Speakers
Karen Amidon
Garfield Warren
Gretchen Pearson
Advocacy & Policy
As a dedicated educator, you've witnessed firsthand the power of teacher leadership to transform classrooms and schools. Now, imagine the impact you could have on shaping education policy at a broader level.
This workshop invites you to join a panel of Teach Plus Policy Fellows, fellow charter school teachers who are actively engaged in policy advocacy. They will share their experiences and insights into how teachers can drive policy solutions to address critical issues like school accountability, special education, and postsecondary readiness.
You'll gain practical knowledge on how to:
Join us for an interactive session that will inspire and equip you to become a powerful force for positive change in education.
Karen Amidon is the Colorado Charter Teacher Advocacy Manager for Teach Plus, where she works to empower teachers to advocate for equitable education policies that advance student success. Karen previously served as executive director of a nonprofit advocating for policies supporting low-income women and families and has contributed to state and national initiatives on equity and education reform. Before joining Teach Plus, she taught high school English at Peak to Peak Charter School in Lafayette, CO, for 15 years, serving as department lead, mentor, and instructional coach. Karen earned her M.A. in English from the University of Colorado Boulder and her B.A. in English from Wake Forest University.
Garfield Warren teaches AP World History and AP African American Studies at Denver School of Science and Technology-Green Valley Ranch High School in Denver, CO, where he helps students build confidence and critical thinking skills through English language development and multilingual education. Garfield was an Urban Leaders Fellow, collaborating with Colorado Representative Jennifer Bacon to advance support services and tax benefits for BIPOC communities. He also led a youth leadership program with Gary Community Ventures as part of the Piton Fellows initiative. Garfield earned a B.S. in Public Law and American Government from Eastern Michigan University and an M.P.A. with a focus on State Agencies from Western Michigan University.
Gretchen Pearson is a 7th-grade English teacher, 7th-grade team lead, and soccer coach at Aurora Science and Technology Middle School in Aurora, CO. She focuses on teaching reading and writing analysis skills to prepare students to become active, engaged citizens. Gretchen also leads her team in fostering collaboration to support student success. She began her teaching career in Mississippi as a 2021 Teach For America corps member and has taught 6th and 7th-grade English since then. Gretchen earned her B.A. in History from Davidson College.
Luke Clair-Ficko is a 9th-grade Humanities teacher at DSST: Elevate Northeast High School in Denver, CO. He sponsors the Student Council to support student leadership and foster a positive school community. Luke has also served as a grade-level team lead and was recognized as a "Rising Star Educator" at Paramount Schools of Excellence (2021-22) and a DSST "Flower Person" (2022-23). He began his teaching career in Indianapolis as a 2020 Teach For America corps member. Luke earned his B.A. in Secondary Social Studies Education from Indiana University.