Dear Cotsen Colleagues,

Welcome to a series of�� videos recorded by fellows and mentors representing the graduating class of 2021. Although we cannot gather in person this year for the culmination of the fellowships, we are nonetheless excited to celebrate and salute our fellows and mentors on the journey that they have just completed.

The 2020-2021 school year was a momentous one. We grew in ways we didn’t know we could, we firmly held onto hope, and we tried every single day. As this year came to a close, a few of your colleagues took time to reflect and capture their thoughts about being a part of the fellowship. We hope you enjoy listening to and connecting with their experiences. Speaking on behalf of the 2021 graduating class are the following representatives: (Click the link to watch on YouTube).

First, our Founding Director, Mrs. Margit Sperling Cotsen, and I would like to share a few to thank the graduates for their dedication and commitment to teaching excellence.

, fellow, Villacorta Elementary, Rowland
, fellow, Hancock Park Elementary, Los Angeles
, fellow, Phelan Language Academy, Whittier City
, fellow, Whitaker School, Buena Park
, mentor, Beatty School, Buena Park
, mentor, Cabrillo Elementary, Wiseburn

To the graduating class, you inspire us, and we can hardly wait to witness all the magic that you will bring to your students.

Sincerely,

Jerry Harris
Executive Director

Let the globe, if nothing else, say this is true:
That even as we grieved, we grew.
That even as we hurt, we hoped.
That even as we tired, we tried.
That we’ll forever be tied together, victorious.
�� �� �� �� �� �� �� ��From “The Hill We Climb” by Amanda Gorman

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The Cotsen Foundation takes great joy from seeing so many alumni, mentors and fellows alike, rising to new heights as leaders in their schools/districts. The following are the names of Cotsen alumni who have taken on new leadership positions as of the 2019 – 2020 academic year and/or have received advanced degrees in 2019:

Andrea Arias (alumna fellow ’09) is now the assistant director for the Early Entrance Program at Cal State LA. Andrea’s most recent position was vice-principal at James Guinn School in the Anaheim Elementary School District.

Ignacio Avila (alumnus fellow ‘11) is now the principal of Daniel Phelan Language Academy. Ignacio was previously the coordinator of instructional technology for the Whittier City School District.

Raquel Bahena (alumna mentor ‘19) is now the IB Coordinator/Coach for Oswalt Academy in the Rowland Unified School District. She is now overseeing the school’s inquiry program, working with teachers in their instructional practices, holding professional development, and working to support our teachers K-8. Raquel just recently finished the Cotsen fellowship as a mentor for Oswalt.

Lila Daruty (alumna fellow ’12) is now the principal of Webster Elementary School in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Lila was previously the assistant principal of Grant Elementary as well as the coordinator for the New Teacher Induction Program in the SMMUSD.

Lani Davies (alumna fellow ’19) received a master’s degree in educational leadership this summer. Lani is currently a teacher at Rowland Elementary School in the Rowland Unified School District.

Alicia Decker (alumna fellow ’11) is now a teacher specialist for Pomona Unified School District. Alicia is now collaborating with teachers and administrators to adjust and design coursework, evaluation/testing, and classroom organization strategies. Alicia was previously a first-grade teacher at Lexington Elementary School.

Fiona Engler (alumna fellow ’15) is now the magnet coordinator for Paseo Del Rey Magnet School. Fiona is now in charge of all magnet enrollment, Title 1 compliance, and GATE compliance.

Elisa Erickson (alumna mentor ’19) is now the instructional coach next year at Lampton Elementary School in Norwalk La-Mirada Unified School District. Elisa is now coaching the staff at Lampton and help develop the school’s Cognitively Guided Instruction approach. Elisa finished the Cotsen fellowship last spring as a mentor at Lampton.

Roisin Fahey Vivo (alumna fellow ’11) is now the new teacher project mentor in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District. Roisin is now providing support for new teachers’ immediate curricular needs, as well as helping to cultivate their teaching habits of mind while assisting with induction requirements. Roisin was previously a 5th-grade and 3rd-grade teacher at Mintie White Elementary School.

Stephanie Given (alumna mentor ’18) is now the instructional program specialist at Acacia Elementary School in the Fullerton School District. Stephanie is now coaching the staff at Acacia and helping develop the school’s Balanced Literacy approach. Stephanie has been a mentor for the past four years (2 rounds) while acting as an instructional coach for Acacia and Richman Elementary School.

Stephanie Guppy (alumna mentor ’19) is now vice-principal at Robert C. Fisler School in the Fullerton School District. Stephanie finished her second round in the Cotsen Fellowship last spring as a mentor at Robert C. Fisler School.

Karina Hartl (alumna fellow ’12) is now the principal of Carmela Elementary School for the South Whittier Elementary School District. Karina’s most recent position was Coordinator of Special Projects for the Whittier City School District.

Amanda Heineman (alumna fellow ’13) is now principal at Estock Elementary in the Tustin Unified School District. Amanda was previously a��coordinator in Educational Services, where she supported curriculum, professional development, and teacher induction.

Amy Hodge (alumna mentor ’17) is now principal at El Rincon Elementary in the Culver City Unified School District. Amy was previously an��instructional coach at Farragut Elementary School.

Alicia Jackson (alumna mentor ’16) received a second master’s degree in educational leadership with an emphasis on administration. Alicia is an instructional coach at Farragut Elementary in the Culver City Unified School District. This year, her role has expanded to “district-level” instructional coach.

Krystal Kawamoto (alumna fellow ’19) is now the district instructional coach this next year for Oswalt Academy in the Rowland Unified School District. This position consists of working and supporting teachers, students, and administration. Krystal was previously a kindergarten teacher at Oswalt.

Julienne Lee (alumna principal) is now the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services at Fullerton School District. Julienne was previously the principal at Robert C. Fisler School.

Teri Malpass (alumna fellow ’07) is now the principal at Gisler Elementary School in Fountain Valley School District. Teri was previously an assistant principal at McGaugh Elementary School in the Los Alamitos Unified School District.

Katie Masterson (alumna fellow ’17) is now the assistant principal for Juan De Anza in the Wiseburn Unified School District. Katie was previously a teacher at El Rincon Elementary School.

Venus Moeller (alumna mentor ’19) is now the assistant principal at Sowers Middle School in Huntington Beach City School District. Venus was previously a teacher at Courreges Elementary School in Fountain Valley School District.

Anne-Marie Mowad (alumna fellow ’05) is now the assistant principal at Jane Addams Middle School in the Lawndale Elementary School District. Anne-Marie was previously an instructional technology resource coach for the school.

Lucy Salazar (alumna principal) is now the executive director of the Long Beach Education Foundation. Lucy was previously the principal at Alvarado Elementary School in Long Beach Unified School District.

Joan Strasser Durrin (alumna mentor) is now the district instructional coach/TOSA for the Rowland Unified School District. Joan finished the Cotsen fellowship last spring as a mentor at Rowland Elementary School.

Erica Silva (current mentor) has received a doctorate degree in educational leadership this year from USC. Erica is a first-year mentor at Monroe Elementary School in Monrovia Unified School District.

Kristin Welch (alumna fellow ’15) has joined the UCLA Math Project in Center X as a Cognitively Guided Instruction math coach. Kristin was chosen for the Google Innovator Academy in Copenhagen in November 2019 and is aiming to complete the project by November 2020. Kristin was previously a 2nd-grade teacher at Coeur d’Alene in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Jennifer Williams (alumna mentor ‘17) is now the assistant principal of Peter Burnett Elementary School and Juan Cabrillo Elementary School in the Wiseburn Unified School District. Jennifer was previously a teacher and instructional coach at Juan Cabrillo.

Jennifer Wilson (alumna fellow ’10) is now a reading specialist for Boulder Creek Elementary School in the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District. For the last 20 years, Jennifer has taught 1^st-grade, 2nd-grade, kindergarten, and reading recovery. She began taking her master’s in reading and literacy this past summer.

Wendy Wood (alumni fellow ’04) is now the Assistant Principal of McGaugh Elementary in Los Alamitos. Previously, Wendy was 20% Administrative Designee and 80% classroom teacher at Lee Elementary in Los Alamitos.

Martha Monahan (alumna principal ’19) has received a doctorate degree in educational leadership this year. Martha is principal at Center Street Elementary School in the El Segundo Unified School District.

If you are a Cotsen alum or know of a Cotsen alum who has risen to new leadership positions or academic challenges, but are missing from this list, please email us at��info@cotsen.organd we will be sure to add you or them to the list. Thank you.

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Cindy Bak��(Alumni fellow ’09)��is now principal at Laguna Road School in the Fullerton Elementary School District. Cindy was previously the��principal at Valencia Park Elementary.

Sue Bernstein��(Alumni mentor ’11) After 38 years of teaching for the Long Beach Unified School District and Herrera Elementary School, Sue retired from teaching. She plans to stay connected to education by volunteering at Herrera and becoming a substitute teacher. She also looks forward to taking all types of educational classes, including sports, photography, and an array of others, traveling in the states and a abroad, and spending more time with her friends and family.

Jennifer Brkich��(Alumni fellow ’18) is now an RTI teacher at Pacific Drive Elementary in the��Fullerton Elementary School District. Jennifer was previously a kindergarten teacher at Woodcrest Elementary School.

Adrienne Clay��(Alumni fellow ’11) is now a member of the District PBIS Leadership Team at Pomona Unified. Adrienne previously served as a PBIS team member for Vejar Elementary School.

Kimberly Costigan��(Alumni fellow ’10)��is now a TOSA for 3-5th grade at Newland Elementary in the Fountain Valley School District. Kimberly was previously a 4th grade teacher at Newland.

Kathi Denny (Alumni fellow ’12) is now Principal at��Tustin Ranch Elementary in the Tustin Unified School District. Kathi was previously an instructional coach at Tustin Ranch.

Julie Ebert��(Alumni Principal ’13), after 17 years teaching in the Soquel Union Elementary School District and four years as principal at Vine Hill Elementary, retired from the field of education. Julie is looking forward to traveling, hiking, skiing, reading, spending more time with family and friends, and doing some meaningful volunteer work.

Vanessa Freedman��(Alumni fellow ’08) has received a second masters degree in Education with an emphasis in administration and supervision in conjunction with an administrative credential. Venessa is currently a teacher at Morris Elementary School in Cypress Elementary School District.

Joyce Garcia��(Alumni mentor ’09), after 19 years of teaching for the��Rowland Unified School District and La Seda Elementary School, retired from the classroom to spend time with friends, family, and an incoming grandson-on-the-way! Joyce looks forward to reading a cache books saved in her Amazon cart, improving her ukulele skills, catching a few trout, and traveling the world.

Sheila Gibbons��(Alumni fellow ’11) is now the parent workshop educator at Lincoln Elementary School in the��Long Beach Unified School District, where she also teaches 1st grade.

Jacqueline Gilliam��(Alumni fellow ’15) is now a Professional Development Coach at the Florida College Academy, for teachers studying mathematics and balanced literacy. In addition, Jacqueline will also teach fourth grade at the Academy. Jacqueline previously was a��teacher at Hicks Canyon Elementary in the Tustin Unified School District.

Stephanie Given��(Alumni mentor ’18) will be joining the Richman School staff in the Fullerton School District as a Writing Instructional Coach. ��Stephanie will also be a Reading Instructional Coach��at Acacia School as well. She will be supporting teachers using the Cotsen Reflective Coaching Cycle as they journey together to improve their instructional practice within the TCRWP’s Reading and Writing Workshop model.

Stephanie Guppy��(Alumni mentor ’18) has received a masters degree in Educational Administration this year and is currently doing a second round as a mentor at Robert C. Fisler in Fullerton School District.

Renee Keeler��(Alumni fellow ’09), after 30 years of teaching for the��Los Alamitos School District and Lee Elementary, retired from the classroom.��Renee looks forward to playing golf in every state and visiting every National Park in the US. She also looks forwards to volunteering at her local community and Lee Elementary where she plans to help coach teachers in the Writer’s and Reader’s Workshop model.

Amanda Kitahara (Alumni fellow ’10) is��now a��Language Arts TOSA for 3-5th grade��at Fountain Valley School District.��Amanda was previously a teacher at��Newland Elementary School.

Abir Kim��(Alumni fellow ’09) is now the president at the Fountain Valley Education Association. Abir’s previous role at the association was vice president.

Jennifer Lawyer (Alumni fellow ’09) is now a Numeracy Coach for the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, where she will be supporting the district with mathematical instruction and professional growth. Jennifer was previously a classroom teacher at J.E. Moss Elementary in Nashville.

Ana Ligorria-Tramp��(Alumni fellow ’11) is now a TK liaison at��Vejar Elementary School for the Pomona Unified School District. Ana also received her second Masters in Literacy as well as the state literacy specialist credential this year. Ana was previously a classroom teacher at Vejar.

Jodi Manby��(Alumni fellow ’05) and Chris Quirarte (Alumni mentor ’13) have been added to the staff at the Cotsen Foundation as��Senior Program Officers. Jodi was previously a professional development coach for Growing Educators and Chris was principal at Andrews Elementary School in the Whittier City School District.

Kyle Myers��(Alumni mentor ’16) is now a Project Specialist for the Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Department in the Fullerton School District. Kyle was previously a Teacher on Special Assignment for the VAPA and Gifted and Talented Education (GATE).

Kristin Oppel��(Alumni fellow ’17) is now partnering with University of California, Los Angeles and Los Angeles Unified School District to facilitate CGI professional development workshops. Kristin has also earned a Masters in Curriculum Planning this year. She will continue to teach��second grade at Couer D’Alene Avenue Elementary School in LAUSD this year.

Karla Palomino��(Alumni fellow ’11) is now a full-time Dual Immersion Specialist for Phelan Elementary School in the Whittier City School District. Karla was previously a Kindergarten Teacher at Phelan.

Amy Rosado��(Alumni fellow ’11) is now a Teaching Teacher Specialist for the Pomona Unified School District. Amy was previously a classroom teacher at Lexington Elementary School.

Lucy Salazar��(Alumni Principal ’07) has received a��doctorate degree in education this year. Lucy is principal at Alvarado Elementary School in Long Beach Unified School District.

Courtney Smith��(Alumni fellow ’16) is now a Connect Coach at Tustin Unified School District where she will be supporting staff at Tustin Memorial Academia with��technology integration, readers and writers workshop, CGI math. Courtney was previously a kindergarten teacher at Tustin Memorial Academy.

Danielle Winters��(Alumni fellow (NorCal) ’12)��is now the Assistant Principal for��San Lorenzo Valley High in the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District. Danielle was previously��a Data and Assessment Coach for San Lorenzo Valley High.

If you know of Cotsen alumni that have risen to new leadership positions or academic challenges this year, but are missing from this list, please email us at info@cotsen.org and we will be sure to add��them to the list. Thank you.

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The Cotsen Foundation hosted an end-of-year celebration for its graduating ART of TEACHING mentors and fellows at the Skirball Cultural Center on May 20th.

The afternoon was a celebratory luncheon in honor of the graduating Cotsen Class of 2018. Kicking off the luncheon, , founding director and board chair, and , president and director, came to the lectern to welcome to fellows, mentors, alumni and administrators.

“This is truly my most favorite event,” Mrs. Cotsen remarked. “We’re here to celebrate your graduation from the �����app of TEACHING program. A graduation usually signifies an ending, but today is really the beginning of your journey with us.”

Called to the speakers’ table, six fellows and a mentor took their places and prepared to speak about their journey in the �����app of TEACHING.

Speaking on behalf of the 2018 graduating class were the following representatives: (Click the link to watch on YouTube)

, fellow, Old River Elementary, Downey

, fellow, Woodcrest Elementary, Fullerton

, fellow, Robinson Academy, Long Beach

, fellow, Wild Rose Elementary, Monrovia

, fellow, Escalona Elementary, Norwalk-LaMirada

, fellow, Nelson Elementary, Tustin

, mentor, Burnett Elementary, Wiseburn

Concluding the program, Executive Director, came to the lectern to thank his staff, and the graduates for their dedication to excellent teaching. “To our 2018 graduating fellows and mentors, you understand and embrace the gravity of your work. You continue to press for personal and professional excellence and you commit your time and your energy to prefect your craft and become the magicians that Mr. Cotsen so lovingly spoke about. So, I want to congratulate you and thank you for being extraordinary educators.”

With his closing remarks the newly minted alumni received their graduation certificates. Cotsen also announced their brand-new alumni pins, which were distributed to all alumni present at the event. The class of 2018 marks the 15th consecutive end-of-year graduation ceremony since the founding of the �����app of TEACHING program in 2001. The Cotsen alumni network has since grown to 1245 educators.

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I live my ambition; I am a teacher.�� My days are spent in a light-filled classroom, opening to a cheery garden, a seagull’s cry from the great Pacific Ocean.�� Over these many years my students have walked from my classroom out into the great world, creating their own unique imprint with their footprints.

As a young teacher, right out of UCLA graduate school, I had the verve and vigor that only a brand-new teacher can own.�� In my youthful ignorance, I was sure that I would set an immediate fire, indeed a conflagration in the minds of my little students.�� Thankfully, I had the loving guidance of older veteran educators, who oversaw and sustained me during the early years.�� (Including the support of Cotsen’s Jerry Harris, my first principal who hired me right out of UCLA!)�� Those beginning days in my career taught me a lot about persevering through difficulties, celebrating successes, and not giving up.�� Setbacks can happen every day in teaching but much like a sword forged on the blacksmith’s anvil by fire, so too, that fire that I sought to ignite in young minds, was sometimes the fire of failure which helped to temper me as a person and educator.

Midway in my teaching career, I had a mistaken inkling that perhaps I had reached the proverbial mountaintop of learning.�� Thankfully, at that very time, Cotsen came into my life, this is what I would call a moment of grace, for it was exactly what I needed as a teacher.�� It was through the experience of being a Cotsen Fellow, that I began the path to not only deeper pedagogical learning, but a deeper understanding about the human condition.�� I was learning to not be afraid of making mistakes and I began to realize that true learning is messy, circuitous, and not at all a simple straight line from point A to point B.

Cotsen opened my classroom door wide and the world walked in…other teachers, mentors, Cotsen staff, visiting educators, my world expanded. I began to understand how learning for children as well as teachers does not occur in isolation.�� Young teachers are still close to their university education where they collaborate and get feedback.�� But what about teachers in mid-career?�� It is easy to stagnate without collegiality and other minds and eyes to share with.�� And, that is a big part of what Cotsen did for me, Cotsen helped me to steer forward.

Besides opening up a world of people coming to my classroom, the professional development that Cotsen provided was nonpareil.�� In addition to mentor support and collegial support, the grant money I was awarded by Cotsen, helped me to begin a tradition of going to study at Teachers College, Columbia University.�� I have now been attending institutes in reading and writing there for well over ten years on a regular basis.�� And at TC, I meet engaging, interested teachers and staff from all over the world!�� I’ve discovered events on social media, like educational Twitter Chats, and one in particular #G2Great, that I learned about at TC.�� So, I can thank Cotsen for that too!�� Visitors from our school district come to my classroom so that they can learn more about reading and writing workshop.�� So, I’ve actually stopped being nervous about people coming to watch me teach.�� I can thank Cotsen for that as well. And, Cotsen has also asked me to facilitate a reading and writing network in LA for Cotsen alumni.�� You might even say Cotsen has a bit of a domino effect in an infinity sort of way to my world of learning.�� This to me is a miracle in the world of education!

Educators, our jobs are not always easy, but because of Cotsen, we have been provided an opportunity so that we need never feel alone in our proverbial classroom walls.�� We can be buoyed by the strength of many educators just like us who strive to make this world a better place.

Thank you Cotsen, you have helped me by taking my hand and walking with me on this life long journey. As I said, I live my dream; I am a teacher.�� But I am not alone and neither are you.�� A wide community of educators is here with a welcoming spirit. I am grateful.

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Celia Sosa is��a 2016 alumna mentor who teaches third grade at Braddock Drive Elementary School in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Shortly after finishing the �����app of TEACHING Fellowship in 2016, an opportunity to work with��Megan Franke,��a renowned expert in Cognitively Guided Instruction and a professor of education at UCLA, presented itself.��Celia now opens her classroom��once a week��during the fall to Megan’s��graduate student��teachers from UCLA, as a part of their Mathematics Methods course. These graduate students get a unique opportunity to work with Celia’s students, who have already been exposed to Cognitively Guided Instruction.

Tell us a little bit about your teaching background and what you like most about teaching?

This is my 24^th year of teaching. Previously, I taught kindergarten and first grade. However, the last two years I have been teaching third grade. Interestingly, I attended Braddock many years ago as a student. I’ve always felt a real connection to��Braddock since I grew up in the area.

The best part of teaching is definitely the kids. I love the connections I am able to make with the students. Seeing them grow and learn is extremely rewarding. Personally, teaching is very fulfilling because you see directly your students’ response to your teaching. Every day is different and even on those tough days, teaching is fun.

What was your reaction to Megan’s interest in your class?

At first, I was in disbelief. As a mentor, I had heard her speak and I read her books. Megan is a rock star in the world of CGI. Initially, she asked me if one of my fellows was interested, but I think I over did my excitement. So, she decided to use my students and we made plans for the fall of that year.��I was very nervous. I was not sure what would be expected of me or my students, but once I figured out how it would work I felt so lucky.

What is a typical day with Megan Franke and��Mathematics Method Graduate Students?

Every Tuesday, Megan and her student teachers meet in a separate room. The student teachers rehearse the lesson they are going to teach and Megan gives them feedback. After they finish preparing for the day, they join our class and we divide the students and teachers into small “buddy” groups. The student teachers teach their “buddies” their mini lesson, and afterward we debrief the lesson and discuss what they have learned about their “buddies.” Sometimes the student teachers watch Megan or me work with the kids, so they have the opportunity to see the lesson they will teach the following week.

What has it been like working with Megan and her class?

Working with Megan has been a wonderful opportunity for me. I feel so privileged to see her work first hand with my students. I have learned a lot and have tried to implement what I have learned. Working with her has also helped cement much of what I learned while being a Cotsen Mentor. It has truly motivated me to continue my own learning.

Additionally, when Megan comes into my class, my principal releases other Braddock teachers to also observe and learn. It’s a win, win, situation for all of us.

How has this opportunity affected your students’ learning?

First of all, my students absolutely love having Megan come into the class. She has been able to build such a positive rapport with them, so much so that I think it has helped them enjoy Math. I feel that having Megan in the class and working with the UCLA student teachers has helped my students build their confidence in solving problems. Math has become one of our favorite times in the day. My students always want to share strategies and I feel that they are truly engaged in each other’s thinking. As I analyze the student work, I can see the growth students have made.

The Cotsen Spotlight highlights the stories of alumni and current members of the �����app of TEACHING fellowship. If you know of anyone who has a story to share, please email us at info@cotsen.org and we will consider them for the next Cotsen Spotlight. Thank you!

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The growth and development of technology in the 21st century has rapidly risen to staggering heights. The desire to enhance learning with technology integration is palpable, but like any tool, it can be used poorly and ineffectively. With iPads, Chromebooks, smart boards, projectors, and thousands of educational applications and websites readily available, principals face the difficult task of spearheading instructional technology throughout their schools within the constraints of their school budgets, and most importantly, what best serves their staff and students.

It is for this reason that Cotsen formed the Principals’ Technology Network in 2014. The goal of this unique opportunity is to provide principals with a coach and a network of supportive colleagues, all of whom are interested in moving their schools forward with the use of thoughtful technology. The coaches are typically Cotsen Alumni chosen by the Foundation and assigned to coach no more than two principals over a two-year period of time. They are released for several days throughout the year to help principals identify and implement their technology goals.

“When you join the PTN, you’re going to have a coach come to your school four times a year,” said Harris. “The first appointment is to discuss the principals’ vision and goals for the school and to assess where the school is with technology. During the year facilitators assist principals and the school technology leadership team to develop and begin implementing a plan.”

A popular component of the PTN is the PTN Dinner & Dialogue Meetings, which are held three times a year to showcase what principals are doing to integrate technology at their site in a beneficial and effective way. These meetings provide principals with an opportunity to engage in dialogue about their successes and challenges in integrating technology into excellent teaching, impact on their school’s culture and communications. The meetings serve as a platform for principals to share their experiences that may help others grow.��In the most recent meeting, the topic of discussion focused on communication strategies being used to facilitate the school website and social presence.

“I have had a variety of meaningful opportunities to learn with and from colleagues about integrating technology,” said John Martinez, principal at Rowland Elementary School. “This has informed my own use of technology as well as what we have been working on with staff and students. The conversations, learning of digital tools, practical application, and visits to schools have all worked in concert to deepen my understanding and support the steps I have taken to affect change at my school.”

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It gives the Cotsen Foundation great joy to see so many alumni, mentors and fellows alike, taking on new challenges and roles as leaders in their schools/districts. The following is a list of Cotsen alumni who have taken on new leadership roles as of the 2017 – 2018 academic year and/or have received advanced degrees in 2017:

Atoosa Abascal (Alumna mentor ‘15) formerly a mentor at Linwood Howe Elementary School in Culver City Unified School District, Atoosa is now an Instructional Coach for both ELA and Math.

Kathy Anderson (Alumna fellow ’13) formerly a fellow at Hover Elementary School in Whittier City School District, Kathy is now Principal at Hover Elementary.

Trine Apfelberg��(Alumna fellow ’06) formerly a fellow at Franklin D. Roosevelt Elementary School in Lawndale Elementary School District, Trine is now the English Language Arts TOSA for the district.

Andrea Arias (Alumna fellow ’09) formerly a fellow at Mark Twain Elementary School in Lawndale Elementary School District, Andrea has completed an Ed.D in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University and is now the Vice Principal for Anaheim Elementary School District.

Cindy Bak��(Alumna fellow ‘09) formerly a fellow at Blandford Elementary School in Rowland Unified School District, Cindy is now principal at Valencia Park Elementary School.

Susan Bernstein (Alumna mentor ‘11) formerly a mentor at Robert E. Lee Elementary in Long Beach Unified School District, Susan is now an English Language Arts TOSA for LBUSD.

Michelle Ciecek��(Alumna fellow ’12) formerly a fellow at Myford Elementary School in Tustin Unified School District, Dawne his now��the Secondary ELA & Humanities TOSA for TUSD.

Adrienne Clay (Alumna fellow ’11) formerly a fellow at Vejar Elementary School in Pomona Unified School District, Adrienne has received a M.Ed. in Reading from the University of La Verne.

Alyssa Davis (Alumna mentor ’16) formerly a mentor at Rio del Mar Elementary School in Pajaro Valley Unified School District, Alyssa has received her administrative services credential.

Yvette Garcia (Alumna mentor ‘10) formerly a mentor at Main Street Elementary School in Soquel Union Elementary School District, Yvette is now Principal at Bay View Elementary School.

Penny Gower (Alumna fellow ’10) formerly a fellow at Riley Elementary School in Long Beach Unified School District. After 21 years of teaching in LBUSD, Penny is retiring from the classroom.

Linda Grilli (Alumna mentor ’15) formerly a mentor at Oak Ridge Elementary School in Oak Grove School District. After 26 years of teaching and four years of full time coaching, Linda is retiring as a literacy Coach from Edenvale Elementary school in OGSD.

Amanda Heineman (Alumna fellow ’13) formerly a fellow at Loma Vista Elementary School in Tustin Unified School District, Amanda has completed an Ed.D in Educational Leadership from University of Southern California.

Amy Hodge (Alumna fellow ’15 & Mentor ’17) formerly a mentor at Linwood Howe Elementary in Culver City Unified School District, Hodge is now a Math Instructional Coach at El Rincon Elementary. Hodge also recently completed an Ed.D in Educational Leadership from University of Southern California.

Kristen Holm (Alumna fellow ‘05) formerly a fellow at Jane Addams School in Lawndale Elementary School District, Kristen is now principal at Richman Elementary School in Fullerton School District.

Cheryl Hyon (Alumna fellow ‘15) formerly a fellow at Hicks Canyon Elementary School in Tustin Unified School District, Cheryl Hyon completed her M.A. in Educational Administration at Concordia University.

Jill Kroese (Alumna mentor ‘09) formerly a mentor at Los Alamitos Elementary School in Los Alamitos Unified School District, Jill is now a Teacher on Special Assignment as LAUSD’s CGI Math Coach.

Sarah Lyons (Alumna mentor ’15, ‘17) formerly a mentor at Beswick Elementary School in Tustin Unified School District, Sarah has completed her M.A. in Reading from National University.

Teri Malpass (Alumna fellow ‘05) formerly a CGI math coach/trainer at Los Alamitos Unified School District, as well as a 6^th/7^th��grade math teacher at Oak Middle School,��Teri has completed a Master’s in Administration from National University and is now the Assistant Principal at McGaugh Elementary School.

Gia Meade (Alumna fellow ‘17) formerly a fellow at Hicks Canyon Elementary in Tustin Unified School District, is now a Connect Coach at Orchard Hills and Columbus Tustin Middle School.

Jeffrey Ng (Alumna fellow ’12) formerly a fellow at Camino Nuevo Charter Academy – Castellanos, Jeffrey is now the Assistant Principal at Wallen L. Andrews K-8 School.

Carly Payne (Alumna fellow ’15) formerly a fellow at Coeur D’Alene Avenue School in Los Angeles Unified School District, Carly has completed a Master’s in Education with a concentration in Technology from Cal State Fullerton.

Robyn Stankiewicz (Alumna fellow ’13) formerly a fellow at Golden Springs Elementary School in Pomona Unified School District, Robyn has completed her M.A. in Education with a focus on STEM at Concordia University – Portland

Shelly Tallman (Alumna mentor ’07) formerly a mentor at Burnett Elementary School in Long Beach Unified School District, Shelly is now a TOSA K-5 intervention Specialist at Holmes Elementary LBUSD.

Laila Taslimi (Alumna fellow ’12) formerly a fellow at McKinley Elementary School in Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, Laila is now the founder of a non-profit nursery school called Untitled No. 1.

Joanna Wakeland (Alumna mentor ’13) formerly a mentor at Camino Nuevo Charter Academy – Harvard, Joanna is now the manager of professional learning at the University of Chicago Urban Education Institute.

Kristin Welch (Alumna fellow ’15) formerly a fellow at Coeur d’Alene Avenue School in Los Angeles Unified School District, Kristin has completed a Master’s in Education with a concentration in STEAM from University of San Diego.

Wendy Wood (Alumna fellow ’09) formerly a fellow at Lee Elementary School in Los Alamitos Unified School District, Wendy is now a Teacher on Special Assignment as Administrative Designee.

If you know of Cotsen alumni that have risen to new leadership positions or academic challenges, but are missing from this list, please email us at icox@cotsen.org and we will be sure to add��them to the list. Thank you.

The post Cotsen Alumni Take on New Leadership Roles in the 2017-2018 School Year appeared first on .

Each year the foundation offers several categories of grants to support participants’ continuous professional growth. The categories include Parent Involvement, Alumni Group, and Strategic Opportunity. This year, the foundation added a fourth category, the Alumni Conference Grant.

Cotsen Parent Involvement Grant

The purpose of the Parent Involvement Grant is to help parents better understand the �����app of TEACHING classroom curriculum, and learn ways to assist their children in their academic studies at home. The grant is made available to Cotsen alumni, and current fellows who are in the second year of their fellowship cycle. Grant funds are used to provide meeting materials, refreshments, books, classroom resources, and limited additional items directly related to the grant plan.

Each year, teachers create unique and meaningful ways to engage parents in their children’s education utilizing parent involvement grant monies. This year’s funded projects include Family Literacy Night, Family Math Night, Non-Fiction Reading Strategies for Parents, and Creating an Effective Parent-School Partnership, among many others.

Cotsen Alumni Group Grant

The purpose of this grant is to support ongoing teacher collaboration designed to improve student learning. This category of grants is available to small groups of ART of TEACHING teachers in a Cotsen-affiliated district, and may also include non-Cotsen teachers. Teachers who receive this grant form study or inquiry groups that focus on content such as lesson development, standards mapping, differentiating instruction, or coaching colleagues by observing and giving feedback.

Some of this year’s funded inquiry groups will concentrate their efforts on Integrated Technology in the Classroom, Reading Workshop, Using Mentor Text to Teach Writing, and Minding Mindset: Avenues to New Growth in Mathematics.

Cotsen Strategic Opportunity Grant

The purpose of the Strategic Opportunity Grant is to strengthen and improve teacher practice at one or more schools in a district through Professional Learning Communities work. Strategic Opportunity Grant funds may be used to provide release time for classroom observations, planning, materials and resources.

This year, Cotsen has invested over $142,000 in Strategic Opportunity Grants for schools in northern and southern California.

Cotsen Alumni Conference Grant

The purpose of this grant is to provide support to alumni teachers attending outside professional development to further the work started during their ART of TEACHING experience. Grant funds are used to reimburse the recipient’s cost of registration or travel expenses (airfare or accommodation) to an eligible conference or institute. This year’s eligible conferences or institutes included:

Teachers College – Qualities of Powerful Nonfiction Writing Institute, Grades 2-8, Teachers College – Leadership Institute: Supporting Whole School, Whole District Reform in Literacy, 2016 California Science Education Conference, Teachers College – 16th Annual Coaching Institute, 57th CMC-South Annual Mathematics Conference – Sparking Deeper Understanding, Teachers College – The Social Studies Institute, Grades 3-8, National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Annual Convention, Teachers College – Writing Toolkit Institute, CUE 2017 National Conference.

The Cotsen Foundation views the awarding of grants as a critical component of the ongoing professional growth support of ART of TEACHING participants. Congratulations to this year’s grant recipients; the foundation is pleased to fund your work to enhance your instructional practice.

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It gives the Cotsen Foundation great joy to see so many alumni, mentors and fellows alike, taking on new challenges and roles as leaders in their schools/districts. The following is a list of Cotsen alumni who have taken on new leadership roles as of the 2016 – 2017 academic year and/or have received advanced degrees in 2016:

Liz Adams (alumni fellow ’10). Formerly a fellow and demonstration teacher at Billy Mitchell Elementary School, Liz completed a Doctorate of Education from California Lutheran University with an emphasis in educational leadership. She is currently a teacher at Valley Charter Elementary School.

Patricia Cracchiola (alumni fellow ’06). Recently retired from Los Angeles Unified School District, Patricia is the Special Education Administrator at Valley Charter Middle School coaching teachers on project based learning and developing units of study.

Lara Epling (alumni fellow ’10). Lara will be a TK-8 TOSA of Instructional Support in Fountain Valley School District. She is researching, developing and supporting instructional and intervention practices, as well as coaching teachers focusing on their signature practices.

Amanda Heineman (Johnson) (alumni fellow ’13). Amanda is a coordinator for Educational Services in Tustin Unified School District, coordinating elementary curriculum, specifically ELA and as well as Induction program for new teachers.

George Herrera (alumni mentor ’10). Formerly a mentor at Northam Elementary in Rowland Unified School District, George is the principal at Villacorta Elementary in Rowland. He completed his Doctorate of Education at USC in Organizational Change and Leadership.

Kristen Holm (alumni fellow ’05). Formerly a fellow in Lawndale Elementary School District, Kristen started her third year as Principal at Washington Elementary School in Redondo Beach Unified School District.

Alicia Jackson (alumni mentor ’16). Formerly a mentor at Farragut Elementary in Culver City Unified School District, Alicia is the on-site math coach where she is coaching teachers in CGI and mathematical strategies that strengthen mathematical conversations and push student conceptual comprehension of mathematics.

Annette Kamoss (alumni mentor ’16). Formerly a mentor at Green Acres Elementary in Live Oak School District, Annette is an instructional coach at the school, planning and debriefing with grade level teams and coaching teachers in their classroom. She also works with the district coaching team, planning and presenting content for professional learning.

Carlen Le-Hessinger (alumni fellow ’09 and alumni mentor ’15). Carlen was a fellow at Yorbita Elementary in Rowland Unified School District and later a mentor at Telesis Academy of Math and Science in Rowland. Carlen is an instructional coach at the district where she collaborates with teachers in the design and planning of instructional units and lessons, provides coaching in the classroom, and plans and delivers professional development at the school and district level.

Liz Mejia (alumni mentor ’16). Formerly a mentor at El Marino Language Academy in Culver City Unified School District, Liz is the on-site math coach for Spanish Immersion teachers where she is working in a modified coaching cycle and providing monthly inquiry meetings.

Kyle Myers (alumni mentor ’16). Formerly a mentor at Valencia Park Elementary in Fullerton School District, Kyle is the coordinator of All the Arts programs and the GATE program in the district.

Heather Peterson (alumni mentor ’14 & ‘16). Heather was a mentor for two cohorts of fellows at Tincher Preparatory School in Long Beach Unified School District. Heather is a STEP (Supporting Teacher Effectiveness Project) Coach at the district.

Chris Quirarte (alumni mentor ’13). Formerly a mentor at Hoover Elementary School in Whittier City School District, Chris is the principal at Andrews Elementary in Whitter City.

Denise Reid (alumni mentor ’07 and ’09). Denise provides Reading Recovery services as well as small group reading interventions to first graders in Long Beach Unified School District. She also models lessons and supports teachers in reading instruction.

Susan Safah (alumni fellow ’08). Susan is an English Language Instructional Resource Teacher (ELIRT) in Lawndale Elementary School District where she supports teachers with ELD as well as the district with State and Federal Compliance.

Annette Stankovich (alumni mentor ’14). Formerly a mentor at Heideman Elementary in Tustin Unified School District, Annette completed her Master’s degree in Educational Technology, while also continuing as a “Connect Coach in Tustin coaching mentors.

Katherine Tacea (alumni fellow ’07). Katherine is the Technology Team Chair at Lafayette Elementary School and the Coordinator for Technology grants and funding. She proactively works to support teachers to integrate technology into their planning and provide professional development in technology to staff and teachers.

Carla-Anne Thomas (alumni fellow ’05). Carla-Anne is a Literacy Specialist at the UCLA Lab School providing intensive instruction to struggling readers and writers, as well as providing a range of intensive, individualized interventions designed to remediate learning challenges for complex learners.

If you know of Cotsen alumni that have risen to new leadership positions or academic challenges, but are missing from this list, please email us at icox@cotsen.org and we will be sure to add��them to the list. Thank you.

The post Cotsen Alumni Take on New Leadership Roles in the 2016-2017 School Year appeared first on .