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When Valerie Sherman, PhD, (MA ‘07) stepped into a classroom at a Department of Defense school in Vicenza, Italy, she didn’t know she was stepping into her life’s purpose. Years later, Sherman is not only a proud alum of the University of Colorado Denver, but she is also at the helm of one of its most impactful programs—The Partnership for Rural Educator Preparation (T-PREP), a program tackling teacher shortages and strengthening schools across Colorado. Her leadership and vision recently earned her a spot in the prestigious 2025–26 Academic Management Institute (AMI) cohort, sponsored by the Colorado Network of Women Leaders.

Finding the Perfect Fit at CU Denver

Sherman’s journey into teaching wasn’t linear. After earning her undergraduate degree in Central and East European Studies from CU Boulder, she imagined a future in diplomacy or law. But life had other plans. Her husband’s military assignment took them overseas, and the only job available to her was in a school. That experience sparked a passion for education that led her back to Colorado and into CU Denver’s School of Education & Human Development.

“I figured out I wanted to be a teacher late in life,” Sherman said. “CU Denver’s program was the perfect fit—it was rigorous, meaningful, and immediately applicable. What I learned on Tuesday night, I was putting into practice with students on Wednesday.”

Sherman earned her teaching license in 2005 and her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an elementary literacy leadership endorsement in 2007. She credits CU Denver retired faculty like Stevie Townsend, Sherry Taylor, and Sally Nathenson-Mejia for shaping her approach to literacy and learning—lessons that continue to be relevant to this day.

From Teacher to Program Director

Valerie Sherman (center), director of The Partnership for Rural Educator Preparation (T-PREP), meets with Northeastern Junior College leaders Celeste Delgado-Pelton and Donna Brady Lawler to discuss strategies for expanding rural teacher pathways. Photo by Jesse Quinlin.

Now, Sherman directs the T-PREP Program, a partnership-centered initiative that brings high-quality teacher preparation to rural communities across Colorado. Working with institutions like Northeastern Junior College, Trinidad State, Lamar Community College, and Otero College, T-PREP allows aspiring educators to earn their degrees and licensure without leaving their hometowns or support networks.

“Educational outcomes shouldn’t vary by zip code,” Sherman said. “Kids in rural Colorado deserve excellent teachers, and we’re committed to bringing that quality to them—not the other way around.”

Flexibility and Inclusivity at the Core

T-PREP is unique in its flexibility and inclusivity. Students range from high school juniors exploring teaching through concurrent enrollment to grandmothers finishing bachelor’s degrees and starting master’s programs. Approximately 70% of current T-PREP teacher candidates are first-generation. Since its launch, T-PREP has graduated 56 licensed teachers, with more than 250 candidates currently in the pipeline. The program has expanded its licensure options to include elementary, special education, early childhood, middle school math, and secondary science. Sherman dreams of adding additional licensure options in the future in response to district needs.

Sherman’s leadership has helped evolve T-PREP from a cohort-based model to a more individualized, flexible structure. Students can take courses at their own pace, and many are already working in classrooms as paraprofessionals, long-term subs, or teachers of record. The program’s blended course sections and collaborative partnerships with districts ensure candidates are well-prepared and supported.

“Rural Colorado is incredibly solution-oriented,” Sherman said. “When the right people are at the table, there’s no problem that can’t be solved.”

Building Partnerships in Rural Colorado

Sherman in a planning meeting with Cindy Gutierrez, assistant dean of teacher education and partnerships in the SEHD

Sherman’s work is deeply relational. Her approach is grounded in listening, adapting, and building trust with community college partners and school districts. She’s especially proud of the progress in regions like Trinidad, the San Luis Valley, and Northeastern Colorado, where word-of-mouth and local engagement have fueled growth.

Partnerships like the one with Northeastern Junior College are key. “CU Denver can feel big and intimidating to people who live in rural Colorado,” Sherman said. “But when students start their journey with people they know and trust, and then get gently introduced to us, it builds confidence and connection.”

Sherman’s goals for the future include expanding teacher licensure options, increasing access, and continuing to meet teacher candidates where they are. She knows CU Denver will remain a leader in teacher education—innovating, removing barriers, and fostering change. “Education fosters individual growth and strengthens communities,” Sherman said. “When people are educated and connected, society becomes kinder, more informed, and more engaged.”

Celebrating Success

Sherman at a T-PREP graduation ceremony

For Sherman, the most meaningful moments come at commencement. Whether in Denver or in a rural town, she hands diploma covers to graduates in front of their families and communities. “It’s the most amazing thing,” she said. “To see them realize what they’ve accomplished—it fills my tank every year.”