The Heart of an Advocate

Inspired by his sister and a drive to help others, Adrian Cortes takes on the dual role of high school special education teacher and Washington State senator By Sean Patterson

Whether he’s greeting students in his classroom at Camas High School or interacting with fellow lawmakers in the state capital, Adrian Cortes (D23) is fulfilling a lifelong ambition – to be a man who both advocates for and works for a better world.

Voters elected him to represent the 18th Legislative District in the Washington State Senate in 2024, and since taking office he’s balanced two demanding callings: serving as a state legislator while continuing to teach special education. He admits it isn’t your “typical combination of jobs” – in fact, he’s the only active public school teacher currently serving in the Washington State Senate. But as he sees it, the two roles are connected.

“Being in the classroom gives me a lens that I carry with me into policymaking,” says Cortes, a 2023 graduate of George Fox’s Doctor of Education program. “I see what’s working in education and I see where we need to improve. That perspective helps me advocate for policies that actually make a difference for students and families.”

The Inspiration of a Sister

His passion for education – and, specifically, special education – is inspired by his sister, Marisol, who has autism. Growing up with her instilled in Cortes a belief that we should all be advocates for those around us.

“Most special education teachers have a personal story that led them to that career field and motivates them to serve the populations that they do, and I’m no different,” he says. “For me, it was my sister. Being with her, supporting her, ultimately pushed me into the direction of becoming a special education teacher and wanting to support other students in their life journeys.”

That desire has resulted in a decade-long commitment at Camas High School, where he helps special education students navigate academic challenges while building the skills and confidence they need for life after graduation.

Cortes interacts with colleagues on the floor of the Washington State Senate.

Beyond that, his position allows him the opportunity to get an insider’s view of the education system – a perspective that informs his work as a state senator.

In fact, his experience in the classroom inspired Cortes to prime-sponsor a bill that required the state of Washington to comply with federal law and provide Free Appropriate Public Education services through age 22, ensuring special education and related services are provided at public expense during a critical transition period.

“I remember being in the classroom and thinking, ‘Wow, this is going to have a significant impact in our district,’” he says. “Just think of what this will do in terms of programming.”

The bill reached the governor’s desk and passed.

“It was really a profound moment seeing something I observed in the classroom translate into driving policy, and having that policy become law,” Cortes reflects. “There really is quite a bit of overlap in my dual roles. In one I’m on the ground floor of the system, seeing what does and doesn’t work. In the other, I’m able to take action and do what I can to make improvements where needed.”

From Community Volunteer to State Senator

It was a love of community that inspired Cortes to pursue public service. It began in his hometown of Battle Ground, Washington, where he’s lived since age 6. In 2009, he began volunteering on local boards and community initiatives. That civic involvement eventually led him to run for public office and he was elected to the Battle Ground City Council, on which he served for three terms. He also served for one term as the city’s mayor.

After years in city government, Cortes was approached about running for a Washington State Senate seat.

“At first I was a bit hesitant because I thought, ‘I don’t know, it’s a big jump from being a local city council member,’” he recalls. “But after talking with my family and friends, I decided to go ahead and run, and I was successful.”

In November 2024, voters elected him to the senate. His victory was historic in two ways: He flipped a seat that had been held by the same party for 30 years, and he became the first Latino state senator to represent his region.

Balancing Two Demanding Roles

Holding two demanding jobs comes with challenges. “There’s just never enough time in the day,” Cortes says with a laugh. When the legislature is not in session, he spends his days teaching and his evenings working on legislative responsibilities. “Once my classroom day ends, I put on my state senator hat until about seven at night.”

“There’s just never enough time in the day. Once my classroom day ends, I put on my state senator hat until about seven at night.”

During legislative sessions in Olympia, the challenge shifts. Washington alternates between long 120-day sessions in odd-numbered years and shorter 60-day sessions in even-numbered years. During those periods, Cortes temporarily steps away from the classroom while a substitute supports his students. His school district has been accommodating of the arrangement.

“They’ve been incredibly flexible and supportive,” he says. “Once the session is over, I go right back into the classroom.”

Navigating a Polarized Environment

Beyond finding time to do both jobs, one of the greatest challenges Cortes faces is the increasingly polarized nature of politics. “I remember growing up and hearing adults talk about policy disagreements,” he says. “People could debate ideas and sometimes persuade each other.”

Today, he says, the environment feels more partisan and tribal. “It’s disappointing, because families in our communities are focused on everyday challenges – raising kids, paying bills, building a future. They want solutions.”

Cortes believes his role is to cut through the noise and focus on practical outcomes. “At the end of the day, we’re all human beings trying to make our communities better,” he says.

The Role of Faith

What informs his decisions is his faith, although Cortes is hesitant to “push his beliefs on people,” as he puts it. “My faith gives me inspiration and motivation to bring a message of hope and healing to the people I serve,” he says.

In fact, when he returned to school to earn his doctorate, he deliberately chose a Christian institution, George Fox, for his Doctor of Education degree. In a word, Cortes describes his experience in the program as “transformational.”

“The faculty were incredible,” he says. “My dissertation chair, Dane Joseph, played a huge role in my journey. We still stay in contact today.”

His doctoral research focused on improving teacher preparation through real-time video observation and peer feedback to strengthen culturally responsive teaching. It led to national recognition. Cortes presented his research at the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education conference in both New Orleans and Denver, and his work was highlighted by the education technology company Edthena.

“It sharpened my focus both in the classroom and in my work as a civic leader,” he says of his George Fox education.

Looking ahead, Cortes hopes to continue bridging the worlds of education and public policy. For him, the dual roles have the same mission: helping people thrive.

In the classroom, that means advocating for students and building their confidence. In the senate, it means crafting policies that improve the lives of families across his district and the state. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to do both,” he says.