DENVER (AP) – Colorado’s largest teachers’ union will use the upcoming presidential debates to draw attention to work being done by public school teachers.

The Colorado Education Association said Monday it will run television advertisements on Denver, Grand Junction and Colorado Springs’ stations ahead of Wednesday’s debate at the University of Denver and before the Oct. 16 debate in New York.

The two 30-second spots feature 2008 Olympic bronze medalist David Oliver and Comedy Works owner Wende Curtis talking about how a Colorado teacher inspired them. The ads don’t mention the presidential race.

The 39,000-member union says it wants to raise awareness about the value of good teachers and quality public education.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)