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The University of Colorado Denver recently hosted the 2024 Colorado Future Teacher Expo, an event aimed at high school students interested in careers in education. This year marked the 22nd annual expo, held on the Auraria Campus in downtown Denver, with more than 150 attendees participating in a day of learning and networking.

The Future Teacher Expo provides valuable insights into post-secondary options in education. This year’s event celebrated a variety of educators, featuring those with extensive experience alongside newcomers exploring the field. Participants engaged in various workshops tailored for aspiring educators, including mock classes and student panels showcasing current education majors.

Donna Chrisjohn delivered an inspiring keynote address for attendees. As a proud citizen of the Sicangu Lakota Nation and a descendant of the Dine Nation, she shared her extensive experience as a diversity and inclusion consultant, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous perspectives in the classroom. With over 47 years of dedication to promoting understanding and respect for Indigenous cultures, Donna’s powerful message encouraged future educators to embrace inclusivity and cultural representation in their teaching practices.

Another key moment was Dean Lynn’s keynote address. As a former elementary teacher and a leader in education advocacy, he emphasized the importance of quality, access, and equity in education. This fall, the School of Education and Human Development (SEHD) secured $7.67 million in grants for teacher education scholarships, highlighting the university's commitment to supporting future educators.

The expo also recognized programs like the NxtGEN Teacher Residency, which was named one of the top eight programs in the country by the U.S. Department of Education. With over 120 graduates since 2014, 74 percent of whom identified as BIPOC, NxtGEN exemplifies a commitment to diversity and inclusion in teacher education.

Abigail Goodwin, a student from Silver Creek High School in Longmont, shared her enthusiasm for joining the expo as well as for her future as an educator: “I've always wanted to be a teacher since elementary school. It's exciting to think about the changes I could make to support students in the future.” Goodwin’s comments reflect the passion of many attendees.

After breakout sessions, participants explored a resource fair featuring various educational institutions and organizations. This fair provided insights into programs, scholarships, and career pathways in education, allowing students to gather important information for their future endeavors.

The Colorado Future Teacher Expo serves as a vital platform for aspiring educators, helping them explore their interest in teaching. This year’s event effectively showcased the opportunities available in education and underscored the important role of teachers in shaping society’s future.