Teach for America’s Tameka Brigham joins Denver Public Schools as chief of staff

Tameka Brigham, a former classroom teacher and Teach for America official, will be the new chief of staff for Denver Public Schools, the state’s largest school district announced Tuesday.

Besides helping manage daily operations, Brigham will lead multiple districtwide efforts including a task force to study gentrification and racial integration in schools.

“I am excited that Tameka will be bringing her incredible skills and experience, in education and in community engagement, to Denver Public Schools,” Boasberg said in a statement. “She has focused her career and community service on improving pathways to success for our students and will be an extraordinary asset in support of our vision, Every Child Succeeds.”

Most recently, Brigham was managing director of research for Teach For America, a nonprofit that recruits college students to teach in poor school districts for at least two years. She was also the managing director for teacher leadership at Teach For America’s Denver branch.

Brigham also served as the diversity coordinator for Great Education Colorado, a nonprofit that advocates for more school funding, according to her resume on LinkedIn.

Brigham has taught both in K-12 public schools and at the college level, DPS said.

“I’m really excited to work alongside so many passionate leaders who, without a doubt, put kids and families first,” Brigham said in statement. “I have a strong belief in community engagement and listening to those impacted most by potential decisions so I am eager to dive right in and have the tough conversations and, at the same time, celebrate our successes and our wins.”

Brigham will succeed Eddie Koen, who is leaving the district Sept. 20 to work for the Mile High United Way as its chief impact officer.

Brigham, a native Coloradan, begins Aug. 21.