Our union and beloved community are grieving the unexpected loss of Kevin Adams, whose impact was felt across our schools and throughout Denver. Kevin was an administrator at Denver School of the Arts, a former teacher, and a DCTA Representative at Denver Center for International Studies. Above all, he was an extraordinary father, husband, educator, mentor, union leader, and friend who left a lasting mark on everyone he met.
Kevin was grounded in the belief that every student deserved to feel seen, valued, and supported by educators who understood their lived experiences and reflected the diversity of their communities. He held those values close in every classroom, every conversation, and every role he took on.
During the 2019 DCTA strike, Kevin stood shoulder to shoulder with his union siblings, and his voice emerged as one that educators and communities across Denver trusted and rallied around. He reminded us that when we organize together, our collective voice is impossible to ignore.
As co-host of the “Too Dope Teachers and a Mic” podcast alongside Gerardo Munoz, Kevin created space for honest conversations about race, equity, public education, and the lived experiences of educators of color. As a founding member of the DCTA Black Educators Caucus, he helped build a community where Black educators could organize, advocate, and lead collectively. In 2022, Kevin carried that work over as a member of the DCTA bargaining team, helping create and fight for the Equity article that ensures the voices and experiences of educators of color are reflected in our contract.
Like so many of you, I knew Kevin as someone who made our union, our district, our profession, and community better. His legacy lives on in the students he inspired, the educators he mentored, the leaders he helped develop, and the work he helped build within DCTA.
Kevin’s impact cannot solely be measured by the titles he held. It lives on in the countless lives he touched and in everyone who carries forward the lessons he taught. The best way we can honor his legacy is to continue showing up for one another with the same courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment that Kevin demonstrated daily.
We extend our deepest condolences to Kevin’s family, friends, colleagues, students, and everyone whose life was touched by his kindness, leadership, and unwavering commitment to social and racial justice.
May our brother rest in power.
In Solidarity,
Rob Gould
As we grieve this tremendous loss together, we also want to ensure our members know that support is available. The University of Colorado offers free, confidential mental health support for Colorado educators through Colorado Educator Support. This program is separate from the district’s Employee Assistance Program and is completely confidential.
Colorado Educator Support is scheduled to resume services on August 6. If you need support during this difficult time, we encourage you to learn more and connect with the program as soon as services resume.
Colorado Educator Support Website
