August 2026 - Javier Ramirez

Colorado Association of Latino/a Administrators and Superintendents LA LUZ DE LIDERAZGO - A MEMBERSHIP SPOTLIGHT August 2026

Welcome to the CO ALAS Membership Spotlight. Each month we introduce you to one of our many CO-ALAS members. Let’s see what they are doing and what’s on their mind!

This month we are featuring Javier Ramirez, Assistant Principal of Munroe Elementary School in Denver Public Schools. Javier shares his professional career and current bio below. You can read the diverse experiences that have led to his various leadership roles. One of our shining stars!

🌟 Career Highlights & Education

I currently serve as an Assistant Principal at Munroe Elementary School in Denver Public Schools, a dual-language school community that I am proud to serve. My leadership journey has grown from the classroom into instructional coaching, teacher leadership, and now school administration. Along the way, I have had opportunities to lead work around bilingual education, data-driven instruction, teacher development, and building stronger systems for students and families.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in Modern Languages Teaching from Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia and a master’s degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. I have also continued developing as a school leader through programs including CASE LEAD and the Four Corners Latinx Leadership Academy. One of the highlights of my journey has been growing as a leader while staying connected to the students, educators, and communities that first inspired me to enter education.

✨ What is exciting about my job?

What excites me most is seeing growth happen in real time, whether it is a student realizing they can do something they thought was too difficult, a teacher strengthening their practice, or a team turning a challenge into a plan. As an Assistant Principal, I get to think about the whole school and how the systems we create can make great teaching and learning more consistent for every student. I especially value serving in a bilingual community where students’ language and culture are treated as strengths.

🧠 Words from a consejero/a

Stay close to your why, but be willing to change your how. Leadership will constantly challenge your assumptions, and sometimes the best thing you can do is listen, learn, and adjust. You do not need to have every answer. You do need to be willing to ask difficult questions, receive feedback, and keep growing.

💡 Advice you would give a new school leader?

Spend time listening before trying to fix everything. Get into classrooms, talk with students, listen to teachers and families, and learn what is already working. Then be clear about what needs to improve and why. People deserve a leader who can build relationships while also holding high expectations. Those two things should never be treated as opposites.

☀️ If you catch me outside the office, you'll find...

Probably running, working out, watching fútbol, or finding a good Colombian restaurant. I enjoy staying active, and fútbol will always get my attention. I also enjoy opportunities to connect with friends and community outside of the day-to-day work of school leadership.

🤝 How does CO-ALAS add value?

CO-ALAS creates something that is incredibly important for Latino educators: a place to see ourselves as leaders and to learn from people who understand both the opportunities and challenges that come with that journey. It creates connections, mentorship, and opportunities that help Latino educators move from thinking, “Could I be a leader?” to understanding that our experiences, languages, and perspectives are exactly what many of our schools need. I value being part of a network that does not just celebrate Latino leadership but actively helps develop the next generation of leaders.