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School of Education Newsletter, Volume 5, issue 1
Update from the Dean
Dear Friends of the School of Education,
I hope summer 2022 brought you and your loved ones much-needed rest and restoration.
In this edition of our newsletter, I am delighted to share many pieces of incredible news on behalf of the UW Tacoma School of Education. We just launched two equity-focused and innovative academic programs that will fulfill significant community needs. We launched our Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Education degree with dual-track options in Elementary Education with a second endorsement in either Special Education or Teaching English Language Learners, our first-ever undergraduate program, under the leadership of the Director of our Teacher Certification Programs and Professor, Dr. Julia Aguirre. Under the leadership of EdD Program Director and Associate Professor Dr. Robin Zape-tah-hol-ah Minthorn, who also directs the School’s Indigenous partnerships, launched an Indigenous-focused cohort for our MEd for Practicing Educators program. Both the BA in Education and MEd Muckleshoot cohorts launched this autumn 2022 quarter.
After multiple personnel changes and transitions in the academic year 2021-2022, the School of Education is now fully staffed with several exceptionally high-talent professionals. I am delighted to share that Maria Hamilton joined us in August 2022 as our new Director of Operations. I am honored to share that Tom Hathorn has agreed to serve as our new Manager of the Office of Field Placements & Partnerships. Dr. Mathew Weinstein has been appointed as Faculty Director of our MEd Program. In this and future editions of our E3 Newsletter, we will feature “Get To Know” profiles for our new colleagues.
In this edition of our E3 Newsletter, you will also get to know our community partners, faculty, staff, and students, along with other news.
I know 2022 has been intense and taxing. More so than ever, all of us have to radically rethink the purpose of education in the post-2020 world. In partnership with our communities, neighbors, and those who lead in the front lines in our social institutions, let us collectively create and sustain healthy, inclusive, and safe communities and schools where all are able to fully realize their humanity and potential in life.
I look forward to staying in touch.
Respectfully Yours,
Rachel Endo
Dean and Professor, School of Education
Special thanks to Yennhi Truong, Donna Braboy, and Brian Anderson from UW Tacoma’s Office of Advancement, for their support with this edition of our E3 newsletter.
Welcome 2022 Martinez Fellows
The School of Education is pleased to welcome three Martinez Fellows into our 2022 Teacher Certification Program cohort: Russell Castellano, Garisha DeBlieck, and Brianna Ishihara.
The Martinez Fellowship Program was established by Holli and Edgar Martinez in 2008 to support the professional preparation and development of BIPOC teachers. It is managed by the Technology Access Foundation (TAF) and UW Tacoma signed an updated agreement to host Martinez Fellows. See our spring 2022 newsletter for more information about the Martinez Fellows Program. Interested applicants are selected, following a highly competitive review process by both TAF and UW Tacoma partners.
Says Dr. Julia Aguirre, Faculty Director of the Teacher Certification Programs:
The Martinez Fellowship program is the premier professional development and support network for BIPOC teachers in Washington State. It supports our campus’s urban-serving mission and values. Our teacher candidates participate in justice-focused professional development specifically designed to cultivate BIPOC teacher-leaders. We look forward to the Martinez Fellows sharing their knowledge with faculty, staff, and the K-12 students they will impact, to strengthen our teacher certification programs.
Russell Castellano
Teacher Candidate, Secondary Mathematics Education
What drew you to the Teacher Certification Program at UW Tacoma for pursuing your certification and/or endorsements? What are the key benefits of the program?
One of the main reasons I chose the program was due to my experience as an undergraduate student. All of my professors were extremely helpful and caring. I also felt with the Teacher Certification Program having a small cohort, the experience I had as an undergraduate would be the same. Aside from being a part of a small cohort, the opportunity to be able to teach after a year, while being able to finish my master's degree, was important.
What do you want/hope to get out of the Martinez Fellows?
With the Martinez Fellows, I hope to become more aware of the social justice issues within the schools. I would also like to have the extra support I feel I will need these next few years of my teaching journey.
Garisha DeBlieck
Teacher Candidate, K-8 & Teaching English Language Learners
What drew you to the Teacher Certification Program at UW Tacoma for pursuing your certification and/or endorsements? What are the key benefits of the program?
What drew me to UW Tacoma and the Teacher Certification Program was how quickly I could get into the program and the proximity to where I live. Also, the reputation of the program; for me, these were also key benefits.
What do you want/hope to get out of the Martinez Fellows?
I am hoping to gain a better understanding of how we play a key role in helping ELL/MLL students and how we can help them better navigate the education system.
Brianna Ishihara
Teacher Candidate, K-8 & Teaching English Language Learners
What drew you to the Teacher Certification Program at UW Tacoma for pursuing your certification and/or endorsements? What are the key benefits of the program?
I was drawn to UW Tacoma's Teacher Certification Program because of the option for an ELL or Special Education endorsement, as well as the option to continue for the master’s degree in the following year. Most universities offer endorsements as an additional certification but do not have it embedded into their program, which I thought was unique about UW Tacoma.
From my prior experience working with teachers in elementary schools, I know having an endorsement in either ELL or Special Education not only makes teachers more marketable post certification completion but also, competes for a higher salary. In addition, I did my undergraduate study at UW Bothell and enjoyed learning in a smaller classroom environment like UW Tacoma's campus.
What do you want/hope to get out of the Martinez Fellows?
As a future educator of color, I am excited at the opportunity to connect with other educators of color around Washington State. Working in any career or job, especially in education, can be especially hard if you're unable to find people you can identify and connect with. I feel the Martinez Fellowship is a great example of an intentional institutional practice that strives to address the ongoing issue of recruitment and retention of educators of color. I hope to continue to reimagine ways to dismantle institutional racism within our education systems with my Martinez Fellowship peers and look forward to learning more about how to handle the challenges while remembering to celebrate the successes that come with teaching from seasoned educators of color. I also hope through the Martinez Fellowship I'm able to give back to the next generation of leaders, whether that be the students I work with in the future or the next cohort fellows.
Faculty and Staff Appointments
Rachel Endo, Dean of the School of Education, is pleased to announce several recent faculty and staff appointments in the School of Education.
Maria Hamilton Appointed as Director of Operations
Maria Hamilton was appointed as our Director of Operations in the School of Education in summer 2022. In this key leadership role, Hamilton serves as the main business and operations lead in the School.
Hamilton previously served as Director of Finance & Operations in the School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences at UW Tacoma, which is the largest academic unit on our campus with an operating budget exceeding $13 million. She brings over 15 years of experience to this role in budget, HR, grants, and operations management, including in UW Medicine's Division of General Pediatrics and UW's Medical Centers, and the WA State Health Care Authority. An alumna of UW Seattle with a BA in Mathematics, Hamilton holds a UW Financial Management Certificate, and moreover, completed her Essentials in Business Management Certificate from UW Tacoma’s Milgard School of Business.
Tom Hathorn Appointed as Manager of Field Placements & Partnerships
Tom Hathorn has been appointed as Manager of the Office of Field Placements & Partnerships in the School of Education. He replaces Carey Kirkwood, who resigned from UW Tacoma in June 2022 to take a position with the Office of the Superintendent for Public Instruction (OSPI) as Associate Director of Elementary English Language Arts.
After starting his career in the STEM industry, Hathorn built a robust portfolio of exceptional practitioner experience, including as a secondary mathematics and science teacher, as well as a K-12 science director and specialist at the district/systems levels in both California and Washington State. In autumn 2021, he joined UW Tacoma as a Field Supervisor for our Secondary Mathematics and Science Program. Hathorn has a demonstrated track record of advancing DEI in both K-12 and higher education. Hathorn holds his MS in Biology and BS in Chemistry-Biology from the University of the Pacific. He also earned his teaching credentials in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics from Sonoma State University.
Dr. Matthew Weinstein Appointed as MEd Faculty Program Director
Dr. Matthew Weinstein, a Professor in the School of Education, was appointed as MEd Faculty Director in autumn 2022. He replaces Laura Feuerborn, who served exceptionally and inspirationally well as MEd Faculty Director since 2017 (Feuerborn will continue serving as Faculty Director of our School Psychology Program).
Weinstein has served in a variety of leadership roles at UW Tacoma, including as Interim Director of the then-Education Program and Faculty Coordinator of the TCP Secondary Program. He is an internationally recognized scholar of equity and justice in science education. He holds his PhD in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, MA in Education from Stanford University, and BA in Physics (with honors) from Oberlin College.
Weinstein writes about what he looks forward to in his new role:
“I enjoy the honest curiosity and passionate commitments to justice that the MEd students bring to their graduate work, as well as their deep professional knowledge. Because of that, one direction I will be working on is to develop platforms to make the scholarship of our students more public and outward facing.”
Staff Promotions
Rachel Endo, Dean of the School of Education, and Director of Operations, Maria Hamilton, are pleased to announce that longtime staff members Dr. Eduardo “Ed” Armijo, Donna Braboy, and Ashley Walker recently earned well-deserved promotions in September 2022.
Armijo, Data & Grants Manager, now is also our School’s Certification Officer. Braboy, who has served as our Program Support Supervisor, was promoted to Office Supervisor. Walker, who has served as an Academic Advisor for the EdD in Educational Leadership and EdS in School Psychology programs, has been promoted as Enrollment & Student Services Lead (informally known as Advising Lead); she will continue advising students in her new role, while also serving as the senior advisory and supervisor of the School of Education’s Advising Team.
Welcome, New Field Supervisors and Part-time Faculty
The School of Education at UW Tacoma is pleased to welcome several new field supervisors/teaching associates and part-time lecturers for the academic year 2022-2023. All of our new colleagues bring many years of exceptional practitioner experience and knowledge to our programs and students. We are grateful for their commitment to our students.
- Dr. Chelsea Bailey, Master of Education for Practicing Educators
- Joe Belmonte, Educational Administration
- Dr. Christine “Chris” Espelund, Educational Administration
- Dr. Barbara Gueldner, Educational Specialist in School Psychology
- Sui-Lan Ho'okano, Master of Education (MEd) for Practicing Educators- Muckleshoot cohort
- Dr. Heather Lechner, Teacher Certification Programs
- Elzena McVicar, Bachelor of Arts in Education/Education Minor
- Dr. Conrad Webster, Bachelor of Arts in Education/Education Minor
- Dr. Leander Yazzie, Doctorate in Educational Leadership- Muckleshoot Cohort
Get to Know Alumna Abigail Roque
Abigail Roque is a many-time alumna of UW Tacoma’s School of Education in our Teacher Certification and MEd programs.
Tell us a bit about yourself, including your current role.
I am a Mexican American first-generation college graduate who was born and raised in Tacoma. My current role is as a first-grade Dual Language (DL) teacher in the Bethel School District. I graduated from UW Tacoma with my Bachelor's in Psychology in 2020, attained my teaching certification in 2021, and my MEd in 2022.
What drew you to the TCP program at UW Tacoma for pursuing your certification and/or endorsements? What are the key benefits of the program?
I first landed at UW Tacoma through a college-bound program in 2016. I toured the university and fell in love with the campus — and the proximity of being close to home. As a young girl, I have always wanted to be a teacher, but that idea would come and go.
I was also very fascinated with the brain and its complexity. I completed my undergraduate degree in psychology and graduated in 2020. I also decided to take a few undergraduate courses that eventually led me to pursue a Minor in Education. I often asked myself, “What is next for me?” I enjoyed the learning that occurred during my undergraduate program. Then I discovered a Teacher Certification Program offered at UW Tacoma and knew it would be a perfect fit for me! Once I was accepted, I knew I wanted to have an endorsement in ELL. I was an ELL learner and I find language near and dear to my heart. Although my current title is not an ELL teacher, half of my students are ELLs, and I teach in both Spanish and English. The program has prepared me to work with diverse learners in my classrooms.
Some of the program's key benefits are building relationships with your professors and engaging in courses that WILL help you in your classroom. For example, I learned about multicultural literacy and having your students feel represented in your classroom library. The UW Tacoma program captures a student-centered and culturally responsive pedagogy. Finally, the campus is also small, which allows for smaller class sizes.
What is your biggest takeaway during your time while learning at UW Tacoma?
First, I want to acknowledge all the logistical aspects of becoming a teacher from best practices in classroom management, the teaching cycle (planning, teaching, assessing, reteaching), in-depth lesson planning, building relationships with my students, and many others. One of the biggest takeaways is viewing our families and students from an asset-based perspective. They have so much to offer; as an educator, I must advocate for them. In addition, acknowledging our families and students through this perspective allows me to fully embrace culturally responsive teaching. To conclude, UW Tacoma has embedded reflection at the heart of my teaching. For example, reflection on how to best support my students, after a lesson or reflecting on my classroom management strategies. I am proud to be a UW Tacoma alumna!
Get to Know Staff Member Dr. Eduardo "Ed" Armijo
Dr. Eduardo “Ed” Armijo is the School of Education’s Data & Grants Manager and also serves as our Interim Certification Officer.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Originally from California, my dad moved the family back to New Mexico when I was in elementary school. I met my wife in college and we moved to Washington State over 30 ago when she started working for Boeing. We now have four children and two dogs. Having a son with autism, we stayed busy for several years doing volunteer work in the disAbility community. I attended New Mexico State University, where I earned BAs in history and government and an MA in Government. I earned a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at UW Seattle.
Do you have a favorite quote or reading that you would like to share, and why it inspired you?
Being a person of faith, I often lean on the Word of God for inspiration. One quote, in particular, I lean on is Philippians 4:13, which says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
What drew you to the School of Education at UW Tacoma?
Prior to moving up here, I worked at the University of Texas at El Paso on programs to help middle and high school Hispanic students enter science and engineering careers. After moving here, I continued doing research and evaluation at UW Seattle mostly in the area of dropout prevention, and early childhood education programs. I also did data analysis for the City of Seattle’s Human Services Department, as well as the Department of Education and Early Learning.
I wanted to get back into the post-secondary environment and saw the opportunity at UW Tacoma to continue my data work in education.
Get to Know Dr. Christine "Chris" Espelund
Dr. Chris Espelund joined the School of Education in the Educational Administration Program in June 2022.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what drew you to UW Tacoma.
Faculty Program Director of the School of Education at UW Tacoma’s Educational Administration Program, Dr. Kurt Hatch, has a call to leadership is one that resonates deeply with my own beliefs on what we lean in, learn, and lead for in the UW Tacoma School of Education’s Educational Administration Program in preparing school leaders who are ethical, reflective, and community-centered; leaders who do not simply change systems but transform them. Dr. Hatch says: "Leadership must be built on a love ethic that unapologetically centers the voices, dreams, and desires of the underserved and less privileged.”
I have enjoyed 28 years as an educational leader and teacher, including most recently as the Inclusion Director at the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP). In this capacity, it’s been my privilege to collaborate with legislators, agencies, districts, and organizations regarding inclusive leadership, governance, policy, and practice. Calling on experience as a school district director, principal, instructional coach, and classroom teacher, I also find joy in coaching on topics of leadership in districts across the greater Puget Sound.
In addition to leading major equity and inclusion initiatives at the state and district levels, I have presented on a range of topics including inclusive leadership; supporting the mental well-being of diverse families, staff, students, and teachers; and trauma-informed and culturally responsive leadership.
I completed my EdD from UW Seattle in May 2021. I hold my principal certificate from Danforth UW, MEd from Antioch University Seattle, and a BA in education from Western Washington University. I also hold superintendent, program administrator, and teaching credentials.
Learning and leading with educators who believe in the success of all learners is a community I want to be steeped in and support. I believe UW Tacoma is such a community. The rich diversity and collective learning valued by UW Tacoma call to my heart’s work and speak to the celebration and centering of first-generation students. I identify with the 54% of UW Tacoma’s students who, like me, are first-generation, and truly feel called into the community here.
What is your favorite part about being in the School of Education at UW Tacoma?
Reciprocity of teaching and learning in a community of practice with students and faculty is pure joy and only one in a long list of favorite things of being an educator here in the School of Education at UW Tacoma! I believe teaching and learning are about grappling intellectually with our own thinking and with others to grow our stories and practices. My students assist me daily in this and I hope to do the same with them.
All educators leave indelible handprints daily on the hearts and minds of every student in their school community, whether in a university or school setting. The tracks of our leading and teaching should be evidenced in students thriving and belonging as their whole and brilliant selves.
I am truly committed to walking in this work with leaders, teachers, families, students, and communities to create and advance economic, social, and educational opportunities that promote equity and racial justice. I look forward to the amazing possibilities of learning and leading at the UW Tacoma’s School of Education.
School of Education Welcomes Inaugural MEd Muckleshoot Cohort
Under the leadership of EdD Faculty Program Director, Director of Indigenous Education Partnerships, and Associate Professor Dr. Robin Zape-tah-hol-ah Minthorn, with support from Academic Advisor/Recruitment & Retention Specialist Justin Gailey, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and the UW Tacoma School of Education have extended their partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to offer a bəqəlšuł (Muckleshoot) Master of Education (MEd) cohort that will start this autumn 2022.
The MEd Muckleshoot cohort will be place-based and offered at Muckleshoot Tribal College. This group is similar to the current Muckleshoot EdD cohort where there will be intentional efforts to have Indigenous instructors, as well as those who have respectfully partnered and worked with Indigenous communities, and Indigenous authors read and centered in the classroom.
We are grateful for our partnership with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and look forward to continuing our mutual commitment to expanding graduate education to Tribal/Indigenous communities, especially in the region.
School of Education Launches BA in Education Program
The School of Education is delighted to share that our first-ever undergraduate program has launched in autumn 2022, under the leadership of Faculty Program Director of the Teacher Certification Programs and Professor Dr. Julia Aguirre.
To fulfill key shortage areas in our region, the BA in Education program offers dual-track certification in K-8 with either Special Education or Teaching English Language Learners as a second endorsement. The program centers equity, inclusion, and justice in the preparation of the next generation of culturally responsive and highly effective teachers who have a commitment to educate and empower all children, communities, families, parents/guardians, and other key stakeholders directly impacted by public education. Learn more about our new program here: https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/news/teachers-community
Newsworthy
We are pleased to spotlight the accomplishments of some of our amazing alumni/current students, faculty, and staff. A full list of grants, presentations, and publications is forthcoming in a future edition of E3.
Julia Aguirre , Professor
Recipient of 2022 UW Tacoma Latinx Legacy Award
Aguirre will receive a UW Tacoma Latinx Legacy Award in October 2022. The Latinx Celebrando Comunidad Organizing Event committee in the UW Tacoma Office of Community Partnerships selected Aguirre for this prestigious recognition. This award is given to an individual for their outstanding achievements benefiting Latinx communities.
Rachel Endo, Dean of the School of Education, wrote in her nomination letter: “Dr. Aguirre is an exceptionally talented educator and leader who deeply cares about advancing the well-being of Latinx and other communities through her scholarship, service, and teaching. Her presence at UW Tacoma is also historic, as she was the first Latina faculty to earn tenure, as well as promotion to the rank of full professor. She has served as a significant mentor and role model to hundreds of communities, families, and learners across our region. She is most deserving of this award.”
The award ceremony will be held on October 14, 2022. To learn more about the award, visit the site UW Tacoma Celebrando Comunidad.
Aguirre was quoted in Tacoma Weekly on August 31, 2022 on the new BA in Education program’s launch: https://tacomaweekly.com/teachers-for-the-community-p3845-117.htm
Robin Zape-tah-hol-ah Minthorn, Associate Professor
Minthorn published a blog “Increasing Indigenous visibility and Indigenizing higher education” on The International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples in August 2022: https://perspectivesblog.sagepub.com/blog/research/increasing-indigenous-visibility-and-indigenizing-higher-education
Joannie Romero, EdD Candidate, Muckleshoot Cohort
Joannie Romero, a student in the Muckleshoot EdD cohort, was interviewed on a podcast that discussed New Mexico’s Reaction to Catholic Apology to Canada for Boarding Schools | In Context,” New Mexico in Focus, NMPBS, April 29, 2022. You may listen to the podcast here: https://youtu.be/4959d9q_0KU
Congratulations Class of 2022!
The faculty and staff in the School of Education at UW Tacoma were honored to celebrate with the Class of 2022 and their loved ones at our annual hooding ceremony in June 2022. Dr. Kawena Begay was our Master of Ceremony. Roslyn Kagy was elected by her peers as the student speaker and Dr. Miranda Kucera was elected by students as the faculty speaker.
This event was our first in-person event since the COVID-19 pandemic officially started. We were also honored to present the 2022 Dean’s Distinguished Leadership Award to Dr. Stephanie Knipp and her team at Kent Laboratory Academy.
Congratulations, Class of 2022! We are proud of all of you accomplishments, and we look forward to hearing about all of the amazing things you will do.
Photos from the 2022 Hooding Ceremony
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