March 2026 - Dra. Annette M. Ontiveros

Colorado Association of Latino/a Administrators and Superintendents LA LUZ DE LIDERAZGO - A MEMBERSHIP SPOTLIGHT March 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 Dra. Annette M. Ontiveros, CLDE Instructional Coordinator in Harrison School District 2, Colorado Springs. Dra. Ontiveros shares her 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

For more than 38 years, Dra. Annette Ontiveros has served public education in a variety of roles. After graduating from the University of Southern Colorado in Pueblo, she began her career as a bilingual kindergarten teacher with St. Vrain’s Summer Migrant School. She later taught elementary school in Mead, Colorado, and in Wildflecken, Germany. While living in Germany, she spent her summers in Colorado completing her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership at the University of Northern Colorado.

After five years in Europe, Dra. Ontiveros moved to Eagle, Colorado, where she served as assistant principal and principal at Edwards Elementary. She was later honored with the opportunity to open Red Hill Elementary in Gypsum, Colorado. She then relocated to Colorado Springs to support her family and continued her work as a school principal in Harrison School District 2.

Following 20 years in school leadership, she expanded her impact at the district level as a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education Coordinator, supporting instruction while completing both her Ed.S. and Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.

She shares that education has always been her “llave” (key) for growth and opportunity:

“I come from the faithful Northern New Mexico Penitentes and the welcoming Colorado Mennonites.

I am from la Sierra of Northern New Mexico and the plains of southeast Colorado.

I am from a migrant agricultural family as I grew up working in the fields, guided by the sun and water that sustained each harvest.

I am from powerful ancestors who gave me a calm and faithful grandfather and a hardworking, visionary mother who always told us: Go to school—get an education.

I am a student of formal education and of life, and, with the love of family and friends, I have been guided to get my education to serve and support others on their learning journeys— Paying it forward for the growth of our students, families, educators, and communities.”

✨ What is exciting about my job?

My work is exciting because it is meaningful. It provides opportunities to support others in their professional growth and learning. Serving in a district rich in diversity, I am committed to fostering a positive and supportive climate and culture that values and serves all members of the community. As a reflective practitioner, I embrace the principles of coaching to support educators as they celebrate their instructional strengths and refine areas they have identified for growth. It is an honor to collaborate with dedicated and inspiring leaders—teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community members—as we continue to learn and grow together in the service of our communities.

🧠 Words from a consejero/a

“How do you listen?” 

Listening is a foundational skill for building trust, understanding, and meaningful connections with others. When asked, how well do you listen ... I had to pause and reflect...

I continually strive to practice active listening when engaging with people. Over time, however, I am learning that listening involves much more than simply hearing words. True listening occurs in several ways.

First, we listen with our ears. This is the traditional understanding of active listening—attending carefully to the words being spoken, as well as the tone, pace, and seeking to understand the message being communicated.

Second, we listen with our eyes. Much of communication is expressed through behavior, body language, and facial expressions. Observing whether a person’s actions and nonverbal cues align with their words can provide deeper insight into their experiences and feelings.

Third, we listen with our heart. Compassionate listening requires empathy and a genuine desire to understand another person’s perspective. Every individual carries a unique story, and effective listening invites us to approach others with respect and care.

In working with others, the ability to listen in these ways supports learning, growth, and personal/professional development. Thoughtful listening creates space for reflection, strengthens relationships, and fosters the meaningful connections that help individuals feel seen, heard, and valued.

💡 Advice you would give a new school leader?

Believe and “Ten Fe”(Have Faith).

Each of us carries AI—Ancestral Intelligence—the wisdom of our roots that shapes who we are and guides how we lead. As leaders spread their wings, they also have the opportunity to build strong partnerships with others. Grounded in a strong sense of self, we have a moral responsibility to support the growth and success of those around us.

Our students, families, and communities are always watching. Leadership requires modeling the values we hope to see in others and paving the way for future generations.

Believe in people. Have faith in their potential. “Nurture with High Expectations” so that the students we serve are empowered to pursue and achieve their greatest dreams.

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

I enjoy spending time with my family and extended relatives, attending Native American powwows to support my loving husband and amazing son, who are Northern Traditional dancers, and working toward getting back into running with the goal of completing a marathon.

🤝 How does CO-ALAS add value?

CO-ALAS adds value through meaningful connection—it truly feels like family. My grandmother used to share this dicho: “Dime con quién andas, y te diré quién eres”—Tell me who you walk with, and I will tell you who you are.

I am proud to “walk with” and be part of the CO-ALAS familia. Being involved with CO-ALAS has enriched my life personally and professionally. The support, the meaningful conversations, and the shared commitment to serving our communities create a powerful network that encourages each of us to grow and lead with purpose.