In partnership with the Colorado Department of Education and Colorado Department of Higher Education, TEACH Colorado is excited to announce “The Future Depends on Teachers,” a new Public Service Announcement that celebrates the role teachers play in shaping our future and invites people to explore teaching at a time when they are needed more than ever.
This last year has been a heroic time for the teaching profession. The pandemic hit our K-12 public school teachers hard. Despite the challenges that teaching in the time of COVID-19 has thrust upon them, our teachers are innovating and rising to meet this new reality head-on. Collectively, we have realized teachers are essential workers. They are integral to our nation’s recovery and crucial to developing the next generation of leaders who will shape our world.
Now, more than ever, we need to inspire the next generation to teach. In Colorado, of the 7,242 total teaching positions to hire for the 2019-20 school year, 147 (2%) remained unfilled for the school year and 985 (14%) were filled through shortage mechanisms such as hiring long-term substitutes, retired educators and emergency authorization candidates.
Educator shortages are especially acute in rural areas and hard-to-staff subjects, like math and special education. The pandemic has only reinforced existing shortages, as teachers have retired early or left the profession.
“Teachers are critical to providing a strong foundation for students’ long-term success. As the data show, we do not have enough teachers in some areas of our state. Colorado needs highly talented educators in every classroom. This PSA campaign is a call to all aspiring teachers that Colorado’s future depends on them,” said Colleen O’Neil, associate commissioner of Educator Talent at the Colorado Department of Education.
“The Future Depends on Teachers” will air on TV and radio to inspire future teachers to explore the profession, celebrate the hard work of current teachers and elevate the teaching profession among the general public. The spots communicate teachers’ impact not only on students, but on our broader society. The spots end with a call for viewers to explore teaching and leave a legacy they can be proud of.
Viewers who visit TEACH.org will be automatically directed to the TEACH Colorado initiative page, where they can explore teaching in the state and find licensure guides, compare preparation programs, sign up for 1:1 coaching from experienced teachers and receive more free tools and resources.
About TEACH Colorado
TEACH Colorado is a statewide partnership among school districts, universities and other educator preparation programs with the Colorado Department of Education, the Colorado Department of Higher Education, the Colorado Education Initiative and the Public Education and Business Coalition. It receives financial support from Microsoft, the Rose Community Foundation, the Colorado Education Association, the Boettcher Foundation, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment and the Colorado Workforce Development Council. TEACHColorado.org is a one-stop shop of free, valuable tools and resources to help anyone who is considering becoming a teacher.
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