E3 Newsletter - Winter 2024

School of Education Newsletter, Volume 6, issue 2

Update from the Dean

Dear Friends of the School of Education,

I hope 2024 is off to the best possible start to you and yours. February 10, 2024 marked the start of the Lunar New Year (the Year of the Dragon); I look forward to seeing what this new year will bring. 

In this edition of E3, we highlight the incredible accomplishments of School of Education faculty, staff, and students, as well as our latest news. With mixed emotions, we also share some recent and upcoming transitions.

Finally, I thank Donna Braboy and Taylor Merwin in the School of Education, along with Cody Clark and Brian Anderson from the UW Tacoma Office of Advancement, for their support with this edition of E3.

We will have much more news to share for our spring 2024 E3 edition. Until then, have a great start to spring 2024.

Respectfully,

Rachel Endo
Dean & Professor, School of Education

Belinda Louie Talks About Importance of Networking

Dr. Belinda Louie, a founding faculty member who has been with UW Tacoma for 32 years and recently just developed her 42nd new course, delivered an inspiring talk at the International Faculty Leadership Forum on March 5. It’s a talk packed with insights, stories, laughter, and UWT community wisdom — all around networking to build a safety net. You can watch a recording of her talk here.

Taylor Merwin Receives 2024 Dean's Appreciation Award

Rachel Endo, Dean of the School of Education, is delighted to share that Taylor Merwin, a student worker who specializes in technology support, has received the Dean’s 2024 Appreciation Award for his outstanding service to the unit. This award comes with a professional development funding scholarship to support his studies in Computer Science and Systems from the School of Engineering & Technology at UW Tacoma.

“I am grateful to receive the Dean’s 2024 appreciation award. This award with the professional development scholarship opens avenues for me to advance my studies and explore enriching experiences that can further my education and career aspirations. My sincere thanks to Dean Rachel Endo and the School of Education for their support and encouragement!” says Taylor Merwin.

Office of Field Placements & Partnerships Transition

Tom Hathorn, who has served as Manager of Field Placements & Partnerships since summer 2022, will step down from his leadership role on June 15, 2024. He plans on returning to the School of Education on a part-time basis as a field supervisor in our Teacher Certification Programs in the academic year 2024-2025.

Rachel Endo, Dean of the School of Education, is delighted to share that Dr. Chelsea Bailey, who has served exceptionally well as a field supervisor and part-time lecturer in our Master of Education and Teacher Certification Programs, will assume the role of Manager, effective June 16, 2024. Prior to her time at UW Tacoma, Dr. Bailey served as Interim Assistant Director of Field Placements, Data Manager, and Community Placements Officer at The Evergreen State College. She also brings decades of non-profit, PK-12, and university experience as a highly effective educator and leader. She holds a PhD and MS in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, along with a BA in the Humanities from the New College California and Certificate Early Education from San Francisco State University.

Farewell to Elizabeth Rangel

Elizabeth “Liz” Rangel, who has served exceptionally well as an Academic Advisor/Recruitment & Retention Specialist for our graduate and undergraduate Teacher Certification Programs since autumn 2020, resigned from UW Tacoma to take a new position as Manager of Community Partnerships at Western Governor’s University. We wish her well in her new pursuits. 

Ashley Walker, Enrollment & Student Services Lead in the School of Education, remarks: “As someone who is passionate about social justice, anti-racism, equity, relational connections, and serving her communities, we know that Liz will have much to give to her next institution and the communities they serve.”

For current or prospective students in our BA in Education (undergraduate) program or graduate-level Teacher Certification Programs who need advising support, please contact us at uwted@uw.edu. Walker is assembling a search advisory committee with the goal of filling this position in spring 2024 quarter.

Ashley Walker a Finalist for Two 2024 UW Staff Leadership Awards

Rachel Endo, Dean of the School of Education, is honored to share that Ashley Walker, Enrollment & Student Services Lead (also the Academic Advisor for the EdD in Educational Leadership and EdS in School Psychology programs), is a semi-finalist for two highly competitive UW system-wide staff leadership awards this 2024. 

Walker is an eligible nominee for the 2024 UW Distinguished Staff Award- our university’s highest staff honor- and the selection committee will choose up to five nominees to receive the 2024 award. She is also on a committee-vetted list of nominees for the David B. Thorud Leadership Award; two individuals will be selected for this award. All current nominees have been pre-selected and were celebrated at special receptions hosted by UW President Ana Mari Cauce. Final selections will occur in spring 2024 quarter. 

In her nomination, Endo wrote: “Ashley Walker is a servant-leader who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the School of Education, at UW Tacoma, and beyond. I have considered it both an honor and joy to learn from and work with her.” Congratulations, Ashley!

School of Education Sponsors MLK Unity Breakfast

The School of Education was honored to be a Peace Sponsor at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Breakfast on January 15, 2024. This annual event is sponsored by the UW Tacoma Black Student Union (BSU). The School of Education also expresses our appreciation to BSU for their outstanding leadership to the campus and community, as well as our ongoing partnership in support of justice for all. 

Kathy Beaudoin & Laura Feuerborn Present at Office of Community Partnership Event

The UW Tacoma Office of Community Partnerships celebrated the endeavors of the 2023 Faculty Fellows in Community Engagement on January 25, 2024. Among the distinguished fellows were Dr. Laura Feuerborn, Director of the EdS in School Psychology Program/Professor, and Dr. Kathy Beaudoin, Associate Professor, from the School of Education, who presented “Project Unify: Understanding Needs in Families and Youths”, highlighting their dynamic partnership with the Tacoma Public School district. Their work shows a deep commitment to understanding and addressing the critical needs of families and youth and fostering a stronger and more supportive community.

For those interested in exploring the work of Project Unify further, the full presentation may be viewed here.

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