Category Archives: Alumni

Listen to Episode 7 of the Book Boat Podcast

SJSU Lurie College of Education alumni Alejandra Valencia (MA/Multiple Subject Credential Program) and Jocelyn Rodriguez (MA/Multiple Subject Credential Program) have released the seventh episode of their podcast, The Book Boat!  In this episode, Elections!, they discuss how to introduce politics, elections, and civic engagement in class discussions through the books I Dissent, Grace for President, and Sophia Valdez, Future Prez.

Get connected to future episodes and content on YouTube, Anchor, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Instagram, or Facebook.

Listen to Episode 6 of the Book Boat Podcast

SJSU Lurie College of Education alumni Alejandra Valencia (MA/Multiple Subject Credential Program) and Jocelyn Rodriguez (MA/Multiple Subject Credential Program) have released the sixth episode of their podcast, The Book Boat!  In this episode, Let’s Have The Conversation, they dive into approaching sensitive topics with students through the book Something Happened in Our Town: A Child’s Story about Racial Injustice.

Get connected to future episodes and content on YouTube, Anchor, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Instagram, or Facebook.

Read the 2019-20 Lurie College of Education Annual Report

At the SJSU Lurie College of Education, we prepare transformative educators, counselors, therapists, school and community leaders.  We do this through an emancipatory approach across our teaching, scholarship, and service.  While this has been a challenging and tumultuous year, our annual report shines a light on the numerous ways that we’ve embodied these principles and the many reasons for gratitude, pride, and hope in the work of our Lurie College students, faculty, staff, and alumni.  Read the 2019-2020 annual report.

Listen to Episode 5 of the Book Boat Podcast

SJSU Lurie College of Education alumni Alejandra Valencia (MA/Multiple Subject Credential Program) and Jocelyn Rodriguez (MA/Multiple Subject Credential Program) have released the fifth episode of their podcast, The Book Boat!  In this episode, The Power of Names, they discuss the books The Name Jar and Alma and How She Got Her Name.

Get connected to future episodes and content on YouTube, Anchor, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Instagram, or Facebook.

Listen to Episode 4 of the Book Boat Podcast

SJSU Lurie College of Education alumni Alejandra Valencia (MA/Multiple Subject Credential Program) and Jocelyn Rodriguez (MA/Multiple Subject Credential Program) have released the fourth episode of their podcast, The Book Boat!  In this episode, The Beginning of Conversations Around Race in the Classroom, they discuss books such as Not Quite Snow White and Let’s Talk About Race and discuss critical questions such as:

  • Who writes stories?
  • Who benefits from stories?
  • Who is missing from stories?

Get connected to future episodes and content on YouTube, Anchor, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Instagram.

 

Listen to Episode 3 of the Book Boat Podcast

SJSU Lurie College of Education alumni Alejandra Valencia (MA/Multiple Subject Credential Program) and Jocelyn Rodriguez (MA/Multiple Subject Credential Program) have released the third episode of their podcast, The Book Boat!  In this episode, Our Current Favorites, they discuss books such as Planting Stories, Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea, and others.  Get connected to future episodes and content on YouTube, Anchor, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Instagram.

 

Meet the Lurie College Student Orgs | ESAN

The purpose of the Early Childhood Student-Alumni Network (ESAN) is to create an interdisciplinary group of current pre-service San Jose State University students and alumni working in the Early Childhood field and engage students in the Early Childhood Institute’s mission of supporting each and every child from the start.  For more information about upcoming events and opportunities and their upcoming meeting on Tuesday, September 8, at 5pm, visit the ESAN Instagram, Facebook group or Wix website.

Meet the Lurie College Student Orgs | ChAD Club

SJSU Lurie College of Education Child and Adolescent Development Department ChAD Student Club

The Child & Adolescent Development (ChAD) club is a student-run organization that is open to all interested students, alumni, and faculty in the Child & Adolescent Development department.  This organization plans events that focus on personal, academic, and professional development as well as community outreach.  For more information about upcoming events and opportunities, visit the ChAD Club Instagram, Facebook group, or webpage.

Lurie College Learning Showcase | Janeth Canseco

During the Spring 2020 transition to remote teaching and learning, we asked a handful of our Lurie College students to share their insights on learning as they relate to our priority areas – community-engaged, culturally sustaining, interdisciplinary, and holistic. Learn more about Janeth Canseco, an SJSU alumni and current graduate student in our Department of Counselor Education. In this video, Janeth reflects upon her experiential learning opportunities and the importance of community and connections.

Watch all of the student features and view some additional course features from our Lurie College Learning Showcase at sjsu.edu/education/showcase

Connect with Lurie College at https://linktr.ee/sjsulurie to receive more news about academic and student life!  Video edited by Sydney Ahmadian.

Listen to Episode 2 of The Book Boat Podcast

SJSU Lurie College of Education alumni Alejandra Valencia (MA/Multiple Subject Credential Program) and Jocelyn Rodriguez (MA/Multiple Subject Credential Program) have released the second episode of their podcast, The Book Boat!  In this episode, 1st Week of School, they discuss possible books and activities to begin the school year with.  Get connected to future episodes and content on YouTube, Anchor, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Instagram.

 

Spring 2020 Lurie College Alumni Launch The Book Boat Podcast

Shoutout to SJSU Lurie College of Education alumni, Alejandra Valencia (MA/Multiple Subject Credential Program) and Jocelyn Rodriguez (MA/Multiple Subject Credential Program), who recently took their love for books, literacy, education, and social justice, and turned it into their podcast, The Book Boat!  Watch their first episode, Our Beginning, below and get connected to future episodes and content on YouTube, Anchor, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Instagram.

Lurie College Alumni Becomes Principal of Allen Elementary School

SJSU Lurie College of Education Alumni Laura McNabb Whitman

Laura McNabb Whitman comes to the District from the San Carlos School District where she serves as the Director of Learning Services and Assistant School Director at the San Carlos Charter Learning Center. She is recognized as having collaboratively founded new programming to broaden offerings to meet more learner’s needs in addition to reorganizing and expanding the Special Education Department. In this position, she is regarded as a visionary leader whose implementation of various programs and flexibility in addressing challenges and change will support teachers, students and parents at Allen.  An educator for twelve years, Ms. McNabb, has been an Assistant Principal and taught both in self-contained and subject matter specific second and third grade classrooms. Throughout her career, she has been a recognized teacher of teachers attributed to her skill in developing curriculum, advocating for equity and motivating sound instructional practices.  She holds an M.A. degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a B.A. in Children’s Educational Entertainment. “I am delighted to come to Allen Elementary School at such a transformative time in the school’s history. The mission and vision of the District as well as the cultural diversity resonate deeply with my values as an educator. The opportunity to be engaged with the planning for a new school in design and delivery of a responsive curriculum is very exciting”, commented Ms. McNabb. She has three young sons and balances precious family time with work and her interest in reading, cooking, travel and valued interaction with friends.

Lurie College Alumni Named Watsonville High School Principal

Congratulations to Department of Educational Leadership alumni Maria Clara Fernandez, who was recently named principal of Watsonville High School!  We’re excited for Maria to take on a leadership role in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District during this pivotal moment in our society.  Read the full announcement at pajaronian.com/watsonville-high-hires-new-leader/

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Student Spotlight | Clarissa Johnston

Learn about Clarissa Johnston, recent alumni of the moderate-severe credential program in the Department of Special Education at the SJSU Lurie College of Education. Clarissa was also recognized as the Teacher of the Year of her school, Ryan STEAM Academy, and her school district, Alum Rock Union School District, for the 2019-2020 academic year!

Connect with Lurie College at linktr.ee/sjsulurie to receive more news about academic and student life. Video and audio recorded by Brian Cheung Dooley. “Storybook” provided royalty-free by Scott Holmes.

Lurie College Learning Showcase | Alexandra Murueta

During the Spring 2020 transition to remote teaching and learning, we asked a handful of our Lurie College students to share their insights on learning as they relate to our priority areas – community-engaged, culturally sustaining, interdisciplinary, and holistic.  Learn more about Alexandra Murueta, a transfer student and student leader who recently received her bachelor’s degree. In this video, Ali highlights the holistic support services and experiences in the Lurie College of Education.

Watch all of the student features and view some additional course features from our Lurie College Learning Showcase at sjsu.edu/education/showcase

Connect with Lurie College at https://linktr.ee/sjsulurie to receive more news about academic and student life!  Video edited by Sydney Ahmadian.

Educators of Impact | Manny Nuñez

With the COVID-19 crisis making it abundantly clear the critical role that educators play in our society, Lurie College is recognizing SJSU Educators of Impact who have made a transformative difference in the lives of children, families, and communities.  Learn more about SJSU Alumni Manny Nuñez below.  To nominate an SJSU graduate who is an Educator of Impact, please complete this brief Google form.

SJSU Lurie College of Education Educator of Impact Manuel “Manny” Nuñez

“Dr. Nunez is a graduate of the Counselor Education program and now serves as the Assistant Superintendent in charge of Human Resources in the Monterey Peninsula USD. He is a caring, conscientious educator and a strong advocate for all of his students, their families and all employees of the MPUSD. His counseling background has been a strong asset for his leadership roles.”

Educators of Impact | Hilaria Bauer

With the COVID-19 crisis making it abundantly clear the critical role that educators play in our society, Lurie College is recognizing SJSU Educators of Impact who have made a transformative difference in the lives of children, families, and communities.  Learn more about SJSU Alumni Hilaria Bauer below.  To nominate an SJSU graduate who is an Educator of Impact, please complete this brief Google form.

SJSU Lurie College of Education Educator of Impact Hilaria Bauer

“Impact through direct action and compassion the way Dr. Bauer leads her district. Whether it is working with community organizations to open family resource centers on our school campuses, or revamping the counseling support district-wide, Dr. Bauer understands that individual student socio-emotional needs have to be met before they can thrive in the classroom. Dr. Bauer works tirelessly to provide care and support to her district’s 9,000 + students, families, and staff.”

Educators of Impact | Mike Tinoco

With the COVID-19 crisis making it abundantly clear the critical role that educators play in our society, Lurie College is recognizing SJSU Educators of Impact who have made a transformative difference in the lives of children, families, and communities.  Learn more about SJSU Alumni Mike Tinoco below.  To nominate an SJSU graduate who is an Educator of Impact, please complete this brief Google form.

SJSU Lurie College of Education Educator of Impact Mike Tinoco

“Mike is one of the best teachers I have ever seen. The intellect and love he brings to his classroom, his students and their community is a model for transformative teaching practice. The application of his deep research and experience in NonViolent Communication and Kingian NonViolence creates a path for his students to be seen and understood and safe to both be who they are and pursue who they want to become.”

Educators of Impact | Mary Lonhart

With the COVID-19 crisis making it abundantly clear the critical role that educators play in our society, Lurie College is recognizing SJSU Educators of Impact who have made a transformative difference in the lives of children, families, and communities.  Learn more about SJSU Alumni Mary Lonhart below.  To nominate an SJSU graduate who is an Educator of Impact, please complete this brief Google form.

SJSU Lurie College of Education Educator of Impact Mary Lonhart

“In her role as principal of Scotts Valley Middle School, Mary Lonhart is an educator with an unwavering dedication to every single person on her campus. The community of learning she leads is characterized by a deep commitment to academic achievement that goes hand in hand with a fierce dedication to the social and emotional well-being of every child. “Above and beyond” is the space in which she routinely operates. Her dedication toward goals that align very well with the LCOEs mission and vision coupled with her obvious skill and talent make her an extraordinary educator. We need a thousand Marys.”

Educators of Impact | Clarissa Mae Calimbas

With the COVID-19 crisis making it abundantly clear the critical role that educators play in our society, Lurie College is recognizing SJSU Educators of Impact who have made a transformative difference in the lives of children, families, and communities.  Learn more about SJSU Alumni Clarissa Mae Calimbas below.  To nominate an SJSU graduate who is an Educator of Impact, please complete this brief Google form.

SJSU Lurie College of Education Educator of Impact Clarissa Mae Calimbas

“Clarissa Mae is helping her students during this time through her work as the Assistant Director for Student Involvement at University of the Pacific. She has been going out of her way to ensure that the students she works with are staying connected with each other and the office through weekly check ins and being more accessible to her students. Clarissa Mae’s passions center around student development, engagement, and learning taking place outside of the classroom. Clarissa Mae is an educator of impact through her leadership and empathy for students.”

Educators of Impact | Guadalupe Cruz

With the COVID-19 crisis making it abundantly clear the critical role that educators play in our society, Lurie College is recognizing SJSU Educators of Impact who have made a transformative difference in the lives of children, families, and communities.  Learn more about SJSU Alumni Guadalupe Cruz below.  To nominate an SJSU graduate who is an Educator of Impact, please complete this brief Google form.

SJSU Lurie College of Education Educator of Impact Guadalupe Cruz

“As a 5th grade teacher Mrs. Cruz has demonstrated an ability to work with students and support them to be reflective in their educational journey to actualize high levels of academic achievement. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Mrs. Cruz and see her as a valuable asset to our team. She consistently shows up as supportive and dedicated to meeting the needs of students.

As a leader, she places high value in building community and relationships. Working alongside her I have observed her working to truly develop relationships with students and work within their realities. She takes time to thoughtfully create space for relationship building, hear personal stories and support students in their growth. Mrs. Cruz’s work in this area demonstrates her understanding of the importance of context and history, while inspiring students within an innovative instructional program that highlights and balances language, literature, writing and the arts. Understanding the context and history of people and school systems is essential to improving them. Understanding the context and history of a student is essential to supporting them. At San Antonio, Mrs. Cruz is also a member of core educators serving on our Instructional Leadership team selected to inform and shape the collective vision and action of our school’s instructional community, which she has been part of for over twenty years. In this space, she serves as a grade-level representative and thought partner in shaping the school’s plan to better serve students throughout the year.

Throughout my career and in my current role at Alum Rock Union School District, I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with countless dynamic educators and leaders. With this reflection, I believe that Mrs. Cruz’s aptitude is exceptional. She is also a true pleasure to work with; she is collaborative, energetic, and committed and very much deserving of this recognition. It is for the above mentioned reasons that I nominate her for recognition as an Educator of Impact.”

 

Educators of Impact | Mike Espinoza

With the COVID-19 crisis making it abundantly clear the critical role that educators play in our society, Lurie College is recognizing SJSU Educators of Impact who have made a transformative difference in the lives of children, families, and communities.  Learn more about SJSU Alumni Mike Espinoza below.  To nominate an SJSU graduate who is an Educator of Impact, please complete this brief Google form.

SJSU Lurie College of Education Educator of Impact Mike Espinoza

“Mike is so deeply connected to his students and supporting them to bring their full identities into the classroom and school and to use those identities to help them flourish as students. His caring and commitment are a model for transformative teaching!”

SJSU Early Childhood Student-Alumni Network (ESAN) & Summer Film Series

The purpose of ESAN is to create an interdisciplinary group of current pre-service San Jose State University students and alumni working in the Early Childhood field and engage students in the Early Childhood Institute’s mission of supporting each and every child from the start. In this video, Lurie College student / ESAN President Julia Doan and Lurie College faculty / ESAN Advisor Andrea Golloher discuss their organization and their Lurie College Summer Film Series discussion.

ESAN is also hosting a discussion about The Raising of America: Early Childhood and the Future of Our Nation on Wed., Jul. 1, 5pm.  To receive to join the discussion, register via this Google form.  To get connected with ESAN, email esansjsu@gmail.com.

For more information about the Early Childhood Institute, visit sjsu.edu/education/eci. For more information about the Lurie College Student Organizations, visit sjsu.edu/education/organizations.

Educators of Impact | Margaret Isied

With the COVID-19 crisis making it abundantly clear the critical role that educators play in our society, Lurie College is recognizing SJSU Educators of Impact who have made a transformative difference in the lives of children, families, and communities.  Learn more about SJSU Alumni Margaret Isied below.  To nominate an SJSU graduate who is an Educator of Impact, please complete this brief Google form.

SJSU Lurie College of Education Educator of Impact Margaret Isied

“Margaret Isied is an Educator of Impact because of her outstanding professional expertise and leadership.  She currently works as the Lead Academic Counselor at Abraham Lincoln High School in San Jose, where she manages a team of five counseling professionals.  Always focused on student success, she has increased four-year college application acceptances for low-income and students of color and expertly collaborated with community organizations, teachers, administrators, and families.  A graduate of our Counselor Education program, Margaret has intentionally continued her professional development with designations as a College Admission Specialist and Counseling Data Specialist for ASCA.  She also leads the PublicSchool Counselor Committee for the Western Association for College AdmissionCounseling and has facilitated the dramatic increase in the organization’s public school counselor membership by 400% over two years.  Concurrently, she created professional development resources and has made compelling presentations at conferences.  In February 2020, Margaret was the kickoff speaker at the WACAC Legislative Conference in Sacramento where she brought the public school counselor perspective to life.  Margaret remains integrally connected to our program and recruited the majority of her Lincoln High counseling staff to attend the Sunday  CTC accreditation meeting.  Margaret is knowledgeable, collaborative, and leads with passion and impact.”

Educators of Impact | Debbie Pavlos

With the COVID-19 crisis making it abundantly clear the critical role that educators play in our society, Lurie College is recognizing SJSU Educators of Impact who have made a transformative difference in the lives of children, families, and communities.  Learn more about SJSU Alumni Debbie Pavlos below.  To nominate an SJSU graduate who is an Educator of Impact, please complete this brief Google form.

SJSU Lurie College of Education Educator of Impact Debbie Pavlos

“Miss Pavlos has made the social emotional well being of her students her number one focus. She has also sent along many resources to parents that focus on the emotional well being of their children versus just their academic needs. Her twice weekly Zoom calls include introductions of stuffed animals, a space for students to share feelings, and ask questions (no matter what the topic is). She has created digital interactive read alouds that include fun backgrounds (ie-a frozen tundra for Tacky the Penguin) and think alouds that have her students responding to her and engaging in higher order thinking. She understands that her students need to see her face, hear her jokes, and see their beloved class mascot Q-Bear. Her Google Classroom site is organized and she provides daily feedback to students via assignments and the classroom stream. She also encourages students to chat and respond to each other to engage in socializing which is so important to first graders during this challenging time. Miss Pavlos provides a sense of calm, normalcy, and comfort to her students in a time when they need it the most!”