Spotlight: Caleb Flores (CO '23)

Working as a Culturally Linguistically Diverse teacher holds great meaning for Colorado Milken Educator Caleb Flores, who comes from a family of immigrants in pursuit of the American dream. In his classroom, he implements strategies like culturally responsive teaching, social and emotional learning and academic monitoring to position them on the path to success. "Working as a CLD teacher is the most rewarding and fulfilling career that I've ever had. When I help my students who come from other parts of the world to make a better life and learn the language, I am reminded of my grandparents and everyone in my family who came before me.” Caleb received a 2023-24 Colorado Milken Educator Award in Greeley on December 15, 2023.

Milken Family Foundation: How have students responded since your Milken Educator Award surprise?

Caleb Flores (CO '23): My students have been ecstatic for me since I won the Award. Since I teach language learners, I have students from around the world in my class. They couldn’t believe that an award like the Milken Educator Award existed and they were so thrilled that I was chosen. I told them that it was not my Award but our Award because they are the ones who show up everyday and give their best for their education. They inspire me every day, so it felt good to do the same for them after the announcement. 

MFF: Who are your role models as an educator?

Flores: I have many role models who have inspired me to choose and remain in the field of education. My high school business teacher Mrs. Achziger brought the best out of me during my time in her class. She pushed me to join clubs and be involved outside of school. This involvement eventually led me to receive scholarships to pay for my bachelor’s degree. When I entered the field, I had numerous individuals who took me under their wing and supported me. My advisors at Centennial BOCES, the alternative licensure program that I went through to get my certification, were so supportive of me when I began teaching. Jessica Cooney, Amy Tuttle, Jesse Tijerina, Amy Zulauf, Karen Winter, and Jeff Cranson are some of the teachers and administrators who also mentored me as a young educator. I appreciate their dedication to me, their schools, and their students. It inspires me.  

MFF: Tell us about your first year of teaching. 

Flores: My first year of teaching was anything but ordinary. I was hired midyear because of a vacancy in the position that I accepted. I had also never been formally trained as a teacher. I began an alternative licensure program the same year that I started teaching. Let’s just say... there were LOTS of teachable moments during that year. However, my students were so special, and they were so kind and understanding of me being new and learning as I went. They stick out to me as some of the most dedicated and inspiring individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure to teach. Some of the individuals above also took me under their wing that year and made sure that I stayed positive. They and my students are the reason that I remained in education after that tough year. 

MFF: What do you hope students remember from their time with you?

Flores: I hope that students remember my class as an accepting place where they learned to be confident and proud of who they are and where they come from. I try my best to celebrate diversity in my classroom and make sure that each student feels respected and celebrated throughout our time together. I hope that my students remember my class as welcoming, but also productive and challenging. I hope that the skills we learn together help prepare them in their futures. 

MFF: As a CLD teacher, you advocate for the academic and personal needs of all your students. What is the most meaningful part of this work? What strategies have you seen make the biggest difference in success stories for your students? 

Flores: Working as a CLD teacher is the most rewarding and fulfilling career that I’ve ever had. This field means a lot to me because I come from a family of immigrants. When I help my students who come from other parts of the world to make a better life and learn the language, I am reminded of my grandparents and everyone in my family who came before me. It means a lot to me to be able to be a part of their journey towards the pursuit of the American dream. Some of the strategies that make the biggest difference in class are culturally responsive teaching, social and emotional learning, academic monitoring, constant feedback to students, reflection on my assessments, and parent engagement. 

MFF: What advice would you share with people who are interested in becoming teachers?

Flores: The advice I would share with people who are interested in becoming teachers is to choose a field that feels meaningful to you and go all-in. Schools will have needs that you can fill on day one, so go into a school with the mindset that you can make a difference right off the bat. Whether it’s through teaching a core subject, or teaching special populations like I do, there are going to be students who have needs and who have gaps that you could fill. It is truly the most rewarding and meaningful career out there. Go into it with a positive mindset, believe in your students, and the results will eventually come. 

MFF: Are you working on any interesting initiatives or new projects these days? Is there anything else you want to share about your school? 

Flores: The most exciting new project that I am working on these days was my appointment to the Colorado commissioner’s Teacher Cabinet. I was appointed after I won the Milken Award. It has been a phenomenal opportunity to connect with like-minded people and collaborate with our commissioner to advocate for quality education for every student in Colorado. It is an honor to be a part of this group. What I would like to say about Greeley West High School is that we are a very special place. I was born and raised in Greeley, and the people here are truly inspiring. People from Greeley do not get what they have easily. We are a city of blue collar workers who strive for a better life and use our grit to solve problems and create solutions for ourselves and our families. To be able to teach in this community is truly a blessing. 

Watch our interview with Caleb Flores (CO '23) on the day of his Milken Award notification: