Karla Esser

Karla Esser was born in Greeley, Colorado.[1] Esser earned a doctorate in educational leadership and policy from the University of Northern Colorado.[2] Her career experience includes working as the director of graduate programs for licensed teachers at Regis University, a teacher, professor, school administrator, and assistant superintendent.[1][2]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a native Coloradan, who has been a teacher, school administrator, assistant superintendent, and a professor. I have dedicated my whole life to supporting kids. I have spent about equal time teaching in the German public schools and in the Colorado public schools. I am presently the director of the Graduate Program for Practicing Teachers at Regis University in Denver, Colorado.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

We need to continue to focus on safety as the highest priority for our schools. This can even be seen with CoVIDWe are seeing right now how important our schools and educators are to our communities. Community schools need to be prioritized. Colorado needs to pay teachers what they deserve, equal to other professions with the same amount of education. We need to elevate the profession so that teachers have the dignity and get the respect they deserve.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

School funding and school support.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

Right now we are seeing the impact of the decisions the State Board of Education makes. The seated members decided to waive this year's accountability tests because of the virus. The Board is also approving the closing of the schools for the rest of the school year, waiving the minimum number of days required. Teacher evaluations are in state law, so these will also have to be addressed by the state board.

This position also oversees teacher licensing and the granting of charter school waivers and appeals. It has become a key position in our democracy through this virus.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, integrity, and a willingness to learn.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Supporting the kids of Colorado through the highest quality education within the purview of the SBE. This can only be done by supporting our educators and not using education as a political football.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I was in 4th grade when Kennedy was shot. Everyone knows where they were that moment

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first teaching job was at Gateway High School in Aurora, CO. I met my husband tending bar, when he was an exchange student from Germany. We married and I went to Germany and taught in their public school system.

What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?

There are so many important responsibilities, but holding teacher licensure to a very high standard is one of the most important. It is also important to remember that unfunded mandates from the SBE takes money away from schools that are already struggling to make ends meet.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

I don't think have experience in government or politics is necessary, but an in depth knowledge of our school systems at every level is essential.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

I believe board members should have preK-12 school experience and the broader the better.