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After decades of shaping teacher education across Colorado and beyond, Barbara Seidl, PhD, associate dean for teacher education and undergraduate experiences since 2013 and former co-interim dean in 2021 and 2022 of the School of Education & Human Development (SEHD) at CU Denver, has retired. Her leadership was instrumental in building inclusive rural and urban community-centered pathways for future educators. Though she has stepped away to move to her home state of Montana, the seeds she planted in Colorado will continue to grow and thrive, thanks to the dedicated Teacher Education Program team.

One of her most impactful contributions is the NxtGEN Teacher Residency Program, a nationally recognized model that addresses teacher shortages while diversifying the educator workforce. Through paid residencies, mentorship, and hands-on classroom experience, NxtGEN empowers aspiring teachers—many of whom are first-generation college students—to thrive in the profession.

NxtGEN alumni speaking at the 10th anniversary of the program

"NxtGEN helped me find my voice as a teacher," shared one graduate. "I came in unsure but left confident and prepared to lead a classroom that reflects and respects my students’ identities."

Cindy Gutierrez, PhD, assistant dean for teacher education and partnerships, will work closely alongside expert, dedicated faculty and pathway program directors to ensure SEHD's continued legacy as a regional and national leader in teacher preparation. Gutierrez brings more than two decades of experience and a deep commitment to rural and urban educator pathways. She leads the design and implementation of innovative clinical preparation models, including NxtGEN, The Partnership for Rural Educator Preparation (T-PREP), Paraprofessional to Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway (P-TAP), dual high school enrollment programs, and a master’s in teaching, all co-created with school district and community partners to meet the needs of Colorado’s diverse teacher workforce.

Seidl, Gutierrez, and members of the CU Denver team who support the NxtGEN teacher education program

“Barbara’s leadership has left a lasting impact on our school and on the lives of countless educators across Colorado,” said Marvin Lynn, PhD, dean of CU Denver’s School of Education & Human Development. “Her vision and commitment to community and excellence in teacher education has shaped the very heart of our teacher preparation programs. We offer her our profound gratitude for her dedicated leadership at CU Denver and wish her the best in her retirement. I’m excited to continue this important work alongside Cindy Gutierrez, whose initiative and competence in rural and urban educator pathways will carry our impactful work forward in a beautiful way.”