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New School of Education advisory council to work collectively in service to the state

Focused on collaboration, innovation and action, the CU Boulder School of Education launches new External Advisory Council  

advisory council meeting

In April, the CU Boulder School of Education launched a new advisory body to work with school leadership to further its collective mission to support the next generation of educators and community leaders, continue to produce impactful research and deepen community partnerships that serve the state.

The goals of the External Advisory Council include: advising the dean and leadership team on school priorities; strengthening partnerships to deepen community impact in the state and beyond; supporting resource development through advocacy and fundraising; enhancing education, outreach, and research programs; and promoting the school's partnership efforts through public relations and community impact stories.

 

 As I look forward to my role as dean and the challenges we face in Colorado and in education at large, the Advisory Council gave me hope for the future... (Partnerships with members) will not only help me acclimate back into Colorado’s education sphere, but I believe together we can be truly responsive to the most pressing needs for education in the state and beyond" — Amanda Thein, incoming dean

Amanda Thein led the first External Advisory Council meeting on April 22. She shared her initial vision as incoming dean and solicited the interests of each member.

“As I look forward to my role as dean and the challenges we face in Colorado and in education at large, the Advisory Council gave me hope for the future,” Thein said. 

“The impressive members bring a wide range of expertise and innovative ideas for supporting educators. Their partnership will not only help me acclimate back into Colorado’s education sphere, but I believe together we can be truly responsive to the most pressing needs for education in the state and beyond.”

Nominated by peers and faculty, council members are alumni, donors, and leaders in school districts, state and federal agencies, non-profits, and other sectors with potential to expand the school’s partnerships and research impact. Once complete, the Advisory Council will consist of up to 25 regular members with additional faculty and staff serving as ex-officio members.  

To date, the council includes:

  • Bill Barclay, retired bioscience entrepreneur, CU Boulder and School of Education donor, including the Miramontes Baca Doctorial Scholars Program, CU Lead Alliance Scholarships, and the Miramontes Arts & Science Program
  • Allison Billings, CEO of Impact on Education Foundation for Boulder Valley School District
  • Kelle Bongard, Superintendent, Strasburg School District 
    Christian Castaneda, Program Coordinator for the Social Venture Partners of Boulder County  
  • Marty Coffin Evans, former assistant superintendent and educator, former CU Boulder School of Education Development Advisory Board member and chair, and Women Investing in the School of Education (WISE) member
  • Yvonne DiStefano, longtime supporter of the School of Education, former Development Advisory Board member, and Women Investing in the School of Education (WISE) charter member and visionary
  • Michelle Dubé Carpenter, School of Education alumna, Associate Director of Secondary Field Experiences, retired Boulder Valley Schools District educator, former Development Advisory Board member, Women Investing in the School of Education (WISE) member, and instructor in the School of Education
  • Daniel C. Edelson, Executive Director of BSCS Science Learning  
  • Rhoda Freelon, Senior Program Officer for Strategic Engagement for the Spencer Foundation  
  • Bianca Gallegos, Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships, BVSD
  • Kathy Gebhardt, Colorado State Board of Education member for the 2nd Congressional District
  • Connie Hoon-Barclay, retired patent agent and innovation research, CU Boulder School of Education donor, including the Miramontes Baca Scholars Program and Women Investing in the School of Education (WISE) member
  • Linda Molner Kelley, School of Education alumna and former Director of Teacher Education and Partnerships, former CU Boulder Director of Outreach & Engagement, former Development Advisory Board member
  • Alex Marrero, Superintendent of Denver Public Schools  
  • Tomás Mejia, State Director of the Migrant Education Program for the Colorado Department of Education  
  • Maya Morales Garcia, Chief Program Officer for Beyond 100K  
  • Steve Ollanik, School of Education alumnus, longtime supporter of the School of Education, former Development Advisory Board member, retired teacher from Boulder Valley School District
  • Bre Pacheco, Social Emotional Learning Specialist, Leroy Elementary, Adams 12 School District
  • Barbara R. Quinlan, School of Education alumna, retired educator and teacher in Boulder Valley Schools District for 30+ years, Women Investing in the School of Education (WISE) charter member
  • Margarita Tovar Rosales, Chief Talent Officer for the Colorado Department of Education
  • Matt Wiggins, Sr. Director of Economic Vitality & Special Projects for the Boulder Chamber 

Ex officio members include:

  • Micah Abram, Assistant Dean for Advancement
  • Melissa Braaten, Associate Professor of STEM Education and Associate Dean for Undergraduate and Teacher Education
  • Elena Diaz-Bilello, Associate Director of the Center for Assessment, Design, Research and Evaluation (CADRE) and Faculty Affiliate
  • Elizabeth Dutro, Associate Dean for Faculty  
  • Hannah Fletcher, Assistant Dean of Communications and Engagement  
  • Mileidis Gort, Professor of Equity, Bilingualism, and Biliteracy and Associate Dean for Graduate Education
  • Tania Hogan, Executive Director of the BUENO Center for Multicultural Education
  • Grace Maniscalco, Director of Special Projects  
  • Joe Polman, Professor of Learning Sciences and Associate Dean for Research
  • Michelle Renée Valladares, Associate Director of the National Education Policy Center and Faculty Affiliate
  • Amanda Thein, incoming Dean 

The initial meeting generated enthusiasm and synergy among the members. Many expressed interests in enriching collaborations with the university, enhancing innovative initiatives, and acting on some of the state’s biggest challenges, such as chronic underfunding of education, sweeping inequity, teacher shortages, and support for rural and diverse districts while preparing students for the current and future state of education.  

In the fall, the External Advisory Council will meet again to review and approve bylaws, support the dean in her visioning process and form two sub committees—the Executive Committee and the Advancement Committee—with the aim of getting to work on the very challenges that brought so many people together for the initial meeting.  

As one member noted, "developing partnerships makes everything better.”