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School of Education Newsletter, Volume 2, issue 3

Update from the Dean

Dean Endo

Dear Friends of the School of Education,

Now just over a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, it would be an understatement to say that 2021 has been another challenging, intense, and taxing year.

There have been several moments of despair, hope, and reckoning. Indeed, the ongoing onslaught of racialized carnage and violence in our nation since 2021 started has been terrifying and wearing. Unfortunately, there are too many moments to name, and there have been too many lives harmed and lost due to blatant and subtle forms of racism, xenophobia, and other interlocking forms of oppression. I grow hopeful that our nation is nearing a critical juncture toward fully acknowledging its racially contested past and present as we start to imagine an ideal future free of all physical and symbolic forms of racialized violence.

I have always been proud of the School of Education’s faculty, staff, and students for centering equity and inclusion in their scholarship, teaching, and service. During these extremely challenging times, I am especially inspired by their commitment and dedication to make the world a better place, especially finding ways to broaden educational access and opportunities for children, communities, and families in greatest need.

For this edition of our E3 newsletter, we will spotlight the accomplishments of a few alumni, faculty, staff, and students, as well as provide updates including upcoming personnel changes. I would like to congratulate Joy Okot-Okidi for graduating this winter 2021 quarter with her BS in Information Technology. As many of you know, Joy served exceptionally well as a student worker for the School of Education, applying what she learned in her program to support us with the school’s newsletter and other major projects.

I know there is great anxiety and uncertainty as we prepare to integrate back into in-person situations in the coming months. Now is the time to not just think innovatively but to transform policies, practices, and systems in ways that will allow us to come out of the triple pandemics with greater determination to close access, equity, and opportunity gaps that have long afflicted our schools and social institutions.

I look forward to staying in touch.

Respectfully Yours,

Rachel Endo
Dean and Professor, School of Education

Special thanks to Brian Anderson, Donna Braboy, Joy Okot-Okidi, Catarina Terrill, and Cindy Valerio for putting this newsletter together.

Dr. Kurt Hatch Named New Director of Educational Administration Program 

Kurt Hatch

Dr. Kurt Hatch will join UW Tacoma's School of Education on June 01, 2021 as the new Director of the Educational Administration (ED ADMIN) Program and a Professor of Practice. He will replace Dr. Rob MacGregor, who is retiring after four years of outstanding service to the program, school, UW Tacoma, and the field at large.

Hatch was Associate Director of the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP), where, among other duties, he collaborated with legislators, agencies, districts, and organizations regarding educational governance, policy, and administrative code.

Hatch holds nearly 30 years of administrative and teaching experience, including as principal, assistant principal, instructional coach, and classroom teacher in both the United States and internationally. He has also taught educational leadership courses at both St. Martin's University and the University of Washington Seattle.

In addition to leading major equity and inclusion initiatives at the district and state level, Hatch has presented and published 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, especially in the post-2020 era.

Hatch completed his EdD from UW Seattle in May 2021. He holds an MEd from Western Washington University and a BA from Washington State University. He also holds a superintendent credential, in addition to K-12 teaching credentials in K-8 General and K-12 History.

Special thanks to the search committee for facilitating such a dynamic, inclusive, and rigorous search: Dr. Julia Aguirre and Dr. Chris Knaus (co-chairs), in addition to Lynn Hermanson, Dr. Robin "Zape-tah-hol-ah" Starr Minthorn, and Dr. José Rios. We also thank other external and internal stakeholders for participating in the finalists’ visits.

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Director of Operations Transition

Cindy Valerio, who has served exceptionally well as the School of Education's Director of Operations for five years, is resigning from UW Tacoma on June 15, 2021. She will start a new position as Administrator of the Department of Pharmacology at UW Medicine on June 16.

During her time at UW Tacoma, Valerio has provided significant leadership to the School of Education and our campus, including but not limited to building and supporting a strong cadre of high-talent staff; developing policies and procedures to improve the school's operations; serving on multiple campus-level and unit-wide committees; and supporting our community during extremely difficult times, including during major transitions due to expected and unexpected passings and resignations. We wish her well as she transitions into an exciting new phase of her career.

The School of Education is conducting an internal search to fill this position in summer 2021. We will post an update on our website when we conclude the search and will look forward to introducing the new Director of Operations in our autumn 2021 newsletter.

New Teacher Certification Program Field Supervisors/Teaching Associates

The UW Tacoma School of Education’s Director of Field Placements and Partnerships, Carey Kirkwood, is pleased to announce three partners this upcoming year to support her office with teacher candidate placements in the school districts, field supervision, and all the associated activities required to support candidates in the field. Catherine McCutcheon and Sophie Sykes are current field supervisors for the Teacher Certification Program and will return to their new roles this summer 2021. Tom Hathorn will join the team in August 2021.

Tom Hathorn

Tom Hathorn: My STEM experiences began in workplace laboratories: microbiology, forensic chemistry, and food quality control. As a teacher, my prior experiences helped me see lessons, units, and assessments in terms of real-world Math and Science. Some of my most memorable students include English Learners doing mathematics in the Napa Valley, and a Washington-to-Ohio collaboration of Math and Science students studying the impacts of global warming. At the school district and regional levels, I supported teachers in designing standards-based lessons, units and assessments, as well as teaching and reflecting together on the classroom action. All of this led to the most critical work of all: building my cultural proficiency so that students can see themselves belonging in STEM.

Catherine McCutcheon

Catherine McCutcheon: I am from Denver, Colorado and moved to Washington State 18 years ago. I have been teaching for 23 years. I taught 4th/5th multi-age, 1st/2nd multi-age, 1st grade, Title/LAP, and I am currently a Special Education teacher. I have a daughter who is a sophomore at Texas Christian University and a son who is a freshman in high school. I have my Master’s in Curriculum in Reading and Writing from Lesley College, a Master’s in Special Education from University of Colorado at Denver, and PhD from Northcentral University. I am passionate about learning and enhancing my instructional skills. I am honored to be part of the School of Education’s team.

Sophie Sykes

Sophie Sykes: After graduating from the University of California, Berkeley, where I completed a BA in Language Arts/Theater and earned a Ryan Single Subject Teaching Credential, I taught for more than 20 years in public and private schools across grades K-12. I was one of the first teachers to open a private school in Rainier, Washington for learners in grades K-6, and five of my former students received writing awards from the University of Washington’s Brain Neuroscience Contest. I have enjoyed serving as a field supervisor in the Teacher Certification Program at UW Tacoma, as I am surrounded by colleagues who share my passion for education and value diversity, social justice and community.

 

M.Ed. Student Profile: Marwa Al-Musawi

Marwa Al-Musawi

Tell us about yourself.

I am an Arab American Muslim woman. I currently serve as the Director for the Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at Green River College. I am one course away from graduating with my MEd degree. My two daughters, Mariam and Noor, are the greatest joy of my life; they inspire me to be the best version of myself every day. I am also immensely grateful for my parents, my husband, and my sisters who have supported me in every step of the way during my graduate studies. I would not have been able to attend graduate school without their daily sacrifices, continuous encouragement, and constant love. 

What drew you to the MEd Program in the School of Education at UW Tacoma?

One of my colleagues at Green River College recommended the UW Tacoma MEd Program to me. She encouraged me to apply after I shared with her my longtime dream of going to graduate school. I joined this program in particular to write about the representations of Muslim women, even though the focus of this program is not precisely on gender studies or post-colonial studies. I wanted to learn new skills and ways of articulating my lived experiences as an American Muslim woman within an academic context.

The faculty in the School of Education have provided me mentorship, encouragement, and restored my confidence in myself as a learner and a critical thinker. In particular, I want to thank School of Education faculty Dr. Laura Feuerborn and Dr. Jarek Sierschynski for their mentorship and outstanding support throughout my time in the program. I also want to express my deep gratitude to Dr. Bahl for challenging me to go beyond the identity of a learner and to think of myself as a contributor to knowledge and for his meaningful and generous mentorship.

What are some of your plans after completing your degree?

I plan to rest and enjoy much needed family time after completing this degree. I am also contemplating applying for the EdD in Educational Leadership program at UW Tacoma. I know that I want to continue writing about Muslim women representations and meaningfully contribute to the discourse around the narratives of Muslim women.

 

Ed.D. Student Profile: Star Berry

Tell us a bit about yourself including your current role.

I am the Program Manager at Nature and Health at the UW campus. My work convenes scientists, practitioners, and community members on a mission to define how time spent in nature improves health and well-being. On any day, you will find me organizing a large scientific conference, creating visual work, collaborating on equity and racial justice practices, and growing our transdisciplinary coalition to promote nature and health. Previously, my involvement in the community has been rooted in historic immigrant rights policy, healthcare management, human rights, labor organizing, and political campaigns. Outside of work, I lead the Queer, Transgender, Black and Indigenous and all People of Color (QTBIPOC) and disabled Staff Healing Group at UW. Also, in autumn 2021 quarter, Dr. Marian Harris and the rest of the Campus Climate Implementation Team invited me to Co-Chair the Graduate Student Climate Implementation Team at UW Tacoma. I am also an EdD candidate in the Educational Leadership Program, and will graduate this spring 2021 quarter.

What drew you to the EdD program at UW Tacoma for pursuing your doctoral degree? What are the key benefits of the program?

A colleague of mine introduced me to the program after we both attended a workshop on microaggressions in professional spaces. Many university staff of color support each other during challenging times. Other Queer staff of color encouraged me to get my doctorate and that meant returning home to UW Tacoma. My second graduate degree from UW Tacoma helps me to refine how I engage constituents on the institutional practices that often erase university staff. Collectively, staff are important to research universities and not everyone recognizes this yet. Educational Leadership at UW Tacoma is a great place to boost one’s confidence in their work and I am grateful for the supporters out there. EdD Program Director, Dr. Robin Minthorn, reminds me that our doctoral work is “heart work” and I agree.

What are some of your plans after completing your doctoral degree?

Upon completion of my degree, I plan to continue the pathway for staff success. I love my current role and expect it is a stepping-stone for future collaborations that benefit QTBIPOC and disabled staff. My doctoral degree is dedicated to my family and staff colleagues. The future is bright and will translate into benefiting our collective needs.

 

Teacher Certification Student Profile: Judge Gomez

Judge Gomez

Tell us a bit about yourself including your current role.

I am currently a Math Teacher at Kent Laboratory Academy. I have my Bachelor's in Mathematics and a Minor in Social Justice & Teaching from UW Tacoma. I am currently a student at UW Tacoma finishing up my MEd degree. I love music, art, teaching mathematics, and learning about education.

What drew you to the TCP program at UWT for pursuing your certification?

I think the community at UW Tacoma really drew me into the Teacher Certification Program. After already attending UW Tacoma for three years, it made sense to continue my education here. I had met a few of the education professors and knew that the program would be a great fit for my future goals. The school is small and gives the students the support and community they need to succeed.

What is your biggest takeaway during your time while learning at UW Tacoma?

My biggest takeaway from being in this program is that education as a field has a lot of growth to do. But also, that as a teacher, you can make a huge difference in student lives and help push education to new places through well-thought-out pedagogy and research.

Faculty Feature: Dr. Rob MacGregor

Dr. Rob MacGregor

Dr. Rob MacGregor started at UW Tacoma in summer 2017 as the Director of the Educational Administration (ED ADMIN) Program and a Professor of Practice. He will retire on June 30, 2021 after four outstanding years of service.

Why did you choose UW Tacoma as the final destination for your career?

Back when I was an assistant superintendent for the state’s education department (OSPI), I had learned about UW Tacoma’s Educational Administration Program, under then-Director, Dr. Rich Knuth. After leaving OSPI, I actually served as a field supervisor for the program for one year.  From those experiences, I knew the program to be probably the strongest school leadership preparation program in the state. Thus, the opportunity to serve as the program’s Director was one I did not want to pass up. 

As Director of the ED ADMIN program, what parts of your role have you most enjoyed?

Observing our aspiring leaders grow and develop their own leadership voices over the course of a year is an astounding thing. School leadership is daunting work. One year is really not enough time to learn everything one needs to know about leadership. However, our students handle the demands and the rigor so well; they emerge ready to step into their first administrative roles after completing the program. And talking to district leaders in the region, and learning that our program’s graduates are excelling in their roles serving students, staff, and communities- that makes the work incredibly rewarding.

What advice would you give to current or future school leaders about leading about and for equity, especially during times of crisis?

Great question. First, learn all you can about equity, racial injustice, and your own positionality relative to those topics. And approach that learning, and subsequent work with humility. Second, be courageous and learn effective strategies for using courage and skill to achieve better outcomes for those students you serve.  At the core, courage and humility will serve leaders well, especially during crises.

What do you plan to do in retirement?

I have 10 beautiful grandchildren. I want to spend a whole lot more time with them as they grow up. I also have an awesome bicycle, which I plan to pedal across the country. Finally, I will do some coaching of school and district leaders as a way to stay involved in the important work of school leadership.

Dr. Robin Zape-tah-hol-ah Minthorn Recipient of the 2021 UW Tacoma Community-Centered Award

Robin Zape-tah-hol-ah Minthorn

Dr. Robin Zape-tah-hol-ah Minthorn, Associate Professor, EdD Program Director, and Director of Indigenous Educational Partnerships in the School of Education, is the recipient of the UW Tacoma 2021 Community-Centered Award, which was awarded by the Office of Community Partnerships.

Dr. Ali Modarres, Assistant Chancellor of Community Partnerships and Dean of Urban Studies at UW Tacoma, writes:

This award recognizes your lifelong commitment to community engagement which can best be described as community-centered and in the community. We are delighted that you have brought your passion and commitment to working in indigenous communities from New Mexico to the Pacific Northwest. Your approach is informed by inclusivity and co-creation, helping break barriers between university and community. These efforts embody the spirit of community engagement, not the least of which is to foster transformative and engaging experiences for students and community members.

Dean of the School of Education at UW Tacoma, Dr. Rachel Endo, also writes:

Dr. Minthorn has created and nurtured vital partnerships that center ancestral and intergenerational knowledge. Her tireless efforts with the community and tribal leaders led to the creation of the first Indigenous-based doctoral cohort at UW in UW Tacoma’s EdD program. The Muckleshoot cohort launched this summer 2020 with 15 students, the majority of whom are Native American women. Unique features of the Muckleshoot cohort include centering and integrating Indigenous pedagogies and perspectives throughout coursework, practicum, and the dissertation in practice... UW Tacoma is most fortunate to have Dr. Minthorn as part of our campus community. She actively models culturally sustainable community engagement in its truest form.

Dr. Rob MacGregor to Receive Dean's 2021 Award for Distinguished Service

Rachel Endo, Dean of the School of Education at UW Tacoma, is pleased to award Dr. Robert MacGregor, Director of the Educational Administration (ED ADMIN) Program and a Professor of Practice, with the Inaugural Dean’s 2021 Award for Distinguished Service to the School of Education. She presented the award to him on June 01, 2021. Dr. MacGregor will retire from UW Tacoma on June 30, 2021 after four years of outstanding leadership and service.

This award recognizes an outstanding individual whose service to the School of Education at UW Tacoma has led to positive and substantial impacts in the community and to the field. Endo remarks:

Dr. MacGregor and I started at UW Tacoma around the same time in the summer of 2017. A trusted colleague and friend, I have regularly consulted with Dr. MacGregor on a range of personal and professional matters. I have many fond memories of causing “good trouble” with him—all for a greater good.

I had the distinct honor of visiting several of his classes and seeing him in action at external events and state meetings over the years. Dr. MacGregor has facilitated several brave conversations with aspiring and current educational leaders in ways that have made them more compassionate and equity-minded leaders. He constantly reminds everyone that leading with equity is central to, not separate from, “doing what’s best for kids.” During his time at UW Tacoma, he has mentored and supported hundreds of colleagues, field supervisors, interns, and part-time lecturers, as well as up-and-coming leaders throughout the state who were not directly connected to our program.

As a leader, Dr. MacGregor has taught me many life-changing lessons about the role of grace, patience, and perseverance in the making of extraordinary leaders. We often would share jokes about the difference between leading and managing. During our time together, he has taught me how to be a better leader and a far better person. 

I thank Dr. MacGregor for his outstanding service to the School of Education, UW Tacoma, and the field of education. He is most deserving of this recognition. I wish him all of the best as he enters into his well-deserved retirement.

Kylie Danielson is Recipient of 2020-2021 Knuth Distinguished Mentor Award

Kylie Danielson

Kylie Danielson is the recipient of the 2020-2021 UW Tacoma Dr. Rich Knuth Distinguished Mentor Award. Dr. Rob MacGregor presented this award to Danielson at the Clover Park School District Leadership Team meeting on January 12, 2021. The UW Tacoma ED ADMIN program gives this award annually in recognition of the important role of mentors in the development of school leaders. Danielson was nominated by one of our program completers whom she mentored. Her mentee is now a successful principal in Federal Way.

A quote from a teacher who worked under Danielson’s leadership: "I have never been to a school where the principal invests so much in the staff and where every staff member truly feels appreciated, valued, and driven to continue to grow.”

Introducing the School of Education’s Inaugural Advisory Board Members

Rachel Endo, Dean of the School of Education, is pleased to announce the members of the School of Education’s Inaugural Advisory Board. Board members were nominated by faculty, staff, and students during the 2018-2019 academic year. The main criteria were demonstrated commitment to equity and racial justice in our communities, schools, and society. The board’s primary charge is to advise the Dean on strategic priorities and provide feedback on how the School of Education is living out its mission and values. This summer 2021, we plan to host an Advisory Board retreat, where we will elect co-chairs and finalize a charge.

Annette Bryan

Annette M. Bryan

Annette M. Bryan is serving her second term as a Puyallup Tribal Council Member. Annette's previous work experience includes 10 years as a Tribal Coordinator at the Environmental Protection Agency, and 10 years as the Executive Director of the Puyallup Nation Housing Authority. Previous positions at the Tribe include working for Historic Preservation Office, the Environmental Department, and Chief Leschi ECEAP Program. Annette is currently serving on the United Way of Pierce County Board. She has also served on the Tacoma-Pierce County Affordable Housing Consortium, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Housing Sub-Committee, the HUD Formula Negotiated Rule Making Committee, and the Northwest Indian Housing Association. She has dedicated her career to advocacy of Native American issues and tribal sovereignty. Annette is a firm believer in higher education. She holds a BA from UW Tacoma and an MS in Civil & Environmental Engineering from Tufts University. She is honored and humbled to serve on the Council, to build on the foundation of those who have come before her, and to protect the Puyallup Tribe's resources for future generations.

Erin Chambers

Erin Chambers (she/her/hers)

Erin Chambers is a Philanthropy Officer at Amara. After earning her law degree from St. Louis University’s School of Law, Erin pivoted and dedicated her career to helping philanthropists fund their passions. Over the past 10+ years she has had the honor of connecting funders with opportunities to support a wide variety of initiatives, from medical research to computer science education and most recently family well-being at Amara. When she is not raising funds to promote healing and connection among people impacted by foster care and adoption, she enjoys spending time exploring local parks with her husband and young children. Erin serves as a student mentor with Palmer Scholars and is an inaugural member of the Alaska Airlines Millennial Advisory Board. She is the daughter of a retired educator and has personally experienced the lifelong and transformative impact that educators have on the lives of children and families.

Jennifer Hyppolite

Jennifer Hyppolite

Jennifer Hyppolite is a counselor educator from the Atlanta area. She has a passion for working with students from disadvantaged communities. She currently works as a school counselor at Acceleration Academies. In this unique program, she helps credit-deficient students re-engage, in a mixed-methods learning environment, to complete their high school diploma. She is also an associate professor in the Professional School Counseling Program at City University of Seattle. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Georgia State University, a Master's in Counselor Education from Georgia Southern University, and a specialist in Professional Counseling and Supervision from the University of West Georgia. Serving the community is part of her nature and being on the advisory board for the School of Education truly fulfills her passion for promoting education for students of all backgrounds.

Jonathan Jackson

Jonathan Jackson

Jonathan is a Pierce County native, born and raised in Lakewood, Washington. His professional experience has revolved largely around providing youth with access to resources they need in order to be successful in both their personal and academic/professional lives. Jonathan currently serves as the Executive Director for Palmer Scholars, a Pierce-County non-profit that takes a holistic approach to serving underrepresented students of color in pursuit of their educational and career goals after high school. Prior to this role, Jonathan served as the Executive Director for the Fair Housing Center of Washington, Director of Development for the Foundation for Tacoma Students, and Program Director with the state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Jonathan holds a Master of Business Administration from Pacific Lutheran University, where he also earned his Bachelor’s degree. Jonathan serves as the chair of the board for Friends of the Children-Tacoma, on the board for the Northwest Furniture Bank, the Executive Advisory Council for the Foundation for Tacoma Students, Pacific Lutheran University’s Alumni Board, and the UW Tacoma’s School of Education Advisory Board. In his free time, Jonathan enjoys spending time with family, weight training, and listening to audiobooks.

Justina Johnson

Justina Johnson

Justina Johnson has been an educator and administrator in the Tacoma Public School District for 24 years, promoting a culture of pursuing higher education, fulfilling careers, and high expectations for all students. A proud UW alumna, she is currently the Director of AVID & Advanced Programs Equity using her expertise as an educator and principal to coach others. Known for providing ongoing support, Justina loves corresponding with current and former UW students to encourage and support their goals.

 

Amy Maharaj

Amy Maharaj

Amy Maharaj has worked for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe since 2017, and is currently the Academic Affairs Instructor at Muckleshoot Tribal College. Her duties include teaching college classes, program development, and writing grants. Before she worked at the Tribal College, she was a certificated K-8 teacher who taught elementary school students, including those in special education. In her spare time, Amy mentors immigrant youth through a non-profit organization.

Amy completed her Master’s in Educational Psychology, and is currently a doctoral student in the Educational Leadership program at UW Tacoma. Her educational commitments include educational equity and supporting BIWOC (Black, Indigenous, and other Women of Color) in education. Amy is honored to be a part of the UW Tacoma School of Education’s Advisory Board. She hopes to bring her experience as an educator, mother, and lifelong learner to promote positive changes within the educational community.

Kendra Pratchett

Kendra Pratchett

Kendra Pratchett serves as an Assistant Principal in the Kent School District. She is an energetic, equity focused, and relationship-driven instructional leader with a passion for helping students and teachers grow, and a belief that all students can meet standards to be college, career and life ready after high school. Prior to administration, she worked with students as a high school Spanish teacher and later as a Dean of Students.

Kendra received her BS in World Language Education from Indiana University Bloomington and MA in Differentiated Instruction from Concordia University Chicago. She received her Residency Principal certification from Western Washington University.

Gerald Pumphrey, EdD

Gerald Pumphrey has held a variety of academic roles in community colleges in two states ranging from adjunct faculty to chief academic officer and leadership roles including two college presidencies and as a trustee of a private university. His work has included extensive experience in curriculum development, workforce and economic development, public-private partnerships, institutional accreditation, governance in higher education and health care, strategic planning, mentorship of future leaders, and fundraising. He is committed to assisting future leaders prepare for sustaining the mission of higher education in a rapidly evolving environment.

William Towey

William Towey

William is an experienced technology entrepreneur, consultant, and nonprofit management executive focused on courageous large-scale systems change centered in social justice. William is currently working to improve 2-gen economic mobility at population scale for nearly 50,000 students through a cradle to career framework. As a place-based Collective Impact Model practitioner working directly with aligned funding, development, strategy, partner relationships, systems integration, data analytics, and theory he enjoys passionately putting theory into practice as a Director at the Foundation for Tacoma Students and as a grateful board member and consultant with several local nonprofit organizations. He is energized by work that is broadly-based, meaningful, and connected to complex social issues and solutions.

Amy Van

Amy Van (she/her/hers)

Amy Van is a UW alumnus (Class of 2012) and Project Manager at the Tacoma Housing Authority. She became interested in issues around education equity during her undergrad while organizing with activists among the Southeast Asian American community, particularly around improving statewide data disaggregation. Her current day job allows her to examine the intersection between the housing and education systems in effort to de-silo them and hopefully make them a little bit more equitable. She resides in Tacoma, the unceded territory of the Puyallup and Coast Salish people. She has two pups and loves pizza.

SOE Faculty & Staff Accomplishments



Julia M. Aguirre, Professor & Director of Teacher Certification Programs

PRESENTATIONS

  • Aguirre, J. M., & Zavala, M. (2021, April). Evolution of a culturally responsive mathematics teaching lesson analysis tool. In Hosun Kang (Chair), Articulating theoretical and methodological approaches for studying mathematics and science teacher learning for equity and justice. Presentation as part of a research symposium at the annual meeting of the American Education Research Association. Virtual.
  • Aguirre, J. M., & Zavala, M. (2021, April). Math strong or static? Revisiting core beliefs and structures for mathematics advancement in K-12. Invited Session. Co-Speaker. National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Virtual.
  • Aguirre, J. M. (2021, April). Math strong in the age of COVID. California Math Project. Forging digital connections: mathematical tools that bring us together. Workshop Series. Invited Speaker. California Polytechnic State University. Virtual.
  • Aguirre, J. M., & Zavala, M. (2021, March) Mathematical hearts: A culturally responsive mathematics approach to teaching mathematics with empathy and justice. Invited Session. Co-Speaker. Annual Leadership Seminar. Teacher Development Group. Portland, OR. Virtual.

PARTNERSHIP

  • Aguirre is also lead instructor for Math Strong Beginnings: Culturally Responsive Mathematics in the Early Years. This Professional Development Course is a partnership with Kent School District & Kent Youth and Family Services funded by a Road Map Region Early Math Grant.

Kathleen Beaudoin, Associate Professor

CONFERENCES

  • Feuerborn, L. L., Tyre, A. D., & Beaudoin, K. (2021, March). Using PBIS strategies and tools to engage student voice in secondary schools. Paper presented at the 18th International Virtual Conference on Positive Behavior Support.
  • Feuerborn, L. L., Beaudoin, K., Begay, K. K., & Tyre, A. D. (2020, October). Culturally relevant and integrated PBIS & SEL practices in secondary schools. Presentation at the North West Regional + Hawai’I School Psychologist Virtual Conference.

INVITED PRESENTATION

  • Beaudoin, K. M., Feuerborn, L. L., & Begay, K. K. (2021, April). Gathering voice to guide culturally & contextually relevant behavior systems in schools. University of Washington Tacoma, School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, Psychology Research Seminar Series, Virtual Presentation.

Kawena Begay, Assistant Professor

PUBLICATION

  • Sweigert, J., St. John, T., Begay, K. K., Davis, G. E., Munson, J., Shankland, E., Estes, A., & Kleinhans, N. (2020). Characterizing olfactory function in children with autism spectrum disorder and children with sensory processing dysfunction. Brain Sciences, 10(6), 362-380. doi: http://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10060362

PRESENTATIONS

  • Begay, K. K., & Feuerborn, L. L. (2021, February). Assessing Diverse Student Populations: Practices and Needs. Paper session presentation at the National Association of School Psychologists Convention 2021 (virtual).
  • Feuerborn, L., Beaudoin, K., Begay, K. K., & Tyre, A. (2020, October). Culturally relevant and integrated PBIS and SEL practices in secondary schools. Presented at the NW Regional + Hawai’i School Psychologist Virtual Conference (Washington State Association of School Psychologists –WSASP- Annual Conference). Virtual.

Donna Braboy, Program Support Supervisor

  • Braboy earned her BA in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences from UW Tacoma’s School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences in June 2021. 

Gordon Brobbey, Assistant Professor

PUBLICATION

  • Ramlackhan, K., Granston-Gingras, A., Catania, N., Brobbey, G., & Rivera-Singletary, G. (2021). Re(framing) identity: Educators’ experiences with marginalization. Higher Education Research & Development. doi:10.1080/07294360.2021.1877632

REVIEWER

  • Brobbey was an invited reviewer in 2020 for the 325T Personnel Preparation Grants through the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs.

Rachel Endo, Dean & Professor

PUBLICATIONS

  • Endo, R. (2021). Diversity, equity, and inclusion for some but not all: Situating LGBQ Asian American youth experiences at an urban public high school. Multicultural Education Review, 13(1), 1-18.
  • Endo, R. (2021). On holding various truths to (not) be self-evident: Leading during the dual pandemics of 2020 as a racialized body (Special COVID-19 Section). Cultural Studies <-> Critical Methodologies, 21(1), 116-121.
  • Endo, R. (2021). Review of Rick Bonus’s The ocean in the school: Pacific Islander students transforming their university. Journal of Asian American Studies, 24(1), 169-171.
  • Endo, R. (2020). Retaining and supporting faculty who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color: The promise of an equity-centered multi-leveled mentoring-partnership model. Multicultural Perspectives, 22(4), 169-177. 
  • Endo, R. (40%), Basford, L. (30%), & Lewis, J. (30%) (2020). Community experts who transform teacher education: A tribute to Philip Borer Nelson. Multicultural Education, 27(3&4), 40-44.

AWARD

  • Endo received the Bilingual Research Journal’s 2020 Senior Scholar Reviewer Award for dedication to bilingual education research and early-career mentoring at the Editorial Board’s meeting during the 50th Annual International National Association for Bilingual Education’s Hybrid Conference 2021 in Houston, TX.

CONFERENCE

  • Bartlett, A. C., Endo, R., & Lavitt, M. (2021, January). Polarities to manage during the dual pandemics in the 2020s using trauma-informed practices: A problem of practice framework for equity-minded leaders. American Conference of Academic Deans. Virtual.

PRESENTATIONS

  • Endo partnered with award-winning author, director, and producer Frank Abe and award-winning Tacoma artist and author Tamiko Nimura on celebrating the release of their new graphic novel titled WE HEREBY REFUSE: Japanese American resistance to wartime incarceration. The event’s host is King’s Books in Tacoma, WA.
  • Endo was an invited panelist for a South Puget Sound Day of Remembrance panel discussion titled “Never again is now: Japanese internment, anti-Asian violence and immigration detention in the 21st century.” With N. Filler, J. McCarty, C. Miura, S. Shikuma, & T. Velasquez. Scholarly Selections, a partnership between the UW Tacoma School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences and the Washington State History Museum, (May 20, 2021). Link to event: https://www.washingtonhistory.org/event/day-of-remembrance-uwt/
  • Endo was an invited panelist for a session titled “Pre-World War II Japanese American lives in Washington State: Connections to current events.” With L. Hoffman and M. Hanneman. Washington Department of Transportation. Olympia, WA (April 29, 2021).

PODCAST

Laura Feuerborn, Professor & Director of the Master in Education for Practicing Educators and the Educational Specialist (School Psych) Programs

PODCAST

Chris Knaus, Professor

PUBLICATIONS

  • *Webster, C., & Knaus, C. B. (2021). “I don’t think they like us”: School suspensions as anti-Black male practice. The Journal of African American Males in Education, 12(1), 66-88. *Dr. Webster is a 2019 EdD graduate.
  • Rogers-Ard, R. L., & Knaus, C. B. (2020). Black educational leadership: From silencing to authenticity. New York, NY: Routledge.

APPOINTMENTS

  • Knaus was appointed as Professor Extraordinarius (2020-23) by the Faculty of Education at the University of South Africa.  
  • Knaus was appointed as Associate Editor of the International Journal of Educational Development in Africa.

GRANT

  • Knaus, C. B. (2021) Principal Investigator (with Dr. Cyndy Snyder and Dr. Agness Navarro). Assessing COVID-19 mental health impacts to inform Filipino community center-provided services. University of Washington Population Health Initiative’s COVID‐19 Population Health Equity Research Grant. $16,000 awarded.

CONFERENCES

  • Knaus, C. B. (2020). Critical race theory: A foundation for transformation in South Africa. Presented to the College of Education at the University of South Africa’s Research Community of Practice, Pretoria, South Africa. Virtual Program.
  • Sankofa Waters, M. B., Minthorn, R. Z., Walker, A., & Knaus, C. B. (2020). Decolonizing research and the DiP process: A collaborative program-wide approach. Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate Annual Meeting. Virtual Program.
  • Knaus, C. B., *Webster, T. C., Harris, J., & Smith, M. (2020). Which racist should we vote for? A critical race theory approach to the educational silencing of Blackness. National Association for Multicultural Education, Birmingham, AL. Virtual Program.

*Dr. Webster is a 2019 Ed.D. graduate.

Belinda Louie, Professor

PUBLICATION

  • Louie, B. (2021). With other members of the Notable Social Studies Trade Books Review Committee. (in print) Annotations for 2021 notable social studies trade books for young people. Social Education.

CONFERENCE

  • Louie, B. (2021, January). Panel discussion: Notable social studies trade books for young people. National Council of Social Studies Annual Meeting. Virtual

APPOINTMENT

  • Louie was appointed as the Chairperson of the Committee of Building Project Development of the Asia Pacific Cultural Center in Tacoma Washington.

MEDIA CITATION

Robin Zape-tah-hol-ah Minthorn, Associate Professor & Director of Ed.D. Program

PUBLICATIONS

  • Minthorn, R. Z., Bill, D. & Montgomery, M. (2021). Reclaiming emotions: Re-unlearning and re-learning discourses of healing in a Tribally placed doctoral cohort. Genealogy, 5(1), 24.
  • Minthorn, R. Z. (2021 (2018)). Indigenous motherhood in the academy, building our children to be good relatives. Wicazo Sa Review, 33(2), 62-75.

CONFERENCES

  • Minthorn, R. Z., Nelson, C., Shotton, H., Brower, P., Reyes, N., Johnson-Jennings, M., Davidson, C., Holt, R., & Blu Wakpa, T. (2021, April). Indigenous motherhood in the academy. American Educational Research Association. Virtual.
  • Minthorn, R. Z. (2020, November). Indigenizing doctoral programs: Embodying Indigenous community ways of being. Paper session in A constellation of stars: Indigenous illuminations on equity and justice in the academy. Association for the Study of Higher Education. Virtual Conference.
  • Sankofa Waters, B., Minthorn, R. Z., Knaus, C., & Walker, A. (2020, October) Decolonizing research and the DIP process: A collaborative program-wide approach. Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate. Virtual Conference.

GRANTS

  • Minthorn, R. Z., & Montgomery, M. (2021). Strengthening Tribally-based partnerships through Indigenous based approaches to community building. UW Tacoma Office of Community Partnership Faculty Fellows. Amount awarded: $10,000. January 2021-December 2021.
  • Minthorn, R. Z. (2020). Indigenizing educational leadership through Tribally-based cohorts. UW Diversity Council's Diversity Seed Grant. Amount awarded: $2,000. September 2020- June 2021.

INVITED PRESENTATIONS

  • Minthorn, R. Z. (Invited panelist) (2021, April) Oklahoma Indigenous higher education webinar. Oklahoma Higher Education Network: Norman, OK.
  • Minthorn, R. Z. (Invited Keynote Speaker) (2021, April) Indigenizing higher education through Indigenous narratives and praxis. University of North Carolina Pembroke: Pembroke, NC.
  • Minthorn, R. Z., & Bill, D. (Invited Presenter) (2021, March). Centering place in graduate education: Muckleshoot Doctoral Cohort. Native Pathways: Pedagogy Summit University of Washington: Seattle, WA.
  • Minthorn, R. Z. (Invited Panelist) (2020, December). Increasing diversity and representation of IES-funded education researchers technical working group. National Center for Education Research (NCER) in the Institute of Education Sciences (IES): Washington, DC.
  • Minthorn, R. Z. (Invited Keynote Speaker) (2020, November) Indigenizing higher education through Indigenizing narratives and praxis. Green River College: Auburn, WA.
  • Minthorn, R, Z., Simmons, S., Williams, C., Ward, L.,  Saenz V., & Njoku, N. (Presidential Session Panelist) (2020, November). Actualizing sustainable coalition building towards equity in higher education. Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE): Las Vegas, NV.

INTERVIEWS

  • Nelson, C., & Minthorn, R. (2021) Situating place through leadership reflexivity. NASPA Leadership Exchange Magazine, 18(4) 34-35.
  • Minthorn was interviewed by Eric Wilson-Edge in the UW Tacoma Office of Advancement for the on Indigenizing higher education based on the partnership she developed with Muckleshoot Tribal College on September 11, 2020. The interview is available here: https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/news/article/indigenizing-higher-education

José Rios, Associate Professor

PRESENTATIONS

  • Rios, J., & Dechaine-Berkas, J. (2021, February). Collaborating to diversify the STEM teaching workforce in Washington State. Presentation at the annual ORATE Virtual Conference.
  • Rios, J., Dechaine-Berkas, J., & Hadley, M. (2020, December). Collaborating to diversify the STEM teaching workforce in Washington State. Presentation at the annual NW ASTE Virtual unConference.
  • Rios, J., & Otto, P. (2020, October). Making your claim outdoors: Trees as habitats. Presentation at the annual WSTA Virtual Conference on Science Education.

M. Billye Sankofa Waters, Assistant Professor

PUBLICATIONS

  • Sanchez, M., & Sankofa Waters, M. B. (Eds.). (2020). How we got here: The role of critical mentoring, love and teaching in preparing new generations of social justice scholars. Leiden, Netherlands: Brill Publishers.
  • Sankofa Waters, M. B. (2020, November). Any/everywhere there is a cry for humanity and justice: Radical Monarchs. The Solutions Journal, 11(4).

INVITED PRESENTATIONS

  • Sankofa Waters, M. B. (2021). Why’d you show up?: A CRT and Black Feminist reflection on praxis. Keynote Presentation for Seattle Central College, Seattle, WA. Virtual.
  • Sankofa Waters, M. B. (2020). Rebellious identities: Leveraging self toward action and solidarity. Washington State University 16th Annual Globalization, Diversity, and Education Conference Keynote address, Northern Quest Resort, Airway Heights, WA. Virtual.
  • Sankofa Waters, M. B., Cutts, Q., McArthur, S., & Sealey-Ruiz, Y. (2021). NYC Men Teach celebrates Women’s Herstory Month. Invited talk for Queen College, Queens, NY. Virtual.
  • Sankofa Waters, M. B., Cutts, Q., McArthur, S., Muhammad, G., & Sealey-Ruiz, Y. (2021). Abolitionist teaching and healing with the Dope Black Women Collective. Invited talk for the Office of Equity and Inclusion at the University of Washington, Tacoma, WA. Virtual
  • Sankofa Waters, M. B. (2020). Re-imagining balance and educational possibilities in the time of COVID-19. Invited talk for the University Community Service Center and Career Advancement at The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Virtual.
  • Cullors, P. M. Billye Sankofa Waters and Ashanté Samuels, Moderators (2020). The future of the movement: A moderated conversation about Black Lives Matter with co-founder Patrisse Cullors. Invited presentation of the Office of Equity and Inclusion at the University of Washington Tacoma, Tacoma, WA. Virtual.

Ashley Walker, Academic Advisor

PODCAST

Matthew Weinstein, Professor

PRESENTATION

  • Weinstein, M. (2021, April). Beyond despair: Public fictions of the apocalypse. American Educational Research Association Annual Conference. Virtual.

PUBLICATION

  • Weinstein, M. (2020). Reflections on bodies and absences in the COVID-19 interregnum. Northwest Journal of Teacher Education, 15(2), Article 8.

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