This summer, DSST’s newest educators had the chance to see the future through the eyes of their students. For the first time ever, as part of the New Educator Institute, incoming staff visited the University of Denver (DU), a unique opportunity designed to bring DSST’s mission to life outside the classroom.

The day was about more than touring a campus. It was about grounding educators in the real-world postsecondary environments their students will one day navigate. By walking DU’s grounds, new staff reflected on how their daily lessons, culture-building, and classroom practices directly connect to preparing students for what’s ahead — not just graduation, but thriving in college and beyond.

“It really reminded me of my time as a university student,” said Eduardo Verna-Orenes, a Spanish teacher at Aurora Science & Tech (AST) Middle School. “It is important that our lesson plans and other educational strategies highlight the value of pursuing higher education and becoming a professional, not only to build a successful future on a personal level, but also to create the tangible and sustainable changes our communities need.”

Ibrahim Alwadai, English Language Development Teacher at AST High School, was also reminded of his student experience and echoed how powerful it felt to imagine DSST students in that space.

“I could picture our students thriving in that same environment,” said Alwadai. “For me, it underscored how important it is that our daily lessons connect to a bigger vision, not just academic achievement, but preparing students to become professionals, leaders, and change-makers in their communities.”

The visit for DSST: Cedar Electives Teacher, Deuce Kelly, was a chance to step back into his students’ shoes and remember how big a step it is to go to college, university or any post-secondary programs and all the emotions that come with it. 

“It [comes with] excitement, curiosity, and sometimes indecision,” Deuce Kelly. “This perspective is important for us as educators because it helps us better support our students with empathy and encouragement, while also keeping in mind just how transformative these opportunities can be for their future.”

For Center Program Lead at DSST: Green Valley Ranch High School, Yvette Edmunds, the experience offered a powerful reminder that higher education has pathways for all students.

“What stood out to me the most was learning about the programs and supports available for students with disabilities,” she said. “It was inspiring to see that the future we discuss with students is not just theoretical; there are real programs and opportunities in place to help them thrive.”

By the end of the day, staff left DU with more than just a glimpse of college life. They carried with them a renewed belief in every student’s potential, a clearer mental model of what college and post-secondary readiness truly means, and concrete ways to connect daily instruction to lifelong opportunity.

For educators considering a future at DSST, experiences like this are what make teaching here different. At DSST, new staff don’t just learn how to teach; they’re invited to step into the possibilities they’re preparing students to pursue and to be inspired by the future they’re helping create.