November & December 2018 Announcements

COE Dean Chung Completes First 100-Day Plan

By José A. Álvarez

The dean of the College of Education is done…with his First 100-Day Plan that is.

October 6 marked the first 100 days since Dr. Y. Barry Chung took over as dean of COE at San Diego State University.

7 Things You Didn't Know About Melanie Falkenberg

By José A. Álvarez

A credentialed teacher with the unique talent to run a soundboard at church and a love for all things Disney. That’s Melanie Falkenberg, Credential Admissions Coordinator. Though she is a native San Diegan, she did spend some time in the Central Coast having attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Curious as to how she earned the nickname “Money” in college? Find out in this edition of 7 Things You Didn’t Know About Faculty and Staff.

CFD Majors Can Become Certified Family Life Educators

By José A. Álvarez

Students pursuing undergraduate degrees in Child Development and can become Certified Family Life Educators (CFLE), but many are not aware that the program is approved by the National Council on Family Relations as meeting the criteria for the CFLE credential.

COE Faculty, Colleagues Awarded $300K for Research on Computer Science Education

By José A. Álvarez

Dr. Alexander “Sasha” Chizhik, working with Dr. Leland Beck and Patricia Kraft from the SDSU’s Computer Science Department, has received a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to assess whether students in introductory computer science courses will be successful in subsequent computer science classes. This latest grant is the third for Chizhik and Beck and the first for Kraft.

Open Educational Resources Save Students Millions

By José A. Álvarez

More than $2.6 million.

That’s how much students at San Diego State University have saved by using the  Affordable Learning Solutions and open educational resources.

Affordable Learning Solutions allows faculty to choose and provide more affordable, quality educational content for their students, increasing the number of them who acquire the course materials they need for their classes. The materials are usually free or are available at a reduced cost.

COE Faculty Honored by International Latino Book Awards

By José A. Álvarez

The accolades keep coming.

First, the book “No Estás Solo: Recetas Para Obtener ÉXITO de Padres Para Padres” was chosen as the “guide for Latino parents” by “Despierta América,” the most popular morning TV show in Spanish in the nation.

COE Graduate Student Gets 2018 Community Impact Award

By José A. Álvarez

She knows what it takes for a foster youth to make it to college and succeed.

Poppy Fitch lived through the whole process.

Her commitment and contributions to helping other students succeed earned Fitch the Junior League of San Diego’s (JLSD) Community Impact Award for 2018.

Change Comes to the SDSU Literacy Center

By José A. Álvarez

Change has come to the College of Education’s Literacy Center.

The Center has gone through a physical transformation that has made it more inviting and is helping it accomplish its mission: read, write and rise.

The Center went through three changes:

• Using supplemental funds, the Center bought new furniture - namely for the lobby area, where parents wait for their children,
• Video cameras were installed throughout the Center, which will be used for data collection by faculty, as well as by graduate students, and
• Storage spaces were converted to small-group meeting rooms throughout the Center.

7 Things You Didn't Know About Dr. Caren Sax

Need some travel tips? Look no further than our own Department of Administration, Rehabilitation, Postsecondary Education (ARPE) Department Chair, Caren Sax! She went from small town Illinois to a world traveler with an impressive travel history! Though it was 16 years before she first saw the ocean, she has since become an avid sailor. Read more on this edition of 7 Things You Didn’t Know About Faculty & Staff to learn more about the variety of skills she has acquired over the years!

Research to Support Latino Students in STEM

By José A. Álvarez

Dr. Felisha Herrera Villarreal is elated.

That’s because she’s been awarded two National Science Foundation (NSF) grants that will bring San Diego State University nearly $2.6 million to support research projects focused on diversifying Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) pathways.

COE Doctoral Student Named Jackson Scholar

By José A. Álvarez

Rachael Stewart, who is a doctoral student in the Ed.D. in PK-12 Educational Leadership program and full-time COE staff member, was named a national scholar by the University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA) Jackson Scholars Network.

“I am honored and humbled,” said Stewart, who is also the department coordinator at COE’s Department of Educational Leadership. “I am most excited about the networking, professional development, and mentorship that comes with this opportunity.”

COE Course Sequence Approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board

Department of Counseling and Schoool Psychology Faculty and Staff with Dean Y. Barry Chung

By José A. Álvarez

School psychologists wishing to be certified behavior analysts will now have an easier path to achieve their goal.

That is because a course sequence from the Department of Counseling and School Psychology has been approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

SDSU Students Live with Indigenous Families in Ecuador

By José A. Álvarez

Have you ever considered living with indigenous families in South America?

If you decide to take part in the Liberal Studies trip to Ecuador next spring, you can.

If you do, you’ll be part of the dozens of students who participate in the annual trip every spring.

College Student Success Team Focuses on Undergraduate Advising Initiatives

By Lisa McCully

Under the guidance of Associate Dean Dr. Nadine Bezuk, the College of Education has formed its College Student Success Team (CSST). Building upon the strategic mission of the Division of Academic Engagement and Student Success, the COE’s CSST has been working to identify areas to improve our advising services, student retention, and time-to-graduation for all of our students.

Two COE Students (Out of 6 Awardees) Recognized with the Sally Casanova Scholarship

Six San Diego State University students were selected as 2018-19 Sally Casanova Scholars, a California State University award to help students continue their education in doctoral programs.

 Read more at SDSU NewsCenter

October 2018 Announcements

Learn how Dr. Cristina Alfaro is Advancing Dual Language Education

When Cristina Alfaro embarked on her first day of kindergarten – knowing only Spanish like many children in border regions do – the teacher made her wear donkey ears as a form of punishment.

Read more at La Prensa San Diego

Welcome from Dean Chung

Welcome to the 2018-19 academic year! I am excited to share with you many new happenings this year. SDSU has a new President (Dr. Adela de la Torre), a new Interim Provost (our former Dean, Dr. Joseph Johnson), 3 new Deans (including myself), and 4 Interim Deans. Our College has 3 new Chairs/Directors (Dr. Lynne Bercaw for the School of Teacher Education, Dr. Margarita Machado-Casas for the Department of Dual Language and English Learner Education, and Dr. Rafaela Santa Cruz for the Joint Ph.D. Program in Education). Additionally, we have 12 new faculty members this year. The excitement is in the air, and we anticipate a lot of new ideas and initiatives coming out this year and beyond.

COE Welcomes New Faculty for Fall 2018

The College of Education is excited to welcome 13 new faculty members for the fall semester. This talented group is a wonderful addition to the SDSU community!

DLE is New Partner in Palau Interdisciplinary Bachelor’s Degree

As part of the Interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts in Three Departments, SDSU in partnership with Palau Community College (PCC) offered DLE 515: Multilingual Education Theory and Practice: Second Language Learners in Emerging Nations and Community this summer. Dr. Sera Hernandez was the lead instructor of the 10-week course, which uses a hybrid model. She went to the Republic of Palau (ROP) to provide a week of face-to-face instruction from June 11th-17th. The students  weekly with an on-island facilitator for the remaining nine weeks, with Dr. Hernandez delivering the rest of the course via distance technology through Aug. 19th. The degree has a special emphasis in education for teachers in Palau, and is including several courses from the Department of Dual Language and English Learner Education (DLE) for the first time.

Graduate Fellowship Brings Out-of-State Students to SDSU

The Presidential Graduate Research Fellowship was established to recruit non-resident graduate students who demonstrate outstanding potential for achievement in research or creative activity.

Erin Daddio is one of them.

Daddio moved to San Diego from Plainsboro, New Jersey, to pursue a master’s in Dual Language and English Learner Education: Critical Literacy and Social Justice Specialization.

2018 Distinguished Faculty and Alumni Awards of Distinction

SDSU recognizes the many contributions of our faculty and alumni in this year's SDSU Alumni Awards.

Camp Inspires Students to Be Math, Science Teachers

By José A. Álvarez

They hiked and rock climbed. They did arts and crafts. They bonded and learned about science.

They are a group of 50 Liberal Studies students at San Diego State University who participated on a weekend camp for future middle and high school teachers.

During the two-day at event, which took place at Cuyamaca Outdoor School or Sixth Grade Camp, students got to explore nature, study the stars, participate in recreational activities and learn about math and science.

7 Things You Didn’t Know About Jackie Fuller

With roots in the Bay Area, this former RA eventually settled into her role as Advising and Recruitment Specialist at SDSU. While her experience as an RA led her to her future career, her undergraduate university actually inspired her future dog’s name. Read more on this edition of 7 Things You Didn’t Know About Faculty and Staff to find out what alma mater her Puggle was named after!

Research and Equity Scholarship Institute’s Digital Narratives

The SDSU Research and Equity Scholarship Institute on Student Trajectories in Education (RESISTE) is currently working on the ED SYSTEMS project which focuses on students who began at community colleges and minority serving institutions. The institute is directed by Dr. Felicia Herrera-Villareal, an assistant professor in our Department of Administration, Rehabilitation, and Postsecondary Education (ARPE), and is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

One part of the project is highlighting the stories of about 50 students who have successfully navigated community college Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) pathways. The “RES Institute” recognizes how much there is to learn from the voices of underrepresented students who have not only succeeded in STEM but have contributed to the field  through their unique strengths and cultural knowledge.

Take a look at some of those narratives at the institute’s Digital Narratives webpage.

Leadership Students Exhibit Their Skills

Lucien Eloundou, a leadership minor student, discusses his project at spring event.

Posters and more posters.

That’s what students pursuing a Leadership Minor had to do this spring to highlight the projects they created this past spring.

Their projects’ topics and focus were wide and varied, but all had the same goal: get the students to exhibit their leadership skills.

Two COE Faculty Get Program Assessment Awards

Two College of Education faculty have received Program Assessment Awards from the San Diego State University Student Learning Outcomes and Program Assessment Committee.

Dr. Tamara Collins-Parks, lecturer in the Department of Dual Language and English Learner Education and Dr. Lisa Linder, assistant professor in the Department of Child and Family Development both received awards to better understand and improve student learning.

Improving Futures Fund Funds Faculty and Staff Endeavors

Philip Yenawine, co-creator of Visual Thinking Strategies, was the keynote speaker at the Visual Thinking Strategies Symposium at the SDSU Digital Humanities Center.

Three College of Education faculty received awards from the Improving Futures Fund (IFF), established by to provide monetary support to COE’s faculty and staff endeavors that improve the future of the College’s graduates and of children, youth, and adults they will serve.

Faculty & Staff Donations Make a Difference

Some donate for student scholarships. Others to send students to national conferences or to start new centers or initiatives.

Regardless of the reasons, donations and gifts from faculty and staff are always welcome by the College of Education.

During the 2017-18 academic year, a total of 64 College of Education faculty and staff donated nearly $29,000 to COE programs.

Faculty Member Receives Distinguished Research Award

Dr. Pang (front row far right, in pink jacket) poses with some members of the Special Interest Group of the Research on the Education of Asian Pacific Americans.

Most Asians and Pacific Islanders are not the same.

This is what Dr. Valerie Pang, faculty in the College of Education’s School of Teacher Education has been highlighting in her research.

Her efforts were recently recognized by an American Education Research Association’s Special Interest Group, Research on the Education of Asian Pacific Americans (REAPA), which presented her with their 2018 Distinguished Research Award.

7 Things You Didn’t Know About Dr. Katie Sciurba

Unsure which chocolate to select from that See’s Candies box? Well, Dr. Katie Sciurba, Assistant Professor with the School of Teacher Education, is your resident expert! With a skill set that ranges far beyond the chocolate world, she’s also, more importantly, a published children’s book author. For more fun facts, and to find out just how to pronounce her last name, keep reading this edition of 7 Things You Didn’t Know About Faculty and Staff!

Outstanding Graduates of the Class of 2018

Each year the College of Education recognizes a group of exceptional students as its Outstanding Graduates.  These 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 13, 2018.

7 Things You Didn’t Know About Michelle Xiong

Born last but not least, Michelle Xiong is the youngest of 10 and grew up to become a college student body president. Her big family ties have translated over to her love for cooking and sharing meals with everyone. She loves reading, writing and much more; check out this edition of 7 Things You Didn’t Know About Faculty and Staff to find out what thrill-seeking experiences she enjoys!

COE’s Dean Johnson to Retire in June

After more than 30 years in education, Dean Johnson will be starting a new chapter.

Dr. Joseph F. Johnson, Jr., will leave his position as dean of the College of Education in June.

“I have especially enjoyed the opportunity to help individuals grow in their roles as students, staff, or faculty,” said Johnson, COE’s dean since 2013 and is also the interim deal of San Diego State University’s College of Extended Studies. “I have enjoyed helping so many caring, committed individuals pursue their personal and professional goals.”

2018 Quest for the Best Winners Named

For more than three decades, San Diego State University’s Quest for the Best Vice Presidential Student Service Awards have recognized outstanding student leaders who aide in promoting the university’s mission.

The Quest for the Best Awards, given each year in April, recognize student achievement in four key areas: academic excellence, student involvement, community service and leadership development.

College of Education Representation at AAHHE

SDSU's College of Education was well-represented in the 2018 American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education (AAHHE) conference this past March. In addition to the prestigious accomplishment of Dr. Marissa Vasquez being awarded Outstanding Latino/a Faculty in Higher Education: Service/Teaching Award, we had two joint doctoral students Gabriela Kovats Sanchez and Anthony Villarreal, named as graduate fellows. There were also three undergraduate students who presented at the conference, all of whom are affiliated with the Community College Equity Assessment Lab (CCEAL) - Bryan Osorio, Anthony Mota, and Oscar Duran. 

More information can be found on the AAHHE website and in the full AAHHE program.

Hundreds of High School Students Participate in (STEM)2 Exploration Day

About 200 high school students participated in (STEM)² Exploration Day, an on-campus, day-long event focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The students  came from 12 partner high schools in the Sweetwater Union High School, Grossmont Union High School and San Diego Unified School Districts.

College of Education Student Research Symposium Winners

Congratulations to all of the winners of the 2018 SDSU Student Research Symposium.  This year more than 520 students presented research and creative projects.  We are especially proud of the winners of the College of Education! This year, six of our students received special recognition.

The Office of Student Services Prepares for Another Great Commencement

This spring, SDSU College of Education’s Dr. Lisa McCully, Director of the Office of Student Services, and Jackie Fuller, Recruitment, Advising, and Commencement Coordinator, traveled to Atlanta, GA to attend the annual North American Association of Commencement Officers (NAACO) conference.

COE Moves Up Again in 2019 U.S. News and World Report Rankings

U.S. News and World Report has released their 2019 Best Graduate Education School Rankings and once again, SDSU has risen.  Our College of Education is now ranked #54 among all Colleges/Schools of Education in the nation.  Last year, the SDSU College of Education was ranked #57. The strong rankings are due in part to the reputation College of Education faculty have developed as leaders in their various disciplines. As well, the strong rankings are influenced by the success of College of Education faculty in acquiring funding for their research.  While SDSU is now ranked 54th among all universities, it is ranked 43rd among public universities.

COE Awards More Than $200K in Scholarships

Every year, the College of Education awards scholarships to dozens of students to help them with tuition, research travel, books or supplies. During this current school year, COE awarded more than $200,000 to 83 undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduate student Darlene Marentes is one of them. She got $1,035 that she used to buy textbooks for the fall and spring semester.

COE Counseling Center Helps Clients, Future Counselors

Having problems with your spouse, children, or at work, but don’t have the means to pay for a counselor or family therapist?

The Center for Community and Counseling Engagement (CCCE) can help.

New Report Exposes High Suspensions of Black Males in San Diego County

A new report, Outside Looking In: Suspension as a Form of Exclusion in San Diego County, was released today by researchers from Black Minds Project at San Diego State University (SDSU) and the UCLA Black Male Institute. The report offers insight into disparities in suspensions in public schools in San Diego County.

7 Things You Didn’t Know About Andrea Saltzman Martin

If you’re looking for some delectable recipes, look no further...Andrea Saltzman Martin, the College of Education Instructional Designer, is willing to share hers!  Not only is she passionate about her career in technology, but she’s also got the same enthusiasm in the kitchen. Read more on this edition of 7 Things You Didn’t Know About Faculty and Staff to find out more about this chocolate and animal loving chameleon!

SDSU Students Teach, Explore in Costa Rica

While most students took a break to hit the hot spots during Spring Break, 22 San Diego State University students decided to spend their vacation teaching children and exploring the natural beauty of Costa Rica.

K-12 Students to Learn to Write, Produce Books Thanks to IFF

A group of 20 elementary, middle or high school students will learn to write, edit and produce their own hardbound books thanks to a grant from the College of Education’s Improving Futures Fund.

The project will be part of Write to Rise, a new program spearheaded by Dr. Katie Sciurba, a faculty in the School of Teacher Education.

COE Graduate Student Named Inamori Fellow

Each year, the Inamori Foundation selects 10 San Diego State University graduate students as Inamori Fellows. College of Education graduate student Jazzalyn Livingston is one of them.

“Words cannot express how honored and deeply appreciative I am to be selected as an Inamori Fellow,” said Livingston, who is a second-year graduate student in the Department of Counseling and School Psychology’s Community-Based Block (CBB) Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Program.

Common Experience: Imagined Ideas About School

On December 7, 2017, Dr. Marva Cappello, a professor in the School of Teacher Education and director of the Center for Visual Literacies, hosted a community and university partnership activity that capitalized on multiliteracies perspectives. The project, in collaboration with the SDSU Common Experience, stemmed from the idea that an expansion of modalities to include visual images would be beneficial to English Learners. 

Sixth graders from Otay Elementary in Chula Vista, where the majority are English Learners, came to campus to share their visualized and imagined ideas about school in the Digital Humanities Lab. Following this community activity, a book of the images was created and given to every participating student. The SDSU Common Experience is sponsored by the Aztec Parents Association and the T.B. Day Student Success Program

This project was a community partnership that involved sixth graders and their teachers at a partnership school as well as two groups of SDSU students: those in the Reading Master of Arts program, as well as those in the Joint Doctoral Program, enrolled in Visual Research Methods. 

Read more about the project.

Study Abroad Experience with the SDSU College of Education

Ever get the urge to run with bulls or visit the castle that may have inspired the famous Disney castle? A four-week study abroad experience in Ávila, Spain can provide an opportunity to do both! If running with bulls isn’t your cup of tea, no worries as most people simply watch from behind the fences while the daredevils do all the running. Leah Buchsbaum details her captivating study abroad experience through SDSU’s College of Education at Universidad Católica de Ávila in her blog. In addition to earning college units, participation in a volunteer program, and organized field trips, students are also free to explore Spain as they please on the weekends. Leah describes her personal experience while offering valuable travel tips (i.e., don’t forget your fanny pack)! She hopes that the blog will encourage more students to go on the trip.

Head over to the Girl on the Spanish Train blog for more travel tips and study abroad inspiration!