Meet Angélica Gutierrez, an educator in the fight for equitable education
“I grew up going to Adams 14 schools, and despite all of the narratives out there about the district, I learned a lot of valuable lessons and skills,” she said. “Going to that district made me realize early on that certain schools face a lot of disparities when it comes to funding, 'achievement' and overall resources… That is why I specifically feel so connected with the idea of educational equity and that is the reason why I decided on the School of Education at .”
I grew up going to Adams 14 schools, and despite all of the narratives out there about the district, I learned a lot of valuable lessons and skills. Going to that district made me realize early on that certain schools face a lot of disparities when it comes to funding, "achievement" and overall resources… That is why I specifically feel so connected with the idea of educational equity and that is the reason why I decided on the School of Education at ."
Gutierrez has balanced a great deal to get to graduation at — working while staying on top of her classwork, engaging fully in her practicum and student teaching placements, and still finding time to engage in advocacy work in Adams 14, near Commerce City where she resides while finishing her final semester in the School of Education.
These are just some of the reasons she has been selected as the 2022 Outstanding Graduate in Elementary Education by School of Education faculty.
“Angélica was incredibly thoughtful and curious, always asking important questions,” faculty nominators said. “She gets the ‘why’ of what education should be.”
Gutierrez pushes and extends her learning in ways that center her bilingual students and demonstrate her deep critical consciousness. As a student teacher in a first grade class at Ellis Elementary in Denver Public Schools, Gutierrez reflected on and applied feedback provided to her by her mentor teacher, instructors, and her field coach. She knew and thought about each child in the room.
As a first-generation college graduate from an immigrant family, Gutierrez dedicated her accomplishments to her hard-working parents, who moved the family from Mexico when she was young and have always supported her dreams. Now this “thoughtful, optimistic, engaged student,” as her professors have described her, strives to make her parents proud as she begins her career as a teacher and returns to teach in her home district and continues to fight for the students in her community and the education they deserve.
In her own words
Please tell us a bit about yourself
I was born in Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico, and I am very proud to come from a family of immigrants. I arrived at a very young age to Commerce City, Colorado, where I consider my home. I have lived there my whole life and I plan to continue to live and hopefully teach there. I grew up going to Adams 14 schools, and despite all of the narratives out there about the district, I learned a lot of valuable lessons and skills. Going to that district made me realize early on that certain schools face a lot of disparities when it comes to funding, "achievement" and overall resources. A lot of the time, I found myself fighting for an equitable education and defending the high school the I believed in so much. That is why I specifically so connected with the idea of educational equity and that is the reason why I decided on the School of Education at .”
What is one of the lessons from your time at that you’ll carry with you into the next chapter?
One of the greatest lessons from my time at is learning how to really believe in myself and my capabilities. Early on, I experienced a lot of culture shock and imposter syndrome, and it often felt like I didn't belong in an institution like CU. I had to learn how to really love myself for who I am. My identities were some of the things that empowered me the most while being at CU. I mainly wanted to prove all the people who had stereotypical ideas of what people like me could and couldn't do, wrong.”
What does graduating from represent for you and/or your community?
I am the first in my family to attend a university and will be the first in my family to graduate from a university. This means so much to us. My family has made a lot of sacrifices, by bringing me and raising me in this country. Life has not always been easy for my parents, but they work so hard to give me everything I need. Together we have had to navigate a different world from what they were used to in Mexico, but they did it so I could have a life full of opportunities here in the U.S. My parents always tell me that they wish they could give me more, but to me, I feel like I don't do enough to repay everything they have done for me. It brings a lot of pride to my parents, my siblings, and my nieces and nephews. I honestly owe everything I have accomplished to them because they have always supported me and my dreams so much. It is because of their lessons, their love and their pride in me that keeps me going.”
What is your best piece of advice for incoming students?
My advice is geared to other first-generation, BIPOC students who are entering this space for the first time. You will be okay. You are not alone. You belong. Things might feel really hard at first and you might feel like going back home is your best option. It will get better and you will find your space in this institution. Look for others who are like you and who make you feel like you are home away from home. Never change who you are and what your passionate about. Always remember where you come from and everything you've done to get to where you're at. You deserve to be there, because you have worked so hard and will achieve your dreams.”
What continues to drive your passion for your work after graduation?
My community of Commerce City drives my passion. Commerce City is where I consider home, and with everything that has been going on in terms of the education system in place, I know that I want to go back and work there. What is happening is only a fuel for me to want to stand up once again and fight for the education that the students deserve. I want to be able to work there, create relationships with the families, and see if there is anything I can do so that the youth feel seen and honored for who they are. I know how resilient Commerce City kids can be, and I know that with the right supports, they can create change. There are a lot of hidden gems in Commerce City, and I cannot wait to continue highlighting them as a community member but also hopefully as an educator.”