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Because of a Teacher: Stories of the Past to Inspire the Future of Education

Class Details

  • Class Type: Online
  • Date: 3/9/2026 - 5/3/2026
  • Adams State Credit: 3
  • Nonmember Price: $235
  • CEA Member Price: $135

  • Registration for the optional graduate credits ($55 per credit) is a separate transaction through Adams State. Registration information will be available after you enroll and once the course is listed on the graduate credit portal.

  • Currently Enrolled: 6 of 30

About the Course

This course serves as a reminder that you are making a difference as a teacher, in both small and significant ways. Day in and day out, you are changing lives. Because of a Teacher is a compilation of stories dedicated to teachers past, present, and future. Whether you’re a first-year teacher or 30 years deep, this course will help you remember why you chose this profession and uplift you during the difficult times of burnout and exhaustion. These stories will warm your heart, have you nodding along, and make you feel seen. This is a must-read for any educator!

Teachers will actively participate in online learning to further develop their understanding of the power of connection and building relationships. Teachers will discuss and reflect on giving students ownership in their learning, the role of a school’s culture, the strength of feedback, and the importance of self-care. Teachers will engage in thorough reflection and discourse with other teachers. 

This course is appropriate for anyone who serves students and needs a reminder that the work they are doing is powerful. It matters.

Required Text:

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • Explain the significance of connection and relationship building inside and outside of the classroom.
  • Establish a classroom culture that is welcoming and safe for all students. 
  • Analyze the importance of self-care and setting boundaries. 
  • Advocate and ask for help from colleagues and leverage support within their school community.
  • Examine how the power of great teachers and great administrators can change the trajectory of any student. 
  • Grade(s): Pre-K Kindergarten 1st Grade 2nd Grade 3rd Grade 4th Grade 5th Grade 6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade 9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade Elementary K-5 Secondary 6-12
  • Subject(s): Art/Music Career And Technical Comprehensive Health Dance Drama/Theater Arts Education Support Professionals English Language Arts Math Music Physical Education Professional Development Science Social Studies Specialized Service Providers
  • Teacher Quality Standard(s): QS 2.A QS 2.B QS 2.C QS 3.A QS 4.B

Facilitator

Michelle Hagerman

Michelle Hagerman is currently an elementary school teacher in Mesa County, Grand Junction. She has taught 5th grade and 3rd grade at the same school in Mesa County. She has 10 years of education under her belt. However, her journey of helping kids began as she learned alongside her mother, who ran a summer school in Hawai'i, where Michelle was born and raised. At an early age, she was supporting students inside and outside the classroom. She has forever had a passion for helping students succeed academically as well as socially and emotionally. 

Michelle has developed CO Pilot classes around the demands of being a teacher nowadays, with the heart of focusing on students' and teachers' emotional well-being. She recognizes the impact as well as the workload teachers as asked to do day-in-and-day-out. Her why for being a facilitator for CO Pilot is around the essence that teachers need to know their work matters, they are changing lives, and that they feel seen. She is constantly in the know about new websites, book studies, and techniques to help support students and teachers inside and outside of the classroom. 

Michelle holds a BA in Elementary Education from Colorado Mesa University and an M.A. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Northern Colorado. 

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CEA COpilot allows users to create their own bundles and receive a set discount rate based on how much credit classes they take! Essentially, the more enrollments you add to a single transaction, the bigger the discount you receive.