Colorado Association of Latino/a Administrators and Superintendents
LA LUZ DE LIDERAZO - A MEMBERSHIP SPOTLIGHT
April 2021
Welcome to the CO ALAS Membership Spotlight. Each month we introduce you to one of our many CO ALAS members. Let’s see what they are doing and what’s on their mind!
This month we are featuring Isabel Celia Alvarado, Kindergarten Teacher in Harrison School District 2.
Isabel shares her professional preparation and current bio below. You can read the diverse experiences that have led to her leadership preparation and various leadership roles. One of our shining stars!
Career Highlights & Education
My career and educational journeys have been filled with a multitude of blessings and privileges, as well as opportunities arisen from my dedication and commitment to serving communities that are systematically disadvantaged.
During my undergraduate education at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, I was a Chancellor’s Leadership Scholar and President of Mi Gente My People (UCCS’s Latinx Student Union). I graduated in May of 2019 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Inclusive Elementary Education, with endorsements in Special Education and Culturally Linguistically Diverse Education. I completed my first year as a Kindergarten teacher when the 2020 global pandemic struck. Even through the chaos and uncertainty that unfolded March of 2020, I created daily videos for my students and participated in regular food distributions in our communities. Currently, I am in my second year teaching Kindergarten. I serve on our school’s BLT Committee (Building Leadership Team) and the Sunshine Committee (dedicated to uplifting our staff). I was recently recognized as Educator of the Year from Educating Children of Color Incorporated after writing an essay and being awarded a grant to purchase headphones for my students who were tasked with learning from home in sometimes chaotic environments.
Working in a Title 1 school with culturally rich populations, I am committed to valuing my students, seeing their color, celebrating their color, and ensuring the best education, support, and opportunities for our communities.
What is exciting about my job? I spend eight hours everyday with beautiful, brilliant little lights between the ages of 5 and 6. They are creative, energetic, and completely honest with their thoughts and opinions. I am asked the most precious and hysterical questions, such as: is this school? Do you work here? Why is your hair crazy most days? Do you sleep in the classroom when we all leave? Having fun, building relationships, and watching my students grow academically and holistically is hands down the most exciting and rewarding aspect of teaching. Words from a consejero/a: “Tu eres mi otro yo. Si te hago daño a ti, me hago daño a mi mismo. Si te amo y respeto, me amo y respeto yo.
You are my other me. If I do harm to you, I do harm to myself. If I love and respect you, I love and respect myself” - En Lak’ech, a Mayan proverb
May we be giving and spreading the encouragement, support, and love that we want to receive.
Advice you would give a new superintendent or school leader: Remember to be as committed to yourself and your wellness, as you are to your students, staff, and communities. In order to serve others, we have to be well ourselves, and grounded in our purpose.
If you catch me outside the office, you’ll find . . . My partner Ariel, our wonderful rescue pup Nala, and I are often outside on walks, adventures, or at dog parks. I also love reading, doing yoga, and baking. Last, I sing with the Colorado Springs Resistance Revival Chorus, infusing music and song with dedication for social justice. How does CO-ALAS add value? As a new member, I am excited to meet more folks in educational leadership roles who look like me, and represent my community. I am grateful for the opportunity to network while being in community.