Two teacher education students from Adams State University were among 84 outstanding Colorado teacher candidates honored at the seventh annual Future Educator Honor Roll event, held May 7 in Denver. The Colorado Department of Higher Education and Colorado Department of Education honored Colorado’s future educators as part of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5-9). While educator shortages remain a concern across the country, CDHE and CDE prioritize celebrating and elevating future educators to help fill in-demand professions
Molly Cori taught kindergarten in a charter school while working toward her elementary education degree with a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse emphasis at Adams State, which she will receive at Spring Commencement. Since childhood, she wanted to change the world somehow; she realized the best way to do that is to teach those who are going to be the future.
Nurturing his profound commitment to making a difference in the lives of students with unique learning needs, Jeffrey Triffo will complete his master’s degree in special education this summer. His passion for special education was inspired by the dedication to students modeled by his English-teacher wife, Sara. He is dedicated to providing these individuals with the tools they need to reach their potential and succeed.
“The faculty and staff of the School of Education are so proud of these two licensure candidates,” said School of Education Director and Professor of Education Curtis Garcia, Ph.D. “Both exemplify the qualities of teachers that we value in our program through the strong relationships they’ve developed with students, families, and communities and both are completing our program as highly skilled educators who are fully prepared and eager to enter the profession.”
At the recognition event, Colorado Governor Jared Polis said, “We know that education is the best investment we can make in the future of our people for the future of our state. We are so proud of the educators across Colorado helping our students succeed in the classroom and beyond.”
CDHE Executive Director Angie Paccione, Ph.D., told the honorees: “You are entering a field, a profession where the power of the spoken word is remarkable. Be a teacher or educator who uses the power to activate the potential in your students. What you say matters and will be remembered by your students forever.” Additional guest speakers included Colorado Department of Education Commissioner Susana Córdova, Ed.D., and 2025 Teacher of the Year, Janet Damon. The ceremony was capped off with a candidate certificate presentation.
