April 2025 - Renée Talmich

Colorado Association of Latino/a Administrators and Superintendents LA LUZ DE LIDERAZGO - A MEMBERSHIP SPOTLIGHT April 2025

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 Renée Talmich, Assistant Principal & CTE Director at North High School in Denver Public Schools. Renée shares her professional career and current bio below. You can read the diverse experiences that have led to her various leadership roles. One of our shining stars!

🌟 Career Highlights & Education

With over 26 years of experience in education, I am currently serving as the CTE Director and Assistant Principal at North High School. My journey has been marked by a commitment to enhancing teacher success through effective coaching and mentoring, along with a strong focus on supporting the entire learning environment.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Human Performance and Sport with an emphasis on Sports Medicine and multiple certifications in Teaching, Physical Education, and Health. My educational background is further complemented by a Master of Arts in Information and Learning Technologies from Metropolitan State University of Denver, where I also received endorsements in Instructional Technology and Career and Technical Education (CTE).

Throughout my career, I have held various teaching and administrative roles, including CTE teacher, Adjunct Professor, CTE Regional Team Specialist, Assistant Principal at Montbello Career and Technical High School and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College. I have a proven track record of implementing Equity Centered Design Thinking in school management, overseeing policies, along with supporting teachers and staff to create an inclusive and effective learning environment.

As a key district developer, I have contributed to the creation of Computer Science and Cybersecurity pathways for CTE Career Connect of Denver Public Schools, ensuring students have the opportunity to secure valuable industry certifications. My leadership has resulted in significant improvements in student engagement and academic performance, particularly among Black, Latinx, and multilingual learners.

In addition to my administrative duties, I actively engage in professional development for educators, facilitating high-quality collaborative sessions focused on assessment literacy and instructional best practices. My dedication to fostering a supportive and growth-oriented school culture continues to guide my work as I strive to provide every student with the tools necessary for success.

I am passionate about creating equitable educational opportunities and committed to the success of every student.

✨ What is exciting about my job?

As an administrator, I’m most excited by the leverage I have to create systems that directly impact student success. I’m in a position to shape equitable structures—from CTE pathways and postsecondary readiness plans to data-driven MTSS supports and school culture systems—that empower both students and educators. I’m able to align professional learning, policy, and programming in ways that ensure every student has access to opportunity, especially our multilingual learners and historically marginalized populations. The ability to lead with purpose and see those shifts reflected in graduation rates, engagement, and postsecondary outcomes is deeply fulfilling.

🧠 Words from a consejero/a

"I think about how we can provide what we would want for our own children… and what will continue to set our students up for success. We can’t negotiate with that." – Miguel del Toro, Maryland

This quote grounds my leadership philosophy—equity is non-negotiable. Every decision I make centers student outcomes, especially for our multilingual learners and BIPOC students.

💡 Advice you would give a new school leader?

Lean into community and collaboration. Build authentic relationships with students, families, and staff, and don't be afraid to listen more than you speak. Leadership isn't about having all the answers—it's about creating the conditions for others to thrive. Stay rooted in your "why" and let that guide your decisions. And remember: progress over perfection.

☀️ If you catch me outside the office, you'll find...

...me soaking up Colorado sunshine with my family and friends, supporting community events, or mentoring aspiring educators. I’m also a proud daughter of Denver and love exploring our local culture, food, and art scenes. You might also catch me supporting a student’s extracurricular event—once an advocate, always an advocate!

🤝 How does CO-ALAS add value?

CO-ALAS is a powerful space for Latinx leaders to be seen, supported, and strengthened. It fosters community, promotes culturally responsive leadership, and builds a pipeline for the next generation of educational leaders. Through CO-ALAS, I've grown personally and professionally—and I'm proud to represent a network that values identity, equity, and excellence.