COE Using Latest Technology to Prepare Teachers

Technology is being used everywhere.

That is why it’s not surprising that the College of Education is using it to prepare tomorrow’s teachers.

Dr. Idara Essien-Wood, a lecturer with COE, used the Teaching with Technology Classroom to conduct her course CFD 370, a research methods course for the Department of Child and Family Development.

COE Faculty Receives National Ethnic Mentoring Award

She did not know the award was coming her way. Her former students nominated her and did not tell her.

Dr. Nellie Tran, a faculty in the Department of Counseling and School Psychology, found out she had won the 2017 Ethnic Minority Mentoring Award when she received the notification letter from the American Psychological Association's Society for Community Research and Action.

Global Cultural Experience: Central Mexico

Every year, dozens of San Diego State University students spend their spring break in Mexico learning about the Country’s culture, work with indigenous communities and enrich their academic experience.

Last spring, 28 SDSU students spent nine days in the United States’ southern neighbor and spent three days in Mexico City and six in Mineral del Pozos, a small rural city in the central state of Guanajuato which is considered a Pueblo Mágico de México (magical town). A magical town designation is given by Mexico to those towns with great cultural, culinary and artistic wealth.

7 Things You Didn’t Know About Dr. Sesen Negash

Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling and School Psychology, Dr. Sesen Negash, is passionate about helping the reentry population. She has demonstrated this through her work with adult males transitioning out of prison. Sesen is also passionate about woodworking and brussel sprouts, but there is one thing no money in the world could get her to touch! Read more to find out what she is terrified of and other facts about Sesen in this edition of 7 Things You Didn’t Know About Faculty and Staff!

COE Training Teachers to Work with Students with Autism

San Diego State University and the College of Education’s Department of Special Education is known as a national leader in training teachers to work with students with autism.

Since the Department of Special Education began offering classes focused on autism nearly 20 years ago, it has been busy training future and current teachers and other school personnel on how to best support students with autism spectrum disorder.

Provost Enwemeka Awarded NAACP President’s Award

He exemplifies excellence in education and is at the forefront of advancing the success of San Diego State University.

For these and many other reasons, Dr. Chukuka Enwemeka, SDSU provost and senior vice-president, has received the President’s Award from the San Diego Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Global Cultural Experience: Guatemala

Guatemala is home to volcanoes, rainforests, ancient Mayan sites and beautiful colonial cities.

What better place than this Central American country to complete the study abroad requirement for the Liberal Studies major at San Diego State University.

That is what Ana Rhine thought.

The Liberal Studies senior said she chose Guatemala to explore her ethnic background and to experience the country’s education system.

COE Dean Moderates National Panel

Hispanics represent approximately 17 percent of the U.S. population. However, only about 15 percent of them have a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to about 35.2 for non-Hispanic whites.

Hoping to improve those statistics, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities held its Sixth Annual Deans’ Forum on Hispanic Higher Education in San Diego to discuss issues and opportunities for academic success of Hispanic students in higher education.

7 Things You Didn't Know About Esme Cortes

Bizarre food? She jumps at any opportunity to try it! Not only is she adventurous when it comes to trying new foods, she’s also keen on outdoor adventures. This long-time Aztec doesn’t mind driving off to new and unknown places, especially with her kids by her side. Read on to find out more about the interests of the Department of Dual Language and English Learner Education coordinator, Esmeralda Cortes, on this edition of 7 Things You Didn’t Know About Faculty and Staff!

Making a Difference in the College of Education

Our COE students and alumni are receiving grants, recognition, and committee appointments that will contribute to the futures of children and adults in a wide variety of educational areas. These students and alumni are making a difference!

The Great Give

Make it Great – Take Part in the Great Give

One great day of giving: October 24, 2017

Last year over 750 donors raised over $140,000 in support of scholarship, programming and research initiatives at SDSU. YOU can take part and make a difference for our students by supporting the College of Education in this year’s Great Give.

Visit the Great Give website.

Read more about the Great Give at the SDSU Alumni website.

COE Fund Investing in Children’s Future

“Every child deserves a chance to succeed. Invest in their future today.”

This is the vision of the College of Education’s Improving Futures Fund (IFF) and it’s achieving its goal with great success.

Launched in the fall of 2014 by Dean Joseph F. Johnson, Jr., the Improving Futures Fund provides monetary support to College of Education’s faculty and staff endeavors that improve the future COE’s graduates and of children, youth, and adults they will serve.

ARFP Pairs Students with Graduate Mentors, Faculty

Six San Diego State University undergraduate transfer students got the opportunity to work with graduate mentors and faculty to conduct research focused on improving outcomes for underserved populations.

The interactions took place last school year thanks to the Aztec Research Fellowship Program (ARFP), which was established in 2014 to provide students from underrepresented groups, opportunities to engage in social science research.

7 Things You Didn’t Know About Dr. Jim Marshall

Associate Professor in Educational Leadership, Dr. Jim Marshall, served in three departments, and is the only COE faculty member to do so on his road to tenure! The newly appointed  director of the Ed.D. PK-12 program was also once a San Diego Zoo employee, and his love for animals lives on. Read more to find out which animals currently live at his home and other facts about Jim in this edition of 7 Things You Didn’t Know About Faculty and Staff!

Starting the Year with Some Very Worthy Awards

College faculty and staff joined Dean Johnson at the Fall Faculty/Staff Assembly to welcome and celebrate their colleagues and this year’s assembly included the awarding of some unique distinctions to three highly deserving faculty members.

New at this year’s gathering was the presentation of the Dean’s Distinguished Faculty Awards where Dean Johnson presented awards to Drs. J. Luke Wood and Nancy Frey and a special recognition to Professor Emerita, Dr. Pamela J. Ross for their numerous contributions in support of students, programs, and community stakeholders central to our mission in the College of Education.

Global Cultural Experience: Belize

Gud maanin! And Weh yuh naym?

That’s what a group of San Diego State University students likely heard when Belizeans wished them good morning and ask them their name in Kriol, one of the languages spoken in Belize.

Nineteen SDSU students chose the Central American country, where English is the official language but bilingualism is common, to fulfill their Liberal Studies International Experience Requirement.

Where Are They Now?

The College of Education congratulates the following individuals on recent promotions.

Jaclyn D. Hugg, (2011) M.A., Postsecondary Educational Leadership, to the position of Associate Director, Alumni Engagement at Northwestern University

Greg Ottinger (2010) Ed.D., Educational Leadership PreK-12, to the position of Chief Business Officer at San Diego Unified School District

We would like to know what you are doing since completing your COE program!

Please take a moment to update your information using our Google form.

CSP Department Wins the Provost's Innovation for Excellence Award

The Department of Counseling and School Psychology (CSP) was a recipient of the 2016-17 Provost’s Innovation for Excellence Award.

The Provost’s Innovation for Excellence Award recognizes academic departments or schools that have through collaborative effort implemented a new initiative that has generated new momentum toward achieving one or more of the key goals of SDSU’s Building on Excellence strategic plan.

Read more about the award.

Science Camp a Learning Experience for Future Teachers

During Aztec Science Camp, the kids who participate get to learn hands on. But they are not the only ones benefiting from the experience.

The College of Education students who take part in the annual event are learning as well.

Garineh Melikian, who is in her second semester of student teaching and will be completing her  credential program by the end of the year, said she really enjoyed the experience.

‘Black Minds Matter’ Course Focuses on Improving Success for Men of Color

Research has shown that Black boys and men are criminalized in the classroom and their minds undervalued by the educators and institutions of learning.

But why is that?

COE Welcomes New Faculty and Staff for Fall 2017

The College of Education is excited to welcome four new faculty members for the fall semester.  This talented group is a wonderful addition to the SDSU community!

Update on COE Four-Year Teacher Preparation Programs

Planning teams at the College of Education are busy developing four programs which will allow students to get a bachelor’s degree and a teaching credential in just four years.

Farewell and Hello from the Office of Student Services

Michelle Xiong, new Liberal Studies program advisor

After 35 years of service to SDSU, Vicki Fielden, Liberal Studies Advisor has retired. Her days are now filled with outdoor hiking adventures, leisurely reading her favorite novels, and not setting her alarm each morning. Although Fielden’s position was with the college for only one year, she will be missed by all of her colleagues in the Office of Student Services (OSS).

Global Cultural Experience: Spain

Ávila and Granada, Spain.

These are just two cities where College of Education Students have an opportunity to study abroad and explore the world.

Dozens of San Diego State University students participated in the faculty-led trips to Granada and Ávila, Spain this summer.

Student Spotlight: Salvador Terrones

If someone had told him in high school he would be attending San Diego State University, he would not have believed them.

As a ninth grader, Salvador Terrones was too focused on finding a way to get out of the Preuss School at UC San Diego. He wanted to go to high school in his community, where according to him, he would be more likely to “affiliate with the wrong crowds and get in trouble…(not) graduate from high school.”

But Flores made it through and is now at San Diego State University pursuing an interdisciplinary studies degree with an emphasis in Counseling and Social Change, Social Work and Leadership.

7 Things You Didn’t Know About Catrina Fuentes

If you’re craving a delicious Filipino dish, look no further! This former Aggie is known to whip up all the classic dishes with her own twist, and no, she doesn’t mind sharing! Her passions do extend far beyond the kitchen, as was demonstrated during her time at UC Davis where she was involved in a major youth development project. Keep reading for more colorful facts about the Department of Counseling and School Psychology’s new administrative support coordinator, Catrina Fuentes, in this edition of 7 Things You Didn’t Know About Faculty and Staff!

Another COE Graduate Student Wins Casanova Scholarship

Another College of Education graduate student has been selected for the Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Fellowship.

Kathy Nguyen is a second-year graduate student in the College of Education’s Postsecondary Educational Leadership with a specialization in the student affairs program.

COE Launches New Cultural Proficiency Minor

There’s a new minor on Aztec Mesa.

The College of Education has established the Cultural Proficiency Minor, which will debut this fall semester. “This new minor will be a cross-disciplinary one, with classes and professors drawn from departments across campus,” said Dr. Tanis Starck, assistant dean for special projects for the College of Education. “The 15 units of coursework from different academic departments and faculty will provide students a balanced approach to understanding the viewpoints of others, and help students to develop a practical set of skills related to decision-making, communication, leadership, and collaboration.”

COE Faculty Awarded $25.5 Million in Grant Funding

In 2016-17, College of Education faculty members were awarded $22.5 million in contracts and grants.

2017 Zuma Innovation Award

The Presidential Staff Excellence Awards, or Zuma Awards recognize outstanding contributions and efforts made by San Diego State University staff in support of the university, fellow employees and the community. During an awards ceremony on Aug. 3, President Sally Roush recognized staff excellence in seven categories, including staff-to-staff mentoring, innovation and team effort. Candidates were nominated by their colleagues and the finalists were selected from a pool of more than 130 entries.

2017 Faculty and Alumni Monty Awards

The Montys are a time-honored tradition at SDSU. The award is a symbol of achievement and success presented to distinguished professors and alumni. The Monty Awards are bestowed by the SDSU Alumni Association and given to those who have made significant contributions to the university, the San Diego community or California, nationally or internationally.

7 Things You Didn’t Know About… Dr. Patricia Lozada-Santone

Dr. Patricia Lozada-Santone began her collegiate years at a remarkably young age following in her mother’s footsteps by attending SDSU. The Aztec spirit continues in her family! Find out which other family member kept up with the Aztec tradition in this edition of 7 Things You Didn’t Know About Faculty and Staff!

STE Students Rock the EdTPA!

School of Teacher Education (STE) students achieved impressive EdTPA results with a success rate of 94%, substantially above the national average of 72%!

We are excited to announce that 94% of our students passed EdTPA on their first try! The EdTPA measures teaching effectiveness. It is an updated, national version of the Performance Assessment for California Teachers (PACT) that was developed by SCALE (Stanford Center for Assessment, Learning and Equity) and is being implemented in partnership with Pearson Education.

Dozens of High School Students Experience College Life

Nearly one hundred high school students are taking classes and experiencing living on campus thanks to the College of Education’s Upward Bound Summer Residential Program.

For six weeks, 90 low-income and/or first generation students from 13 high schools are taking courses taught by credentialed high school teachers and living with a college roommate on the San Diego State University campus.

Workforce Innovation Technical Assistance Center Continues

Congratulations to Dr. Caren Sax’s Interwork Institute in our Administration, Rehabilitation, and Post-Secondary Education Department.  Their Workforce Innovation Technical Assistance Center (WINTAC) recently received another year of funding from the Rehabilitation Services Administration in the U.S. Department of Education.  The WINTAC will receive $3.5 million per year for five years, ending on September 30, 2020.

Five Ways the CSU Is Preparing More Great Teachers

Chances are good you've already heard about the desperate shortage of trained and credentialed teachers – about 20,000 are needed in California alone.

Hundreds Attend First ASL Poetry and Folklore Event

About 350 people attended the first American Sign Language Poetry and Folklore Event, a night celebrating deaf culture and the beauty of the language.

Six deaf performers entertained the audience during the free event, presented by the College of Education’s Department of Dual Language and English Learner Education (DLE)/American Sign Language and the San Diego State University ASL Club.

COE Faculty Presents at SDSU’s Research Foundation Event

The awards provide support and time for intensive career development experience for researchers starting their careers.

And since Dr. Jessica Suhrheinrich had received one of these prestigious awards—the Career Development Awards—it made perfect sense that she was invited to be a featured presenter at the San Diego State University Research Foundation’s event on the National Institutes of Health K Award Competition.

Future Teachers Spend Their Summer…Teaching

Five College of Education student teachers will be one step closer to getting their teaching credential after teaching students in underserved communities during their summer break.

Holly Daquila, Joyce Smith and Tiffany Ramirez will be working with students at Chollas-Mead Elementary. Dustin Brandon and Whitney Cotter will be teaching at Johnson Elementary. Both schools are in the San Diego Unified School District.

2017 Summer Session Courses Still Available

San Diego State University summer courses can help you get ahead in your coursework and stay connected to your professors and the campus over the summer. SDSU is offering hundreds of on-campus courses and more than 130 online courses in three short sessions. Taking just one summer session course can put you on track to graduate on time or leave room in your schedule for a valuable internship, study abroad experience, or participation in a student organization next year.

Outstanding Graduates of the College of Education's Class of 2017

Each year the College of Education recognizes a group of exceptional students as its Outstanding Graduates.  Outstanding Graduates are selected from each department at the Graduate and Undergraduate levels based on their academic performance and dedication to their field. In turn, these students then select the most influential faculty member of their academic career. Outstanding Graduates and their Most Influential Faculty members will be recognized at the COE Commencement Ceremony on May 14, 2017.

School Psychology Grad Featured in U.S. News and World Report

As a child, she was placed in a special education program because she was falling behind in school. Tests soon revealed that Elaine Chen did not have a learning disability. A language barrier was what was preventing her from excelling in school. Chen’s native language was Mandarin and she didn’t learn English until kindergarten.

Nine Special Ed Students Get Ben Ziri Scholarships

Nine College of Education students have each received a scholarship to help them obtain a degree teaching students with disabilities.

Four got a $3,000 scholarship and the others got $500 from the Ben Ziri Caravan #218, a part of the International Order of the Alhambras, which raises funds to support individuals with intellectual disabilities. The scholarship, funded by an endowment established by non-profit organization and San Diego State University, is awarded to students enrolled in the moderate to severe teaching credential program.

7 Things You Didn't Know About Alison Sternal

How would you like to make your own toothpaste and marmalade? Just ask Alison Sternal, as she has made both! She is also on her way to starting her second MA program this fall. Read on to learn more about the SDSU/CGU Joint Ph.D. in Education Program’s new program coordinator in this edition of 7 Things You Didn’t Know About Faculty and Staff! 

COE Welcomes Cultural Responsiveness Expert

He travels across the country training teachers how to be culturally responsive when they teach. Recently, Dr. Sharroky Hollie, executive director of the Center for Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning, made a stop at San Diego State University to share his decades-long knowledge and experience with College of Education faculty and students.

Six Psychology Students Present Their Research at National Conference

Six College of Education students recently presented their research at the National Association of School Psychologists Conference in San Antonio.

School psychology students Noreen Netzsosie, Anais Medina Flores, Emily Johnson, Kenia Lopez, and Jenna Palacios showcased their research at different workshops at the professional association’s conference. The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) represents more than 25,000 school psychologists, graduate students, and related professionals throughout the United States and 25 other countries.

COE Moves Up in National Ranking

The College of Education continues to shine, jumping 12 spots in a national ranking of best education schools.

The 2018 U.S. News & World Report ranking of Best Graduate Schools placed COE at No. 57, compared to No. 69 the previous year. The magazine also ranked COE No.1 in San Diego County and the California State University system and No. 8 in California.

Student Spotlight: Tanesha Moore

She wanted to get involved and to make the voices of College of Education students heard.

Tanesha Moore is doing exactly that.

As the new COE Student Council (COESC) president, Moore is the voice of her fellow students in San Diego State University’s student government.

7 Things You Didn’t Know About Pamela Gardner

How would you like to share a neighborhood with royalty? Undergraduate advisor in Child and Family Development, Pamela Gardner, did just that when she lived in London. She had another run-in with a different kind of celebrity in her Girl Scout days. Read on to find out who she sold cookies to and to discover more about her in this edition of 7 Things You Didn’t Know About Faculty and Staff! 

It’s A Good Thing When Your Child’s Math Homework Scares You

Some San Diego children are coming home with math homework that looks foreign — and maybe a little scary. Several schools in San Diego Unified are piloting a new kind of math instruction that aligns with the common core academic standards. KPBS education reporter Megan Burks recently visited one of those schools and brought back this story. In this article, COE Associate Dean Nadine Bezuk also discusses the quality of and reasons for this instruction.