VIDEO: COE Grad Urges Fellow DACA Recipients to 'Dream Big'

Javier Diego Jacinto outside Petco Park.

The inspiring story of a member of the San Diego State University College of Education Class of 2021 was highlighted by San Diego local news. Javier Diego Jacinto, a graduate of the liberal studies program who will enter the Department of Dual Language and English Learner Education credential program in the fall, spoke with NBC 7 and Telemundo 20 about his passion to inspire other DACA recipients to dream big.

Commencement 2021: COE Swings for the Fences to Honor Grads at Petco Park

By Michael Klitzing

Leading off at Petco Park for San Diego State University’s Commencement 2021 ... the College of Education! 

On May 25, the ballpark where Padres fans cheer on Fernando Tatis, Jr. and Manny Machado will transform into a venue to celebrate future All Stars of the education field. COE’s in-person ceremony will be the first of seven SDSU ceremonies hosted over three days at Petco Park — a 42,000-seat outdoor venue that will allow for safe, physically-distanced gatherings amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Salute to Service: Anne Graves and Caren Sax Leave Lasting Legacy

Dr. Anne Graves and Dr. Caren Sax.

The San Diego State University College of Education salutes two longtime professors who will retire this summer. Dr. Anne Graves, professor and former chair of the Department of Special Education, and Dr. Caren Sax, professor and chair of the Department of Administration, Rehabilitation and Postsecondary Education (ARPE) both made significant impacts on their departments and our college.

7 Things You Didn’t Know About Dr. Suneal Kolluri

Dr. Suneal Kolluri is wrapping up his first year at San Diego State University as an assistant professor in the School of Teacher Education. But did you know he’s a beach volleyball superstar who also used to throw down dunks on the basketball court? We’re not worthy! Find out more in this edition of 7 Things You Didn’t Know About Faculty and Staff. 

CFD’s Lind Nets Grant to Study Burnout Among Early Childhood Trauma Therapists

By Michael Klitzing

As a doctoral student in clinical psychology at the University of Delaware, Dr. Teresa Lind completed her clinical training at community mental health agencies in nearby Wilmington and Baltimore. It was educational in more respects than one. Lind witnessed high-stress environments with therapists being driven to load up on patients and over-book themselves. 

She also witnessed the aftermath. The burnout. The early exits from the profession. 

Later, during her clinical internship at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, she discovered another way. 

Pre-College Institute Recounts Pandemic Response in New Publication

The PCI Pathways program's lead tutors in 2020, before the pandemic.

By Michael Klitzing

Amid early news reports about a deadly new virus in China in early 2020, Dr. Cynthia Park gathered her Pre-College Institute (PCI) team and delivered a simple message. 

This will soon be here, it’s going to impact us and we need to be ready. 

“We're in such a large system, that I knew it was going to be difficult to make decisions in real time,” said Park, professor in the School of Teacher Education and founder and executive director of PCI. “So what I tried to do was to preempt — to say this is going to happen and that we need to look at the whole year, not piece by piece. 

“I said to the team, we have two weeks to talk to these students before we have to shift. Let's get them prepared for what it means to go online with us.” 

Alumni Spotlight: Martha Garcia's Story of Courage and Conviction

Martha Garcia (left) with fellow CCLEAD alumna Hossna Sadat Ahadi.

By Padma Nagappan

When one hears Dr. Martha Garcia’s story, there are similarities with other Latinas who have made it despite challenging odds — farm worker parents who didn’t complete high school and spoke only Spanish, the first in her family to go to college, and a single mother.

But when you learn she was pregnant when she transferred from Imperial Valley College to San Diego State University Imperial Valley, delivered her son at the end of her first semester but continued her studies without missing a beat, eventually completed SDSU's Ed.D. in Community College Leadership (CCLEAD) program, and became the community college’s first Latina superintendent and president, it adds layers of complexity to her journey to success. 

#SDSUGrad: Meet Leah Lawrence, CFD Class of 2021

By Michael Klitzing

Over the past year, the San Diego State University community has shown its true resilience. Graduates from the Class of 2021 are no exception. In the #SDSUGrad series, we highlight graduates as they prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives, including those who have secured jobs and internships or are moving into advanced studies. 

Name: Leah Lawrence 

Major: Child Development 

Hometown: Whittier, Calif. 

Francisco Escobedo to Lead SDSU’s Efforts to Transform Urban Schools

Photo courtesy Chula Vista Elementary School District.

By Michael Klitzing

Three decades have passed, but Francisco Escobedo remembers that afternoon like it was yesterday. He remembers slapping steel handcuffs on the wrists of a boy, no more than 16 years old. Most of all, he remembers the look in his eyes. 

It was at the height of the crack cocaine epidemic of the 1980s, and the kid was clearly high — but there was something else. Something more haunting. 

“It was almost hollow,” Escobedo recalls. “Devoid of hope.” 

CFD’s Cassandra Libang Named a Quest for the Best Winner

By SDSU News Team

Child and family development senior Cassandra Libang has been named one of 10 recipients of San Diego State University’s Quest for the Best Vice Presidential Student Service Award. The Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity honor recognizes outstanding student leaders at SDSU in four key areas: academic excellence, student service and activities, community service and leadership development. 

Student winners were asked to nominate a faculty or staff member who made a significant and positive impact on their personal growth and development during their time at SDSU. Libang selected Hsing-chen Tung, lecturer in the Department of Child and Family Development. 

As Districts Return In-Person, it’s Back to School for Many Credential Students

From left: Credential students Jake Palacio, Valerie Salgado and Tasha Irianto.

By Michael Klitzing

Tasha Irianto says it’s the little moments she’s missed the most. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the San Diego State University teaching credential student went months without seeing her second graders outside of a Zoom window. 

“I feel like everything online is so structured,” said Irianto, who is completing her student teaching at San Diego’s Oak Park Elementary. “We don't get any of that natural classroom interaction where the kids are telling me about their weekend while putting their backpacks on.” 

For Irianto and hundreds of SDSU’s future educators, those small yet meaningful connections are coming back.

Dr. Charles Degeneffe Elected New Chair of ARPE Department

By Michael Klitzing

For the first time in nearly 13 years, San Diego State University’s Department of Administration, Rehabilitation and Postsecondary Education (ARPE) is about to be under new management. 

Dr. Charles Degeneffe, professor of rehabilitation counseling, has been elected the new chair of ARPE. As of July 1, 2021, he will succeed the retiring Dr. Caren Sax, who has served as chair since 2008. 

New Center Focuses on Early Childhood Development, Education, Mental Health

By Michael Klitzing

A new center to improve well-being in early childhood and create a coordinated network of care is being created at San Diego State University’s Department of Child and Family Development (CFD). 

The Center for Excellence in Early Development (CEED) will work to bring together school districts, pediatricians, care providers, policymakers and scholars with a focus on early childhood. The center will also facilitate research and contribute to the preparation of the early childhood workforce. 

JDP Students Shine at 2021 SDSU Student Research Symposium

From left: Reka Barton, Nora Leyva and Amir Zargar.

By Michael Klitzing

Three students in San Diego State University’s Joint Doctoral Program in Education with Claremont Graduate University were honored for their research excellence at the 2021 SDSU Student Research Symposium (SRS). 

Nora Leyva, Reka Barton and Amir Zargar were all recipients of the College of Education Dean’s Award at the annual public forum where SDSU students present their research, scholarship and creative activities. SRS took place virtually on March 19 and 20. 

7 Things You Didn’t Know About Amy Rascop

You might know Amy Rascop as the hard-working executive assistant to Dean Y. Barry Chung. But did you know you’re likely to find her rollerskating, hiking in the wilderness or cruising on the back of a Harley? Find out more in this edition of 7 Things You Didn’t Know About Faculty and Staff. 

School Back in Session, Dr. Tonika Green Offers Advice to Parents on CBS 8, NBC 7

With in-person instruction resuming in San Diego schools, Dr. Tonika Green, professor in counseling and school psychology, joined CBS News 8 over the weekend to talk about what parents need to know about preparing their kids to return to the classroom.

Faculty Focus: A Powerful Voice Against Anti-Asian Racism

By Michael Klitzing

Dr. Nellie Tran was already writing her congressional testimony on anti-Asian discrimination and violence when news broke about the killing of eight people — six of them Asian American women — in a series of mass shootings in Georgia. The Mar. 16 incident put a horrific spotlight on the surge of racism and violence targeting Asian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Two days later, Tran — associate professor in counseling and school psychology at San Diego State University and vice president of the Asian American Psychological Association (AAPA) — and Anne Saw from DePaul University submitted the AAPA’s written testimony to the House Judiciary Committee’s hearing on Discrimination and Violence Against Asian Americans. The document provided both historical context for anti-Asian racism as well as recommendations for federal action. 

COE Stories: Faculty Members Share Personal Reflections on Cesar Chavez

 Dr. Lupe Holguin Buell and Sheila Solórzano

In honor of Cesar Chavez Day on March 31, two San Diego State University College of Education faculty members and alumnae share their personal memories of Chavez and the movement he led. Dr. Lupe Holguin Buell ('85, ’02) is single-subject coordinator and Sheila Solórzano ('77, '78) is bilingual credential program supervisor in the Department of Dual Language and English Learner Education.

U.S. News & World Report Ranks SDSU College of Education No. 55 in Nation

By Michael Klitzing

San Diego State University continues to rank among the nation’s best graduate colleges of education, according to the latest rankings released today by U.S. News & World Report.

The College of Education (COE) ranked No. 55 in the publication’s 2022 edition of Best Graduate Education Schools. SDSU also ranked No. 42 in the nation among public institutions and No. 8 in the state of California. 

Invisibles No More! Dismantling Anti-AAPI Hate and Racism in Education

A statement from Y. Barry Chung, Dean; Cristian Aquino-Sterling, Associate Dean for Diversity & International Affairs, College of Education: 

Unspeakable acts of violence towards Asian, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities have dangerously escalated across the U.S. in the wake of COVID-19. This is another deadly pandemic — one that has continued to dehumanize AAPI individuals, families, and communities. 

Ed.D. Student, Award-Winning Principal Jackson-Hubbard Transforms Lives

By Michael Klitzing

In a role many associate with punishment and discipline, Bell Middle School principal Precious Jackson-Hubbard is making a difference in one San Diego community by offering students something else entirely: love.

It’s a love that comes from a place of profound understanding.

“I look at these young people and I see myself, my little brothers, my little cousins — I see a lot of little Preciouses,” said Jackson-Hubbard, a student in San Diego State University’s Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program whose personal and professional journey was inspired by mentorship she received as a teenager from an SDSU faculty member.

DLE COIL Program Connects Future Teachers in the U.S. and Mexico

Photo illustration by Manny Uribe

By Michael Klitzing

At a time when COVID-19 restrictions have ground non-essential border traffic to a halt, San Diego State University is using an innovative virtual approach to continue offering its bilingual teacher credential candidates an immersive global experience. 

For the past decade, SDSU’s Department of Dual Language and English Learner Education (DLE) has operated a trans-border study abroad course that puts future bilingual educators into classrooms in the Mexican border cities of Tijuana and Tecate. A requirement for all DLE candidates, the program offers a deep dive into Mexico’s education system and the realities facing its migrant communities. 

Chung Elected to Executive Committee for Association of Education Deans

By Michael Klitzing

Y. Barry Chung, Dean of the San Diego State University College of Education, has been elected to the executive committee of one of North America’s top associations of education deans. 

The Council of Academic Deans from Research Education Institutions (CADREI) is an assembly of 150 education deans from universities classified as very high research activity (R1) and high research activity (R2). SDSU is the only California State University and one of only four public institutions in the state to be represented. 

CSP’s Owen Nets Kresge Foundation Grant to Address ‘COVID Melt’

By Michael Klitzing

“Summer melt” is a well-established phenomenon in higher education. The term refers to the significant number of high school seniors intending to enroll in college, but who do not show up to campus the semester following high school graduation. For students from large urban school districts, that number ranges from 21 to 50 percent. 

In these pandemic times, however, summer melt might be the tip of the iceberg. 

“COVID melt” is now upon us. 

EDL's Marshall Brings Expertise to Corporation for Public Broadcasting

By Michael Klitzing

When the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) is looking to document the landscape of education-focused work across the country, San Diego State University’s Dr. James Marshall answers the call. 

A professor and director of SDSU’s doctoral program in Pre K-12 educational leadership, Marshall has offered his expertise in educational technology, systems and program evaluation to CPB for the better part of two decades.

COE STORIES: Ed.D. Student Vincent Anthony

In our latest installment of COE Stories, we meet Vincent Anthony, a student in SDSU's Ed.D. in Educational Leadership PK-12 program. Learn how Anthony, a charter school dean in San Diego, strives to foster inclusive, supportive environments for students. 

Video by Ian Ordonio.

7 Things You Didn’t Know About Lauren Collins

Preparing the next generation of special education teachers is a high stakes profession. To unwind, assistant professor and induction coordinator Lauren Collins likes to jump out of planes and swim with sharks in her spare time. Find out more about Lauren in this edition of 7 Things You Didn’t Know About Faculty and Staff. 

NBC Los Angeles Highlights Dedication of Alumnus Counselor Eduardo Valencia

With students stuck at home and behind screens during the COVID-19 pandemic, Fontana Unified School District counselor and San Diego State University alumnus Eduardo Valencia (’97, ’98) is going door-to-door to make a difference. NBC Los Angeles recently spotlighted Valencia — a graduate of our Community-Based Block and school counseling master’s program — as he made house calls to meet the social and emotional needs of his students.

MFT Student Sarah Kouzi Talks Therapy, Culture and Family in U-T Commentary

Sarah Kouzi, a master’s student in San Diego State University’s Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program, has published a commentary in the San Diego Union-Tribune reflecting on the intersection between her culture and her career as a therapist. She explores her desire to dispel the stigma about mental health in the Arab and Muslim communities in America — and in her own family. 

“In this work, I find myself asking: What does it mean to belong to a marginalized community with stigma about mental health, and also serve it?” Kouzi writes. 

Read the full commentary.

COE Faculty Launch Center to Advance Research into Black Education, Wellness

Drs. Estella Chizhik and Sesen Negash. Photo/illustration by Ian Ordonio and Manny Uribe.

By Michael Klitzing

In the aftermath of the police killing of George Floyd last spring, a group of Black faculty in the San Diego State University College of Education met virtually to share their grief, vent their frustration — and strategize what to do about it. 

“I was attending UCLA during the beating of Rodney King, so I've seen cycles of this,” said Dr. Estella Chizhik, professor of teacher education, referring to the Black motorist whose brutal beating by police in 1991 sparked worldwide outrage when the officers were acquitted on charges of using excessive force. 

“I just wanted it to stop somehow. It seemed like there needed to be some very intentional thinking behind these issues related to bias, police violence and the Black experience.” 

Homegrown Role Model: Alumna Named Finalist for Presidential STEM Honor

By Michael Klitzing

During the winter break chill, middle school teacher Phet Pease (’05) received a text message from a former student that warmed her heart. The young woman had just been offered early acceptance and a full-ride scholarship to study computer science at Brown University — her dream school. 

The hallowed halls of the Ivy League may seem a long way away from City Heights — an underserved San Diego neighborhood with many English language learners and few parents with college degrees. But thanks to Pease, a San Diego State University alumna who teaches science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at Wilson Middle School, it’s closer than ever before. 

“Students who have gone through my STEM classes are going to great schools and they're pursuing STEM careers,” Pease says. “And it’s because they’ve been given the opportunity to do so.” 

New EDL Grant Helps Principal Preparation Programs Adjust to Pandemic Realities

Dr. Alejandro Gonzalez Ojeda. Photo by Ian Ordonio.

By Michael Klitzing

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused massive disruption to all facets of the educational system, and the development of future leaders has been no exception. Ordinarily, aspiring school administrators would engage in hands-on experience with a variety of responsibilities a school leader will encounter. This might involve shadowing a principal, engaging the community or leading professional development and other on-the-job tasks. 

But with education gone virtual and mentors spread perilously thin, existing and new challenges around school needs have surfaced that current and aspiring administrators will need to be prepared to address.

An Agent of Change: CFD’s Ritblatt Retires After 25 Years

By Michael Klitzing

As she looks back over a transformational career as a professor in San Diego State University’s Department of Child and Family Development, Dr. Shulamit Ritblatt remembers one particular moment of inspiration. It was her first time teaching the course CFD 590: Children With Special Needs. There were the usual lectures, discussions and class readings, but she just couldn’t shake the notion that something was missing. 

“I was starting to teach it and I realized that the students didn't have any idea about what it was like to really work with a child with special needs,” recalls Ritblatt, an expert in early childhood social-emotional development. 

So she set out to change that. 

7 Things You Didn't Know About Cecy Beltran

It takes a wide variety of skills to be successful as an administrative support coordinator, and Cecy Beltran has perhaps the widest range of skills imaginable. Cecy is a master of multiple languages, family budgeting, healthy living and even morning zoo radio! Find out more in this edition of 7 Things You Didn’t Know About Faculty and Staff.

Hundreds Attend Dual Language Conference, New Virtual Center Launched

By Michael Klitzing

Strong participation and the unveiling of a new center for bilingual and bicultural children’s books highlighted the 2021 San Diego Dual Language Conference, which took place virtually from Jan. 29-30. 

Bringing together top research and voices around bilingual education and equity, the conference was jointly hosted by San Diego State University’s Department of Dual Language and English Learner Education (DLE), the San Diego County Office of Education and the Butte County Office of Education. More than 800 people registered for the annual event, including international guests from Mexico, Spain, Colombia, Nicaragua and the United Arab Emirates.

SDSU Alumni Sweep the San Diego County School Counselor of the Year Awards

San Diego County Counselor of the Year award winners (from left) Ann Pierce, Bonnie Hayman and Cherryl Baker.

By Michael Klitzing

Ann Pierce, Bonnie Hayman and Cherryl Baker work in very different settings, from elementary schools dotting San Diego County’s rugged backcountry, to an urban fine arts middle school, to a large North County high school.

But they share two notable commonalities.

For one, all three were recently named 2021 School Counselors of the Year by the San Diego County Office of Education. Now in its second year, the honor recognizes top counselors at the elementary, middle and high school levels.

The other? All three received their training in master’s programs in San Diego State University’s Department of Counseling and School Psychology.

DLE Professor Serves on Biden-Harris Transition Education Policy Committee

By Michael Klitzing

San Diego State University Professor Dr. Margarita Machado-Casas was tapped by the Biden-Harris presidential transition team to help develop policy recommendations for advancing equity in the education workforce.

Machado-Casas, chair of SDSU’s Department of Dual Language and English Learner Education, served on the Diversity Education Workforce subcommittee of the Biden-Harris National Education Policy Committee.

Online Education Master's Programs Rank High

By SDSU News Team

San Diego State University’s online master’s program in education is No. 15 in the nation, according to a new ranking from U.S. News & World Report.

The College of Education Master of Arts program prepares future elementary and secondary school teachers and educational administrators, a highly competitive field in online education. SDSU is one of only two California public universities in the publication’s top 100 for 2021. 

CFD’s Garrity Named to Head Start-Funded National Advisory Group

By Michael Klitzing

Dr. Sarah Garrity, associate professor and chair in the San Diego State University Department of Child and Family Development (CFD), has been named to a national advisory group focused on advancing equity in early childhood education programs.

Starting this month, Garrity will serve on the National Center on Early Childhood Development, Teaching and Learning’s Research to Equitable Practice Advisory Group. Funded by the Office of Head Start and the Office of Child Care, the center aims to implement culturally and linguistically responsive child development and teaching and learning practices.