 years, as both an ESL and Spanish teacher and loves working with young people, especially the CLDE students. She has a bachelor’s in Spanish from CSU/Pueblo and earned her master’s degree in education/curriculum and instruction, then finally her doctorate degree in educational leadership. Dr. Connell has a passion for empowering other educators to reach their potential, and also a passion for immigrant families and students. She believes strongly in the value of public education, and being a part of the teacher’s association has given her many ways to voice her beliefs and values.
Taylor Davis
Taylor Davis is a K-5 General Music teacher new to Jefferson County. Along with this position, he is the Association Representative for Coal Creek Canyon K-8 for Jefferson County Education Association. Focusing on equity, inclusion, and antiracism are some areas where Mr. Davis spends his time inside and out of the classroom. Mr. Davis is excited to be a mentor for this class, having been through the program last year as a Fellow. Before moving to Colorado, Mr. Davis completed his Masters of Art in Education from the University of North Alabama in Florence, AL. In his free time, Mr. Davis loves to read, binge shows on Netflix and Hulu, and going on road trips.
Ernest Garibay
Ernest is a math teacher at Standley Lake High School in Jeffco and a member-leader in CEA and JCEA. He is currently one of the CEA Unit Directors representing the Jefferson County Education Association Uniserv Unit. He is a former CEA Ambassador Fellow and is proud to serve as a CEA Ambassador Fellow mentor this year. At the local level, Ernest has been a member of the JCEA bargaining team, held leadership roles in the BOAT (Bargaining Organizing Action Team), EMOAT (Ethnic Minority Outreach Action Team), and has also served as the Treasurer for JCEA. Ernest has a deep passion for equity in our schools, for both students and educators, as well as bargaining, financials and data. He continues to advocate and organize for equity, professional respect, and union power, so that we do not lose the cornerstone of our democracy – strong public education.