Teacher Appreciation Week, which runs through Friday, is one of my favorite times of the year — a week dedicated to honoring and uplifting some of the most powerful people in the world: teachers. Across Colorado, families show gratitude with notes and gifts, schools organize lunches and treats, and businesses offer discounts.
These gestures matter. But if we truly want to show our appreciation, we must do more than celebrate them for a week. We must change how we value the teaching profession itself.
It is well documented that too many educators have left the classroom since the pandemic. National surveys show rising teacher stress and burnout. Fewer college students are choosing to become teachers. And across Colorado — particularly in rural communities — districts struggle to fill critical positions in special education, science and math.
In 2019-20, Colorado reported 147 unfilled teaching positions, according to the Colorado Department of Education’s Educator Shortage Survey. By 2023-24, that number had jumped to 635. Another 1,756 positions were filled through “shortage mechanisms” — such as hiring long-term substitutes, teachers still in training, or retirees returning to the classroom.
Yet despite these challenges, there are real reasons for hope.
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3:02 AM MDT on May 4, 202510:19 AM MDT on May 2, 2025A 2024 statewide survey found that most Colorado teachers feel their schools are supportive places to work, strengthened by strong leadership, welcoming communities, and a deep sense of belonging. Educators consistently say that strong, effective leadership is the No. 1 reason they stay.
At the Colorado Department of Education, we are committed to building on this momentum. We’ve launched mentorship programs to guide and support early-career teachers and principals. We’ve expanded teacher apprenticeship programs, giving communities the tools to “grow their own” educators. We’ve made it easier for career changers, paraprofessionals, school administrative staff and retirees to transition into teaching through flexible and affordable pathways.
More than 600 educators recently received grants of up to $10,000 through our Educator Recruitment and Retention program to help them pursue licensure and serve in high-need areas — part of our commitment to making teaching a sustainable and rewarding career.
If you’ve ever thought about becoming a teacher, there has never been a better time. Colorado offers multiple flexible, affordable routes into the classroom. Career changers can earn their license while teaching. Paraprofessionals can transition into full-time roles. High school students can get a head start through local grow-your-own programs.
Teaching is not easy. But it is one of the most powerful ways to make a lasting difference. I’ve seen firsthand how teachers change lives — how they help students find their voice, build their confidence and unlock their potential. My kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Sierra, lit that spark in me, and it continues to guide my path today.
This Teacher Appreciation Week, let’s move beyond the thank yous. Let’s lift up the teaching profession, inspire the next generation to join this life-changing vocation, and ensure every educator feels respected, supported and proud.
Our students — and our future — are counting on us.
Margarita Tovar, Ed.D., of Denver, who has a doctorate in education, is the chief talent and human resources officer at the Colorado Department of Education.
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