Our Successes

This is only the beginning of our work in Colorado. Check back often to read about our victories.

Great Teachers and Leaders Legislation Passes

Senate Bill 191 will ensure that Colorado’s teachers and principals are effective, accountable, and committed to helping all children reach their highest potential. The legislation places Colorado at the forefront of the education reform movement by requiring that teachers and principals receive annual evaluations to determine effectiveness, measured in part by student academic growth. The bill also ends forced teacher placement (assigning teachers to schools without their or a principal’s consent), a practice that harms schools, teachers, and kids.

Stand members played a critical role in passing this legislation. Hundreds of teachers, parents, and concerned citizens made phone calls and sent emails to legislators, wrote letters to the editor, lobbied at the Capitol, secured endorsements from civic leaders, and testified in support of the bill. Their investment sent the message that there is a new, bold voice for Colorado’s children, ready to address tough issues to improve public schools.

 Hear what Gov. Ritter has to say about SB 191.

 Hear Sen. Michael Johnston's remarks about SB 191.

"Stand for Children in Colorado stood and delivered the most effective lobbying effort in recent memory.  The Great Teachers and Leaders bill would be history were it not for the dedication of Stand.  I've never seen a group of people with a greater commitment to improving public education."
-- State Senator Nancy Spence

Recent Accomplishments by Our State Affiliates

Massachusetts members:

• Mobilized members and voters to help soundly defeat Question 1, a reckless ballot initiative that threatened to slash 40% of the state budget in 2008.

Oregon members:

• Laid the groundwork for increasing teacher quality and retention by designing and establishing the Oregon New Educator Mentor Program, which is providing mentors for nearly 1,000 new K-12 teachers and principals serving 75,000 students in 2008-2009.

Tennessee members:

• Helped Nashville voters soundly reject an English-Only amendment to the Metro Charter in January 2009, by 41,752 votes to 32,144. The Nashville Chapter made a significant impact, reaching over 6,000 voters with phone calls, emails, and canvassing.

Washington Members:

• Laid the groundwork for improving teacher quality statewide by convincing the Legislature to align the Teacher Assistance Program with research-based best practices and maintain its funding despite a state budget shortfall.

View a comprehensive list of our victories in all of our states.