Posted June 14, 2024
Dr. Yuzo Nieto is a dedicated educator, accomplished musician, and visionary leader with a passion for fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the arts. A father of two elementary-aged children, Yuzo began their career as a 4th-grade teacher at Denver Public Schools before transitioning into a music teaching position, where they served the Far Northeast (FNE) of Denver for over eight years. During their tenure, Dr. Nieto designed and implemented an original music curriculum and played a crucial role on diversity, equity, and inclusion committees at both schools.
As an innovative professional artist, Dr. Nieto created the RASA school model, a unique educational approach grounded in extensive data collected from their work with students and teachers in the FNE community. This commitment to educational excellence and social justice led them to pursue advanced studies, culminating in earning their Doctorate of Arts in Music Education with a focus on Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley. Dr. Nieto’s dissertation centers on closing equity gaps in arts education through culturally and community-responsive efforts, reflecting their lifelong dedication to ensuring all students have access to quality arts education.
