Meet Karla Esser
Educator.
Leader.
Mother.
My name is Karla Esser, and I’m honored to be running for Colorado State Board of Education in Congressional District 7. I recently retired as the Former Director of Graduate Programs for Licensed Teachers at Regis University, where I helped shape the ongoing career development of Colorado’s educators.
A life of empowering minds
Prior to working at Regis University, Karla was doing what she loves most: working in the public school systems to create learning environments that support students, families, teachers, and principals.
20+ Years experience in Colorado classrooms
E.D.D IN EDUCATION LEADERSHIP & POLICY UNC
DIRECTOR OF GRADUATE STUDIES FOR TEACHERS
History of supporting equity in schools
When our schools succeed, Colorado succeeds.
Education is Karla’s passion
My role at Regis University as Director of Graduate Programs for Licensed Teachers was complex and fulfilling, one aspect of the job that I loved was the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse program, where we assisted teachers in understanding and encouraging the diversity of culture and languages in Colorado, as well as ensuring equity and a comprehensive education for all students. Regis has given me the opportunity and great honor to work with students from the moment they begin thinking about a career in teaching until they have become master teachers and principals working in their own schools.
Prior to working at Regis, I was doing what I love most: working in the public school systems to create learning environments that support students, families, teachers, and principals. I received my Doctorate of Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Northern Colorado in 2012.
When I first began my educational career, I taught Social Studies, German, and English as a Second Language in the Aurora and German public school systems. While I have worked in school administration most recently, I know that the heart of our education system is the classroom. That is why it is so important that the State Board of Education does more to give our teachers and students the resources to succeed in the twenty-first century.
I currently live in Lakewood with my husband Vinzenz, and we’ve been happily married for over 40 years. We are incredibly proud of our son and daughter-in-law, who are lawyers in Fort Collins, where they are committed to being part of a more just legal system for all Colorado community members.