Honor an Educator Awards

1990 Faculty

CSUF - College of Education
Fullerton, CA

I would just like to honor all professors in the Masters in Education program of 1990. Without that wonderful curriculum and skilled faculty, my last 14 years of teaching would not have had the quality that it did, nor the joy.

Sarah Holmes
Educator

Acosta, Estella

Administrator, Orange County Department of Education 
Costa Mesa, CA

Estella Acosta has been providing services to teachers in Orange County for 21 years. Her area of expertise is service to English Language Learners. Estella has been a high school teacher, an elementary teacher and a Bi-lingual coordinator. She holds herself to the highest standards and provides excellent service.

Estella is a talented photographer who keeps a history of events and generously shares with others. She also hosts beautiful tea parties for her colleagues and her family.

Because of her dedication to providing certification programs to the 28 districts in Orange County, all districts meet the Highly Qualified Teacher requirements for No Child Left Behind. Her efforts have been of much benefit to hundreds of Orange County students and teachers. We are thankful to and grateful for Estella.

Linda MacDonell, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent, Instructional Services
Orange County Department of Education

Carter-Wells, Dr. JoAnn

Director, Community Literacy and Learning Center
Coordinator, MSIDT Program 
Professor, Reading Department 
CSUF

I am pleased to honor Dr. JoAnn Carter-Wells, who is the College of Education Distinguished Faculty Member for 2009. For over 30 years, JoAnn has been a dedicated faculty member in the Department of Reading and she has served in numerous leadership roles including Department Chair. She is one of our most dedicated faculty members, who sets visionary goals for herself and has the tenacity to achieve them. For example, she is creator and founding director of three highly innovative programs: the MS in Instructional Design and Technology program (the first online degree program at CSUF), the Community Learning and Literacy Center at the Irvine campus, and the online Certificate Program in Post secondary Reading and Learning.

Dr. Claire Cavallaro
Dean, College of Education
CSUF

Chan, Dr. Julie

Project Director , Community Learning & Literacy Center
CSUF

Julie Chan is the consummate professional and colleague. She has impacted and enriched the lives of countless teachers and children related tot he language arts and continues to make leadership contributions even as she has recently retired. Of particular note is her leadership with the Community Learning and Literacy Center at the Irvine campus and with her work as the principal investigator in Project Literacy with children under the foster care system with Orange County Social Services. We also commend Julie for her incredible passion, energy and dedication to her work and thank her for her years of service within the county and the state.

Dr. JoAnn Carter-Wells, Dr. Ula Manzo, and Ms. Kathi Bartle-Angus
Faculty - Reading Department - College of Education
CSUF

Coultrup, David

READ 180 Teacher, Rowland Unified School District
Rowland Heights, CA

The thought of teaching struggling students at the middle school level to read is a daunting prospect for most secondary content teachers. Yet, dedicated middle and high school teachers who embrace the challenge of teaching adolescents to read better are among the best and brightest in the business.

Dave Coultrup is not only one of the best and brightest among us, he is also one of the most innovative. When we dare to sneak a peak, we can see that the wheels in Dave’s head is always turning – constantly thinking of new ways to teach READ 180 even better -- which is pretty amazing for a reading intervention program that’s great to begin with. We know that Dave could probably go to work for Scholastic, but we’re awfully glad that he hasn't (yet!).

Thank you, Dave, for your leadership as the Reading Department Chair for both the READ 180 teachers and Strategic Reading teachers at Giano Middle School; for creating the materials that you’ve generously shared with READ 180 teachers district-wide; and of course, for being a caring teacher and inspiring role model to each of your students who can read better now, than when they first entered your classroom in September!

Dr. Julie Chan
Project Director, Community Learning & Literacy Center
CSUF - College of Education

Gabor, Julia

Program Manager, Tiger's Action Plan - Tiger Woods Foundation
Anaheim, CA

Julia Gabor has been in education for the past 6 years. She began teaching in an after school program and for the past three years, has worked for the Tiger Woods Foundation as the manager for Tiger’s Action Plan (TAP), a character education program that empowers young people to pursue their dreams. As the program manager, Julia is responsible for creating, implementing, and disseminating the TAP program which includes professional development. Julia is an excellent presenter and has the ability to make curriculum relevant to a wide range of audiences. She is a resource for educators nationwide. Her enthusiasm, dedication, and passion to youth and education are present in all she does. We are recognizing her because of all these things. Thank you Julia!

Kathryn Bihr
Director, Tiger Woods Learning Center
Anaheim, CA

Gilman, Linda

Reading Teacher, Rowland Unified School District
Rowland Heights, CA

Linda Gilman is a READ 180 teacher at Alvarado Middle School in Rowland Unified School District. As a former elementary teacher, Linda is expert at working with students who are essentially performing at 4th or 5th grade reading level even though they’re in 7th or 8th grade.

Linda’s enthusiasm for reading has inspired her students to want to read more, read more often, and read better. Among the many success stories are students who tell her that they’ve never read a book from beginning to end until this year. Linda is great at “mousing” students into learning -- they enjoy her class so much they can hardly wait to come to class, so they wait outside her classroom door long before the nutrition or lunch bell rings. Linda’s collection of paperback books gathered over the years is enormous – a teacher’s dream! So many books, so little time to read them all!

Linda’s a real Ham when it comes to reading aloud to her students. Since most of her READ 180 students are English Learners, she uses read-alouds as one way to expand their academic language and English vocabulary. Linda’s students love to celebrate each other’s successes, because she believes that each increment – no matter how large or small -- is a victory worthy of celebration. Linda inspires her students to achieve far more than they would have on their own. It’s always fun to receive Linda Gilman’s e-mails to celebrate her students’ success stories!

Dr. Julie Chan
Project Director , Community Learning & Literacy Center
CSUF - College of Education

Greenbaum, Ms. JoAnne

Full-Time Lecturer - Department of Reading - College of Education 
CSUF

JoAnne Greenbaum is a very well-respected colleague and outstanding professional in the Reading Department who has provided leadership in developing new curriculum for the undergraduate student at CSUF and particularly with their critical thinking General Education requirements. She is an extremely competent and will-liked instructor among the students and has been honored many times by the Athletic Department for her commitment to student learning and academic success. Ms. Greenbaum has been in the forefront of integrating multimedia and innovative technology in her teaching and has earned widespread accolades for creating innovative instructional strategies to meet the learning and professional development needs for students and educators in the 21st century. She recently developed a very successful online GE course as well as a graduate Reading course for an online certificate program for the community college instructor. She has also enriched and enhanced the lives of her colleagues with her energy, passion, expertise and leadership and is honored for her longevity and commitment to the goals and values of the Reading Department for many years.

Dr. JoAnn Carter-Wells
Director, Community Learning & Literacy Center and Coordinator, MSIDT Program
CSUF

Guzman, Gloria

Professor Emerita, PT Administrator - Santa Ana College
Laguna, CA

Gloria Guzman is an extraordinary educator. She has touched the lives of many in her work as a community college professor and department chair, administrator overseeing multiple child development centers, preschool and elementary school teacher, academic coordinator of a state institute for leadership in early literacy, instructor of ESL for adults, Peace Corps volunteer, and partner with CSUF to increase the number of teachers from underrepresented populations. Her work on behalf of students of all ages and backgrounds has taken her across the country and beyond to Mexico, Malaysia, and the Philippines. In the late 1960s Gloria launched a preschool class in an African American Elementary School in the south in its first year of desegregation. Today-although retired-she continues advocate for children and their families and engage in numerous projects that serve the traditionally undeserved. Named by the National Association of Community College Trustees as the United States Teacher of the Year in the early 1990s and recipient of numerous additional awards for her achievements and dedication, Gloria is truly an educator to be honored.

Dr. Hallie Yopp Slowik
Co-Director, CSU Center for the Advancement of Reading
& Professor, Department of Elementary & Bilingual Education
CSU Fullerton

Guzman, Pablo

Teacher/Coach, Tustin High School, Tustin Unified School District
Irvine, CA

Pablo Guzman is a committed educator. He is a “go to” person who rises to any challenge put before him. Mr. Guzman possesses the vision to create model programs and create a dynamic, positive culture. Mr. Guzman is a Tustin High School graduate, a true Tiller. He has an innate understanding of school pride and his athletic teams provide opportunities for students to participate and demonstrate school pride. Mr. Guzman also advises the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. This club provides a variety of students an opportunity to share their faith with other students and learn from Mr. Guzman’s optimism and faith. Mr. Guzman is an advocate for best practices and works with other teachers to develop systems that promote powerful teaching and learning. Pablo is a strong advocate for Latino students and English Learners, having developed a program where he teaches History-Social Science to a group of English Learners for four years. This requires Mr. Guzman to teach multiple courses and grade levels, but also incorporate a variety of ELD standards into his instructional program. This model is very successful, and the students and their families have great respect for Mr. Guzman and his extraordinary efforts.

Jonathan Blackmore
Principal, Tustin High School, Tustin Unified School District
Honored by Mike and Shelley McGuire

Guzman, Tanya

Teacher, Walker Elementary School, Santa Ana Unified School District
Irvine, CA

Tanya Guzman is one of the most committed, dedicated, caring and responsible teachers I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She is truly sincere in her dedication to the well-being of her students. She takes the time to know the families of the students she is teaching. Her rapport with her students and their families is one of respect and understanding. She understands what the families of our particular population are going through, but she does not allow that to get in the way of educating the child. Her belief in the educational system as a means to rise above any challenge gives her the impetus to fight for her students and to instill in them the belief that they can succeed at anything they set their mind to. As I mentioned above, it is truly an honor and privilege to work with an individual who puts her students above herself.

Roxanna Owings
Principal, Walker Elementary School, Santa Ana Unified School District
Honored by Mike and Shelley McGuire

Herrera, Pam

Director, Special Programs, La Habra City School District
La Habra, CA

Pam Herrera is Director, Special Programs in the La Habra City School District where she is responsible for numerous district programs including BTSA. She is being honored for her vision and leadership in the North Orange County BTSA Program, her commitment to the teachers and children in the consortium, and her collaborative spirit. For nine years, Pam has worked very closely with the CSUF Department of Elementary and Bilingual Education and Fullerton School District (and, more recently, the Buena Park School District) to ensure that the program meets changing state guidelines and effectively supports participants in their first years in the professions. When budgets are in crisis, it is Pam who reminds us that there is always a way to do good things for children and teachers. Pam’s creativity, thoughtfulness, energy, and enthusiasm are deeply valued, and we wish to express our gratitude for the important role she has played in the program—and in our professional lives—in the last decade.

Ruth Yopp-Edwards and Andrea Guillaume
Faculty, Department of Elementary and Bilingual Education
CSUF

Johansen, Bobbie

University Supervisor - Department of Special Education
CSUF

An alum, Bobbie has given a lifetime of service to general and special education as a teacher and has contributed to mission work with youth. She serves as a supervisor and mentor to our student teachers, as well as a tutor to students who are preparing for exams. She serves one of our professional development schools and goes the extra mile for every student and even mentors her peers. Bobbie has given of herself through personal trials and illness. She never stops giving. She never stops caring. She is ever positive and is a role model for us all.

Dr. Judy Smith
Admissions Coordinator and Lecturer - Department of Special Education
CSUF

Jordan, Kelly

Senior Manager-Professional Development, Tiger Woods Learning Center
Anaheim, CA

For the past two and a half years, Kelly Jordan has bee a key TWLC staff member. Some of her accomplishments have included creating and implementing a national nutrition and fitness curriculum for after school programs, creating professional development trainings for staff and educators in the area of technology, and coordinating the TWKLC Summer Program. Kelly is truly a role model for not only young people but for staff as well. She welcomes new experiences and challenges, and seeks opportunities to grow as a professional. She is looked to by staff members for advice and support. Kelly’s experience and knowledge are valued by all at the TWLC.

Kathryn Bihr
Director, Tiger Woods Learning Center
Anaheim, CA

Loftis, Allison

Teacher, College Park Elementary, Newport-Mesa Unified School District
Costa Mesa, CA

Allison Loftis has provided outstanding leadership at College Park as our Site Staff Development Coordinator as we focus on Professional Learning Communities, and also serves College Park as a Site Council member. Her classroom is student-centered and cooperation and learning together is always observable. Allison is committed to providing appropriate support for student success and is especially effective with our English Learner population and the at-risk students. She is passionate about working with children and helping them grow academically. She truly is an advocate for student success and will go the extra mile to support all students, regardless of their special or unique needs. Ms. Loftis is outstanding at building rapport with students and families.

John Sanderson
Principal, College Park Elementary School, Newport-Mesa USD
Honored by Mike and Shelley McGuire

Moynahan, Mr. David

University Supervisor, Department of Special Education
Retired Educator

David Moynahan is honored for a life of service to students, parents and schools and dedicated work with supervising and mentoring student teachers.

Dr. Judy Smith
Admissions Coordinator and Lecturer - Department of Special Education
CSUF

Pearce Crain, Teri

Teacher, Greentree School
Irvine, CA

Teri taught our granddaughters. She consistently guided both girls to be actively involved in all aspects of their learning. Teri was especially effective at blending the arts into all components of the curriculum. Both of our granddaughters gave her the highest possible praise by stating that they did not want the school year to end!

Dr. Ash and Sue Bishop
Emeritus, CSUF

Poulsen, Tiffany

Teacher, Adams Elementary School, Newport-Mesa Unified School District

Tiffany Poulsen is an extremely dedicated teacher. She is a hard worker, a strong team player and an advocate for the students in her care. Tiffany holds a BCLAD and her bilingual skills enhance the English acquisition learning that goes on in her room. She has held a variety of positions on the Adams School site. She has been the grade level team lead for multiple years at multiple grades, emphasizing her strong leadership and organizational skills. As a Reading First school, Tiffany is instrumental as a leader in analyzing data, and planning units of study for both second and third grades. Another of her adjunct duties has been Administrative Designee, handling all discipline, parent, and site issues in my absence. Her excellent communication skills in both English and Spanish allow her to connect with all our students and parents. Our program ran very smoothly under her leadership.

Tiffany shows the highest degree of professionalism in all that she does. She is a strong curriculum developer and has a well-structured, positive classroom environment. She is highly organized and efficient and is sought out by her peers for advice and guidance. Mrs. Poulsen’s strong interpersonal skills enable her to be a good communicator and a valued problem solver. She is honest and forthright, making the best out of any situation with a warm smile and caring attitude, and is a valued compliment to the Adams’ team.

Candy Cloud
Principal, Adams elementary School, Newport-MesaUSD
Honored by Mike and Shelley McGuire 

Schipper, Dr. Beth

Part-Time Faculty - Elementary and Bilingual Education
CSUF

Dr. Beth Schipper has worked tirelessly to enrich the lives of countless of teachers in the Elementary and Bilingual Education program and to particularly assist them with professional development of their reading expertise. She has also been active in a leadership role in the development of the Community Learning and Literacy Center at the Irvine campus and in enhancing its recognition in the local private schools related to professional development in various elements of K-12 literacy, teacher training, classroom management, and most recently, with the business community related to workplace literacy. We especially commend Dr. Schipper for her commitment, energy and expertise in providing new directions in the programs of the CLLC to respond to the needs of the local education community as well as to the new national initiatives related to workforce development retraining.

Dr. JoAnn Carter-Wells
Director, Community Learning & Literacy Center and Coordinator, MSIDT Program
CSUF

Schmalfeld, Randa

Principal, Rolling Hills Elementary School, Fullerton Unified School District
Fullerton, CA

Randa is an exemplary professional of the highest caliber. An integrated curriculum led her students to be critical thinkers as they applied learned skills. Often given children with great needs, she would persevere in helping them “find themselves.” Her positive leadership ability resulted in much recognition for the Blue Ribbon and CA Distinguished School Awards. She established a school site foundation to support the school’s activities. This teacher/administrator accepts full responsibility for every child becoming a successful learner as she challenges each student and peer to do his or her personal best.

Kay Krausman

Sheldon, Fern

District Office Curriculum Specialist, Rowland Unified School District
Rowland Heights, CA

Fern Sheldon is the central office Curriculum Specialist in Rowland Unified School District. Fern is a Visionary who has been a Trailblazer throughout her career in education. As Rowland’s curriculum leader, Fern is responsible for K-12 English/ Language Arts, History, Science, Math, Physical Education, Technology, the Visual and Performing Arts, and more. She’s also in charge of standards-based textbook adoptions and implementation, effective instruction, and professional development.

Fern is being honored for her exceptional leadership in improved teaching and learning of reading skills and strategies for middle and high school students district-wide. She spearheaded the READ 180 intensive reading intervention program for students who read more than two years below grade level, as well as the Strategic Reading Program for struggling students who require extra support for their English classes. Among Fern’s stellar accomplishments is that of making it possible for a district with a highly diverse demographic to have 70% of its student body achieve grade-level Proficiency in writing – something that is no small feat for any school district in California!

Dr. Julie Chan
Project Director, Community Learning & Literacy Center
CSUF - College of Education

Steele, Holly

Middle School Science Teacher, Fullerton Unified School District
Fullerton, CA 

Holly is an exceptional teacher who shows a high level of commitment to every student in attaining a comprehensive knowledge of scientific principles. She makes significant contributions at all levels in leadership positions. Holly was chosen Orange County’s High Impact Teacher in Science and Technology her first year of teaching. She is a natural leader. Her insights are valuable, her support untiring, her teaching knowledge vast, and most important, she believes she can make a difference in the lives of students.

Kay Krausman

Twardos, Karen

Program Specialist and BTSA Coordinator, Fullerton School District
Fullerton, CA

Karen Twardos is Program Specialist and BTSA Coordinator in the Fullerton School District where she plays a crucial role in the ongoing design, implementation, and evaluation of the North Orange County BTSA Program, a consortium that includes the Department of Elementary and Bilingual Education at CSUF and three school districts. Karen’s leadership and collaborative spirit are keys to the success of the program. She is being honored for her dedication to program goals, her ability to work effectively with others, her high level of competence in program delivery, and her resourcefulness and problem-solving abilities. Karen works diligently to support new teachers and the experienced colleagues who mentor them. Because of her efforts, the quality of instruction received by students in local schools is enriched. She inspires us daily, and we are grateful for the nine years that we have had the opportunity to work with her and learn from her.

Andrea Guillaume and Ruth Yopp-Edwards
Faculty, Department of Elementary and Bilingual Education
CSUF

Wong, Sandi

READ 180 teacher, Rowland High School, Rowland Unified School District
Rowland Heights, CA

Most teachers are too humble to tell you about their accomplishments, unless you have an excuse to ask for their resume to prepare an introduction. Considering all that Sandi Wong has achieved in her teaching career, you’d think she was a Centenarian! She has two degrees, four credentials, two certificates, and teaching experience at two levels – elementary and secondary. In addition to her numerous grants, awards, and recognitions, we’re adding “Honor An Educator” to her resume for her exceptional work as a READ 180 teacher at Rowland High School in Rowland Unified School District.

Always seeking to make her students’ learning ever more effective, Sandi works tirelessly to develop systems and routines to make that happen. She willingly shares her creations at the monthly READ 180 Think Tank meetings so every READ 180 student in Rowland USD can benefit from her products. Like the Energizer Bunny, Sandi Wong never lets up or gives up -- so that her high school students can all become successful readers. For many, it’s their last chance to learn to read better. On the third quarter progress monitoring assessment in March, the majority of Sandi’s READ 180 students scored at the Proficient or Advanced levels in inferential comprehension!

Dr. Julie Chan
Project Director, Community Learning & Literacy Center
CSUF - College of Education