Honor an Educator Awards

Ahmed, Dr. Shariq

Independent consultant, PT faculty at MSIDT and Coastline Community College

Dr. Ahmed has excellent administrative skills and can easily navigate various roles in assisting both faculty and campus leaders in the complexity of coordinating online learning with the LMS arenas particularly related to Blackboard and Moodle. He successfully integrates and utilizes very robust emerging technologies in the curriculum and with the teaching faculty which reflect state of the art expectations in this field that are applicable to any teaching and learning setting. Dr. Ahmed is now a member of our MSIDT team research protocols, that is, a leader in the creation of a very exciting MSIDT Team research agenda related to an online community of learners and most recently related to social media in online programs. Students appreciate his feedback and mentoring around issues related to their final culminating experience of an instructional design product.

Dr. JoAnn Carter-Wells
Director, CSUF MS in Instructional Design and Technology Program

Alaux, Sandi

Faculty, College of Education

Mrs. Alaux and I bonded six years ago while waiting for a pony ride....not for us, for our grandchildren. As coincidence would have it, she had just been hired as the CSU Fullerton Foundational Level Math Coordinator after retiring from Orange Unified. Since that day, I've had the pleasure of working with Sandi, a quintessential educator. She is a wonderful colleague, always willing to do what's needed to assist our college, our department and colleagues. When teaching students, she goes beyond the call of duty to support them. She is being honored this evening for many things; her tireless commitment to student excellence and success, her congeniality, kindness, expertise and her engaging sense of humor to name a few. Though we've been going up and down for the last six years about who has the cutest grandchildren... and the jury is still out, without a doubt it has been a privilege to know and work with Sandi Alaux. "Sandi, you put the "pro" in professional. Thanks for all you do!"

Marilyn Leuer
Faculty, College of Education

Allen, Kathleen

Teacher, Walnut Unified School District

As an elementary and middle school teacher for more than thirty years, Mrs. Kathleen Allen has personified the best in teaching. A Golden Bell Award recipient, Mrs. Allen specialized in teaching choral music, having directed numerous productions with her elementary and middle school choirs, including Grease, Bye Bye Birdie, and The Wizard of Oz.

Dr. Martin V. Bonsangue
Professor, CSUF 

Avalos, Lori

Teacher, Los Alamitos Unified School District

Our daughter, Audrey, has always struggled with reading and speech. We suspected that she had dyslexia. About two years ago, we started working with her first grade teacher, Lori Avalos, to identify Audrey’s issues and provide her with the help she needed. From the very beginning, Mrs. Avalos has been a tireless advocate for Audrey. She cares deeply about Audrey’s success and happiness. Mrs. Avalos was instrumental in getting Audrey accepted into the district’s Reading Institute. Mrs. Avalos worked with district specialists to make the experience a good one for Audrey and even changed her daily teaching routine in the class so that Audrey didn’t miss too much instruction. Before Audrey met Mrs. Avalos, she struggled. Now, Audrey is finishing second grade and has had the pleasure of being in Lori Avalos’ class for first and second grade. And the best news is, Audrey is above grade level in nearly every subject…including reading. Mrs. Avalos is special. We know that we will think of her when Audrey earns her college degree.

Ann, Greg and Audrey Saks

Bishop, Dr. Ash

Faculty, CSUF College of Education (retired)  

Dr. Bishop has received many well-deserved accolades for his work as a Professor and Dean. Tonight he is being honored for taking time to teach an important lesson many years ago that has kept on giving. Graduate students in his CSUF reading education classes during the 1980's were always reminded if the reading process appeared to be too difficult for a child, it probably was. Basically, go deeper...look at the whole child, not just test scores. We were then brought to the Southern California College of Optometry's Eye Care Center one dark and stormy night for further instruction. We weren't really eager to go because we were all so busy, and it was raining and, and, and....but we went because Ash thought it was a good idea. We learned that undetected vision issues requiring more than a simple eye test may be the root cause of a child's reading difficulties. It was time well spent and a lesson that paid off for many of the struggling readers we taught through the years. That's not quite the end of the story though. About a year ago the lesson became quite personal. Our family was very frustrated with the difficulties our eldest grandson, Clay, was having as he learned to read. One afternoon at the end of first grade, the daily reading- homework struggle was in full swing. Dr. Bishop's message suddenly came back loud and clear. "If it seems too difficult, it probably is....go deeper." So we did...back to the Southern California College of Optometry's Eye Care Center some three decades later. Happily, after almost a year of vision training and help from his Nohl Canyon Elementary teachers, Clay is on the road to becoming an engaged reader, currently enthralled with the adventures of Flat Stanley. So tonight we say, "Dr. Bishop, without the lessons you taught, the story would have had a much different ending. You made a true difference and we thank you."

Marilyn Leuer
Faculty, CSUF College of Education

Boynton, Doug

VP, Knowledge Relay

Doug Boynton is VP of Knowledge Relay and Project Manager / Crest / GRM Training Implementation at County of Riverside. Doug brings over 30 years of experience as an instructional designer with multiple corporations and business/corporate settings and has seen the field develop from the beginning.  Doug provides guidance on professional expectations and currency in the field to the cohort members related to instructional design and a willingness to work in the faculty team to chart new directions that impact the careers of our students.

Dr. JoAnn Carter-Wells
Director, CSUF MS in Instructional Design and Technology Program

Carlson, Dr. Galen

Professor of Geological Sciences, Science Education, and Teacher Education

Dr. Galen Carlson began his career in the Department of Science Education, where he also served as Department Chair from 1981-1985. He helped develop the Master of Arts in Teaching Science, a graduate program specifically designed to help local teachers learn more science content and develop more innovative classroom science instruction. Dr. Carlson moved to the Department of Geological Sciences in 1988, where he has been the leader in developing our geoscience education curriculum. As a member of the Geology Department he has maintained his strong connection to the Science Education Program, serving as Director of the Program from 1999-2001.

Dr. Carlson has been remarkably active in seeking external funding to support his activities, attracting well over $1.3 million dollars of support for science education projects over his career. Most notable was Project Catalyst, a project to give middle and high school science teachers hands-on training in the geosciences, which received $558,000 from the National Science Foundation and was matched by an additional $540,000 from local science businesses, agencies and school districts.  Project Catalyst was the largest Earth Science education grant awarded by NSF in 1987.

After Project Catalyst, Dr. Carlson developed and won funding for Project FIST: Field Investigations for Science Teachers. From 1992-2008, he received funding of $140,000 from industry, NSF, and local school districts to conduct summer field trips to the Mammoth Lakes area for science teachers.

Dr. Carlson has authored 21 refereed articles in science education and has given presentations on these topics at regional and national meetings. 

College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, CSUF

Carter-Wells, Dr. JoAnn

MSIDT Program Coordinator, CSUF College of Education  

JoAnn has been the heart and soul of the MSIDT program. She inspires us with her passion and enthusiasm for innovative technology and the IDT program. At our monthly meetings, she expects every one of the Advisory Board to work hard but makes it enjoyable to do so, with delicious food and lots of laughter! Most importantly, JoAnn treats each of us as she would a friend, and it is our great pleasure to honor her.

Barbara Glaeser, Cynthia Gautreau, Joyce Lee, Doug Boynton, Mark Worden, Shariq Ahmed, Carl Renold, and Jim Schools
College of Education MSIDT Faculty

Cavallaro, Dr. Claire

Dean, College of Education, CSUF

Dr. Claire Cavallaro is an exemplar of educational leadership, and the finest education administrator I have worked with. Under Dr. Claire Cavallaro's leadership and vision, the College of Education at CSU Fullerton has established itself as a hallmark of educational excellence. Via a common set of core values, she has led an exceptionally competent and dedicated faculty whose uncompromising focus is the betterment of education for all. As an educational leader, she consults, listens, deeply considers, and decides; always holding uppermost in her mind the interests of the college's students, whose professional preparation ultimately shapes and guides the education of thousands of pre-K through-post-secondary students in Orange County and beyond. I can think of no one who more fittingly deserves to be recognized as an educator who has made and continues to make a difference in the lives of others than the Dean of the College of Education, Dr. Claire Cavallaro.

Dr. Carmen Z. Dunlap
Faculty, College of Education

Chappell, Dr. Sharon

Faculty, CSUF College of Education  

It is with great pleasure that we nominate Dr. Sharon Chappell to be recognized as a top-notch professor during the 2012-2013 Honor an Educator evening. We had the opportunity to work with her for the first time during the fall 2012 semester at CSUF. From day one of Dr. Chappell’s online class, her passion for teaching and scholarly knowledge was easily sensed through her weekly narrated voice thread power points. Making it very much apparent she spends a great deal of time planning and organizing her class materials. Her persistence in holding high expectations for her students encourages them to think critically as they delve into learning. Going above and beyond as she challenges and inspires her students on a weekly basis keeps her students driven all semester long. She sets her students up for success with her compassion and personable demeanor, innovative teaching style, and prompt meaningful feedback. We have grown so much as educators because of her rigorous course objectives and learning goals. She is an excellent asset to this university and it is because of professors like her that we attend CSUF. The Education department at CSUF is very fortunate to have her as part of their faculty. Dr. Chappell, we are so proud of your hard work, dedication, and commend you for doing such a fine job in your profession.

Raquel Martinez and Cynthia R. Davis
Dr. Chappell’s Students

Deihl-Pullin, Amy

Resource Specialist, Nohl Ranch Elementary

Amy Diehl-Pullin’s vitality and drive makes her a wonderful partner to parents and students alike at Nohl Canyon. She has shepherded our son through some major milestones on the path to reading over the past couple school years, serving as both a tough and focused coach as well as his loudest cheerleader. He’s learned so much beyond phonics in her class, from tenacity to endurance to the power of celebrating small wins. Her warm presence and laser focus on helping kids progress are truly a gift to Nohl Canyon. Tonight we honor you Amy for all you do!

Jennifer and Rich Ramus

DeMarco, Cassy

Director of Education at Advance Beauty College

Cassy has been exemplary as an educator and has impacted her students with her passion and dedication to the teaching profession. Her students and graduates consistently describe her as a role model and just simply amazing! She has recently accepted the position of Director of Education for Advance Beauty College overseeing 22 educators and 450 students.

Anh Tran, Allen Martinez, Linh Nguyen, Tam Nguyen

Diaz, Laura

Teacher, Rowland Unified School District  

Since 2008 Dr. Rosario Ordonez-Jasis (READ) has partnered with Rowland Unified School District on a developing and implementing a district-wide agenda to enhance the "cultural proficiency" of teachers in the district by mapping the community-based language and literacy resources of their school neighborhoods. In 2009 this priority was listed on their district-wide plan and approved by their elected school board.  Led by its Community Mapping Design Team - which includes George Herrera (Program Specialist), Elizabeth Rios (Teacher and alumnae of CSUF’s MS Reading Program), Laura Diaz (Teacher) and Dr. Gilbert Garcia (Board of Education member) - the district’s teachers, staff, parents, administrators, cabinet and school board members have dedicated themselves to improving the literacy achievement of ALL students K-12 through culturally/linguistically responsive and community-based literacy instruction.  Through the tireless commitment of the Community Mapping Design Team, the district has worked to promote a more positive engagement between families, communities, and schools with the goal of enhancing literacy and language learning for diverse RUSD students within in the home, community and classroom.

CSUF Department of Reading Education

Ferko, Dr. Doreen

Doreen’s informal teaching experiences began when she was actually 14 years old when she was given special permission to teach a Sunday school class for kindergarteners. When she was in high school, she began tutoring her friends. As an undergraduate student she taught in a pre-school day camp program and tutored at the Boys and Girls Club of San Diego. When she first began her credential program, she worked for a private tutoring company.

Her formal teaching experience consisted of teaching junior high students with emotional and behavioral disorders, high school general education (physical science and conceptual physics). Her success stories with these populations of students and their families are legend. All of this while pursuing advanced studies.

Doreen taught at Purdue University, CSUF, and is currently teaching at California Baptist University. As a member of our faculty in the Department of Special Education, and as a graduate studies coordinator, she worked long hours to support our graduate students and the students that she had in her courses. Throughout her time at CSUF, Doreen was a wonderful team member and a mentor to all by example. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from her.

Currently Doreen is involved in collaborative research in the area of Autism with Dr. Judy Sylva (CSUSB) and Dr. Suzanne Robinson (CSUF) and Applied Behavior Analysis with Dr. David Lee (Penn. St.) and Youjia Hua (Iowa University), a collaborative partnership with CM School Supply and CSUF, a collaborative partnership with Riverside Christian Pre-school, and serves as the University liaison for the No Excuses University Program with Stokoe Elementary School. Finally, Doreen serves as the Mild/Moderate Specialist Credential Program Coordinator at California Baptist University. Her dedication to education, her courage and strength in tirelessly continuing to be the greatest mom to her two little boys, battle personal health challenges, support her husband in his work at Cal Baptist and serve the academic community with positive energy and dedication makes her most deserving of this honor.

Judy Smith
Adjunct Faculty, College of Education

Gandara, Minerva

Principal, Valadez Middle School Academy  

Minerva Gandara is the principal of Valadez Middle School Academy in the Placentia-Yorba Linda School District. She has supported the CSUF Department of Secondary Education over the past few years as a collaborative and collegial partner for the co-teaching pilot. Mrs. Gandara has met with EDSC faculty, including Maria Grant, Debra Ambrosetti and Sandi Alaux on numerous occasions to plan for co-teaching trainings and to strategize optimal placements for CSUF students. Additionally, she is an active member of the Advisory Board for the Secondary Teacher Education Program. In this capacity, she has advised the Board on a variety of issues related to our efforts in the public school system. As a Principal-Leader, Minerva Gandara is a true standout. She is highly regarded by her faculty and by students for her efforts to promote literacy growth and responsible character traits at her school site. When Ms. Gandara wanted her students to all read “Llama Llama Red Pajama” by Anna Dewdney as a part of a nationwide effort to break the record for the most people reading the same book at the same time, she went all out and brought four llamas to her school to encourage students to read. As a part of that effort, Mrs. Gandara supported the students of Valadez Middle School Academy as they raised “Loot for Llamas.” Their goal was to raise enough money to purchase 10 llamas ($120 each) to help a community become more self-sufficient. That’s a dedicated and enthusiastic principal! Minerva Gandara would be an outstanding candidate for the Educator Award. See the article at:   http://www.ocregister.com/news/read-321371-students-valadez.html

Maria Grant, Grace Cho, Debra Ambrosetti, Sandi Alaux, Ellen Kottler
Faculty, CSUF College of Education

Garcia, Dr. Gilbert

Board of Education, Rowland Unified School District  

Since 2008 Dr. Rosario Ordonez-Jasis (READ) has partnered with Rowland Unified School District on a developing and implementing a district-wide agenda to enhance the "cultural proficiency" of teachers in the district by mapping the community-based language and literacy resources of their school neighborhoods. In 2009 this priority was listed on their district-wide plan and approved by their elected school board.  Led by its Community Mapping Design Team - which includes George Herrera (Program Specialist), Elizabeth Rios (Teacher and alumnae of CSUF’s MS Reading Program), Laura Diaz (Teacher) and Dr. Gilbert Garcia (Board of Education member) - the district’s teachers, staff, parents, administrators, cabinet and school board members have dedicated themselves to improving the literacy achievement of ALL students K-12 through culturally/linguistically responsive and community-based literacy instruction.  Through the tireless commitment of the Community Mapping Design Team, the district has worked to promote a more positive engagement between families, communities, and schools with the goal of enhancing literacy and language learning for diverse RUSD students within in the home, community and classroom. 

CSUF Department of Reading Education

Garcia, Margaret

Special Education Teacher, Carl E. Gilbert Elementary School

Margaret Garcia is a CSUF alum who epitomizes the definition of a devoted and caring teacher. Her class of severely handicapped kindergarten and first grade students, whose developmental levels range from preschool children in diapers, children with no language skills, to students beginning to read, each present a unique challenge. Yet, Ms. Garcia is always kind and patient. She skillfully plans instruction that is developmentally appropriate, yet challenging for each child. It is a joy to watch her interacting with her children and to spend time in her bright and colorful classroom that is both inviting and rich with samples of her children’s work.

Leslee Milch, NBCT; Christa Jarvis, Bonnie Goddard

Gautreau, Dr. Cynthia

Associate Professor, Elementary and Bilingual Education, CSUF  

Dr. Cynthia Gautreau is Professor of Elementary and Bilingual Education and former trainer in the Faculty Development Center at CSUF. She provides leadership and guidance around integration of innovative instructional strategies and emerging technologies such as Second Life, VoiceThread, etc. and has developed our current team research agenda resulting in recent publications and presentations. She has coauthored many publications with students around current learning and training topics such as international issues in online learning and videoconferencing. Students value her expertise in emerging technologies melded with robust instructional strategies for multiple learning/training environments. We are grateful for her leadership in working with the faculty team in a highly collaborative manner to chart new avenues for research as a continuing goal of the MSIDT program overall.

Dr. JoAnn Carter-Wells
Director, CSUF MS in Instructional Design and Technology Program

Glaeser, Dr. Barbara

Professor, Special Education, CSUF

Dr. Barbara Glaeser is a Professor of Special Education at CSUF and a member of the interdisciplinary Founding Team of the MSIDT Program in 2000. She provides leadership and guidance with the development of multimedia presentations around assistive technology and integrated learning strategies. She is willing to participate in team research and scholarly writing along with program refinement that reflects the needs of the K-12 educator leader/trainer role. The faculty team values her expertise in incorporating learning theory with expertise in issues related to the variety of modalities of learning and adaptive environments.

Dr. JoAnn Carter-Wells
Director, CSUF MS in Instructional Design and Technology Program

Hassett, CJ

Jr. High School Teacher, St Anne's Santa Ana

Mr. Charles J. Hassett graduated from CSUF with a degree in Business. After seven years in sales, his first daughter was born profoundly deaf. This reality deepened his faith and ultimately led him to re-evaluate his priorities.  He decided to go back to school and get his teaching credential. In 1996 CJ accepted a teaching position at Saint Anne Parish School as the 8^th   grade teacher and Athletic Director. In 1997, he was additionally named the parish’s director of Confirmation and is actively preparing over one hundred high school students every year for their sacraments. Working as an important role model in school in an impacted area of Santa Ana, Mr. Hassett assists his students in cultivating decision-making skills and developing their individual talents, while clarifying and living out the values of the Catholic faith.  The children need and the parents value someone like CJ, whose care, understanding of the value of a good education and true love of God continues to help many of them to become successful, faith-filled young adults.

Daniel H. Page
College of Education Leadership Council Member

Henry, Dillon

Coordinator for Early Education Services at the Orange County Department of Education,  Special Education Services Unit

Dillon has supports early childhood and early childhood special education throughout Orange County. She is a champion for quality early education for all children. In addition, Dillon collaborates with the Department of Special Education at CSUF as an consultant, grant advisory board member, assist in fieldwork placements and supports the quality teacher education training credential program by promoting our graduates. She has dedicated her career to helping families and children throughout Orange County receive high quality education.

Dr. Janice Myck-Wayne
College of Education Faculty

Herrera, George

Program Specialist, Rowland Unified School District  

Since 2008 Dr. Rosario Ordonez-Jasis (READ) has partnered with Rowland Unified School District on a developing and implementing a district-wide agenda to enhance the "cultural proficiency" of teachers in the district by mapping the community-based language and literacy resources of their school neighborhoods. In 2009 this priority was listed on their district-wide plan and approved by their elected school board.  Led by its Community Mapping Design Team - which includes George Herrera (Program Specialist), Elizabeth Rios (Teacher and alumnae of CSUF’s MS Reading Program), Laura Diaz (Teacher) and Dr. Gilbert Garcia (Board of Education member) - the district’s teachers, staff, parents, administrators, cabinet and school board members have dedicated themselves to improving the literacy achievement of ALL students K-12 through culturally/linguistically responsive and community-based literacy instruction.  Through the tireless commitment of the Community Mapping Design Team, the district has worked to promote a more positive engagement between families, communities, and schools with the goal of enhancing literacy and language learning for diverse RUSD students within in the home, community and classroom. 

CSUF Department of Reading Education

Holladay, Beth

Teacher, Springbrook Elementary School, Irvine Unified School District

Beth Holladay is a dedicated educator who truly cares about the education of young children. She devotes many hours to her students in the Montessori Program at Springbrook Elementary School in Irvine. She strives to provide a solid foundation for each and every one of her students. By building a strong foundation for her students, she enables them to strengthen their skills and ensure their success in the future. She holds her students to high expectations in order to help them realize their full potential. Her students know that Mrs. Holladay would not accept careless work and they try their best to satisfy her expectations. She truly deserves recognition for being an amazing educator and changing many children’s lives.

Dr. Shu-Chen Jenny Yen
Faculty, California State University, Fullerton

Irot, Pat

Retired, Placentia Unified School District

Pat was a principal of mine in Placentia and she was such an outstanding role model. I admired her because she had 5 children and then went back to school and got her degree and rose quickly through the ranks in Placentia. At that time, there were not many women principals. Not only was she a great administrator but she was an outstanding educator with a love for learning and passion for seeing that all students were challenged and fulfilled at school.

Terry Kristiansen
College of Education Leadership Council Member

Kenney, Diana

Associate Editor, Teacher Created Materials  

It’s not every day that a special teacher comes along---one who steps up to the plate and gives more than is required. Diana Kenney fits the bill of one such educator who has proven she has what it takes, by developing and demonstrating the skills that are required to be deemed an accomplished education professional. We congratulate Diana for her achievement in earning   the rare and prestigious honor of obtaining   National Board Certification   from the   National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Diana Kenney taught for seven years in Hawaii, where she earned her Master’s degree in Elementary Education. At that time, she taught a variety of grades including second, fifth, and high school Science, but spent most of her time in fourth grade.

Diana earned National Board Certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards, and is credentialed in both Hawaii and California. Diana is currently an Associate Editor at Teacher Created Materials working on the Science, Social Studies, and English Language Development teams. She was a lead editor for Language Power and is now the Project Manager for a new product being developed to help students read and analyze complex text. 

Teacher Created Materials

Kouri, Pam

2nd Grade Teacher, Nohl Ranch Elementary

It’s not often a teacher makes you want to return to elementary school, and that’s the power of Pam Kouri’s energy and love for her craft and students. From the first day of school, our son told us the high part of his day was his 2nd Grade class with Mrs. Kouri. After getting to know Mrs. Kouri during her insightful parent conferences and caring early morning emails, I am inspired by how she truly understands, honors and encourages what makes each of her students tick in their own unique and special ways. She has helped us be better parents and she has helped our son grow and succeed in the most important ways. Tonight we honor you Pam for all you do!

Jennifer and Rich Ramus

Lee, Dr. Joyce

Professor, Educational Leadership, CSUF

Dr. Joyce Lee is a Professor of Educational Leadership and a member of the Founding Interdisciplinary Team of the MSIDT Program. She provides leadership and guidance around issues of cognition and learning and adult development. Dr. Lee designed and led the team research agenda for over 7 years with focus on online learning, community of inquiry and emerging technologies. This research has resulted in scholarly and pragmatic research presentations at key local and national conferences over time as well as published articles in prestigious online and distance learning journals. She is a renowned expert related to Qualitative Research Methods, Distance Learning/Online Learning Communities and Adult Learning/Professional Development. Students particularly value her depth of expertise and currency in issues and research related to cognition and adult learning with practical application to the field of instructional design.

Dr. JoAnn Carter-Wells
Director, CSUF MS in Instructional Design and Technology Program

Milch, Leslee

Buena Park Elementary School District  

Leslee is a CSUF alum who has gone on to be one of the most influential educators in the region. For nearly 20 years, she has been teaching second language learners and mentoring fellow teachers in the Buena Park Unified School District. Since earning her National Board Certification in 2003, she has gone on to serve as a Faculty Member for the NBPTS, a State Farm National Board Ambassador, and a Candidate Support Provider for both CSUF and the Orange County Department of Education. She serves on the advisory committee for the CSUF Center for Maximizing Teacher Impact. During the summer, Leslee reads to children in the park once a week to continue to develop their love of books. She is a masterful teacher, mentor, and community member.

Tara Barnhart, Mark Ellis, Ruth Yopp-Edwards
College of Education Faculty

Miller, Cynthia

Elementary Teacher (retired)

Ms. Cynthia Miller is deserving of the Honor an Educator Award for her many years as an Educator and her significant contributions to the Dr. Hazel Miller Croy Endowment Fund.

Cynthia Miller is a native Californian raised in a close knit family of educators.  Her grandmother was the mother of Dr. Hazel Miller Croy whom we honor at CSUF for her leadership as faculty member, department chair, innovator, and founder of the Reading Center which is now named for her.   Cynthia credits her Aunt Hazel Croy for having inspired her to teach.

Ms. Miller received her Bachelor’s degree and teaching credential from Long Beach State Univ. and began her teaching career in Santa Ana, then moved to the San Diego area teaching at Pt. Loma and Pacific Beach schools.  Cynthia was a dedicated, inspiring educator, teaching K-4^th   grade, particularly motivated to teach children from diverse backgrounds.  She enjoyed building relationships with parents.  Many of the children arrived at school unable to speak English; she loved the challenge of bridging the language barrier for them.  On the first day of school, she recalls, she would often find herself comforting her kindergarteners who were “crying in four different languages!”

Cynthia has been a dedicated supporter of the Dr Hazel Miller Croy Reading Center, corralling family members and encouraging them to donate and also to join her at CSUF to celebrate the Center’s dedication in 2011.  She has made significant donations to the Croy Endowment Fund which supports research, scholarships for graduate students and special materials for children in the Center.

Cynthia shares some of the same qualities of her aunt, Dr. Hazel Croy. She is an inspirer and innovator in her own way.  She made a difference in the lives of her students throughout her 39 years of teaching by challenging their young minds and helping prepare them for life.  Like Hazel Croy, Cynthia has a wonderful sense of humor, a contagious laugh and a positive outlook on life.

We are pleased to nominate Ms. Cynthia Miller.

Dr. Ruth May Siegrist, Dr. Deborah Hancock, Ms. Pat Irot, Dr. Julie Chan, Dr. and Mrs. Jim Young, Dr. and Mrs. Ash Bishop, Ms. Peggy Martin, Dr. Ann Coil, Mr. Juan Vazquez

Oliver, Dr. Ron

Faculty, CSUF College of Education  

Dr. Oliver has been a mentor of mine for the past 15 years. I have always appreciated his wisdom, sincerity, courage, and sense of humor. Dr. Oliver has had a direct influence on encouraging me to seek leadership positions in public education and to make a difference in providing servant leadership, advocating for change, and putting students at the heart of the decision-making process. While in the process of finishing my dissertation, Dr. Oliver gave me a rock that is engraved with the word “calm” that now sits prominently on my office desk.  Although I am no longer one of Dr. Oliver’s students, it is comforting to have this  “calming” reminder amidst some of my hectic days to keep focused on what matters most...our students.  This message has always been at the heart of Dr. Oliver’s teachings and what makes him an outstanding educator and mentor. 

Dr. Julie Hatchel
Assistant Superintendent, Capistrano Unified School District

Person, Dr. Dawn

Faculty, CSUF College of Education

Dr. Person’s commitment and passion for empowering and enabling her students is evident in everything she does. She seeks out disadvantaged and underserved populations and provides them with opportunities to succeed through C-REAL (Center for Research on Educational Access and Leadership) and to advance their education by mentoring them into our leadership programs. Dr. Person remains instrumental in the success of our Higher Education programs at the master and doctoral levels. Under her leadership and guidance, these programs have grown exponentially and serve a diverse population.

Dr. Person provides exceptional academic leadership within the College of Education and throughout the community. She serves as Director of C-REAL – a program she created and continues to expand in our College of Education with the Dean’s support. As a result of Dr. Person’s leadership, C-REAL supports a research culture in the College of Education that engages faculty and doctoral, masters and undergraduate students in ongoing educational research in response to solving educational problems particularly in Orange and Los Angeles counties and surrounding communities. The Center has community partners from community colleges, non-profit organizations, and schools. Dr. Person oversees faculty, student, and staff participation in research projects ranging from P-20 education to global projects in South Africa, Vietnam, and China. In addition, Dr. Person serves on many department, college, university, and community boards and committees. She has won numerous awards for her leadership and service, including the Dr. Cynthia Johnson Service Award and the Sandra Kuchler Excellence in Mentoring Award.

Dr. Person’s contributions to the field of Educational Leadership and Higher Education are extraordinary and multifaceted.  Her passion for serving and empowering underrepresented students is an integral part of her work and has helped her become renown in the field. She is an extraordinary mentor and teacher, exceptional scholar, and a transformative leader. She sets high expectations for all of her students and enables them to reach their greatest potential. Dr. Person is approachable, collaborative, thoughtful, and reflective. Finally, she is an exceptional professional and models great integrity, collegiality, and a commitment to just, equitable, and inclusive education.

Dr. Claire Cavallaro
Dean, College of Education

Powers, Debra

Teacher, Beechwood Elementary School

Ms. Debra Powers is a phenomenal teacher! Her approach to kindergarten instruction is innovative and energetic. We have been thrilled to have our son in her class. It takes real skill to hold the attention of 4 and 5 year olds plus make sure they learn. Kudos to Ms. Powers.

Berenecea and Oscar Eanes

Quirk-Silva, Sharon

Assemblywoman

It is my privilege to recognize our next honoree, Assemblywoman Sharon-Quirk Silva.  As many of you know, she was elected in 2012 to represent the 65^th   Assembly District - and Cal State Fullerton sits in the very heart of her district. Prior to joining the California State Legislature, she served on the Fullerton City Council since 2004, serving two terms as Mayor.  Her commitment to public service goes well beyond elected office as she spent her career working to make a difference in the lives of others.

Sharon was the first member of her family to graduate from college.  After attending Fullerton College and UCLA, she went on to receive her teaching credential from Cal State Fullerton.  She spent 27 years in the classroom - teaching 3^rd   and 4^th   graders right in here in Fullerton at Raymond Elementary. She knows first-hand the role teachers play in the lives of their students and understands how education can transform their lives, their families and their communities.

In addition, Sharon spearheaded the effort to create a countywide dialogue to address Orange County’s achievement gap.  In 2009, she chaired the inaugural summit at Cal State Fullerton.  Recognizing the importance of this countywide dialogue and the need to close the gap, subsequent summits followed at partnering educational institutions in Orange County.  Now in its fifth year, the summit will return to Cal State Fullerton on September 20^th.  Her understanding of the issues facing our underrepresented communities and the need to prepare an educated workforce served as a critical catalyst in addressing our county’s achievement gap.

As a lifelong educator, Sharon brings her experience in the classroom to elected office; she not only understands the issues, she has lived them. We are pleased to have a Titan representing us in Sacramento and working to make education a top priority.

Dr. Claire Cavallaro
Dean, College of Education

Renold, Dr. Carl

Professor, Human Services, CSUF

Dr. Carl Renold is a Professor of Human Services at CSUF who provides leadership and guidance around research methodology and integration of academic quality and rigor with professional expectations in the field. He is a leader in developing online graduate programs having written the proposal for an Online Master’s Degree in Gerontology at USC in 1999 and Northeast Louisiana University’s first course taught entirely via the Internet- Gerontology 575 (Research in Aging)-in Spring 1998. Dr. Renold is currently the Editor in Chief of the Association of Behavior and Social Sciences Journal. Students and faculty particularly appreciate his practical approach to research methodology and its application to their professional settings as well as his guidance and expertise in enhancing the scholarly and academic focus of the MSIDT program overall.

Dr. JoAnn Carter-Wells
Director, CSUF MS in Instructional Design and Technology Program

Riordan, Paul

Founder, Achievement Institute of Scientific Studies

Since retiring after 39 years as a teacher and administrator in the Santa Ana school system, Paul Riordan has developed and provided leadership for the Achievement Institute of Scientific Studies. AISS has developed partnerships between industry, business and academic institutions resulting in an increase in the number of inner city students of color pursuing careers in science, mathematics and technology. 

Jerome and Adleane Hunter

Rios, Elizabeth

Teacher, Rowland Unified School District  

Since 2008 Dr. Rosario Ordonez-Jasis (READ) has partnered with Rowland Unified School District on a developing and implementing a district-wide agenda to enhance the "cultural proficiency" of teachers in the district by mapping the community-based language and literacy resources of their school neighborhoods. In 2009 this priority was listed on their district-wide plan and approved by their elected school board.  Led by its Community Mapping Design Team - which includes George Herrera (Program Specialist), Elizabeth Rios (Teacher and alumnae of CSUF’s MS Reading Program), Laura Diaz (Teacher) and Dr. Gilbert Garcia (Board of Education member) - the district’s teachers, staff, parents, administrators, cabinet and school board members have dedicated themselves to improving the literacy achievement of ALL students K-12 through culturally/linguistically responsive and community-based literacy instruction.  Through the tireless commitment of the Community Mapping Design Team, the district has worked to promote a more positive engagement between families, communities, and schools with the goal of enhancing literacy and language learning for diverse RUSD students within in the home, community and classroom. 

CSUF Department of Reading Education

Sawyer, Randi

Instructional Aide

Randi is an educator with the special education preschool program in the Placentia-Yorba Linda USD. Randi's work ethic and care for her students and their families exemplifies the best in educational practices.

Nancy Bonsangue and Diana Rincon

Schools, William

VP, Sales and Marketing, Zinsser North America and Apricot Designs

Jim Schools is VP of Marketing, Sales and E-Learning for Zinsser USA and Apricot Designs (China). Jim is a leader on the faculty team who created the MSIDT Alumni Association - the first online alumni chapter at CSUF. He is a master of communication of the theory and practical application of instructional design melded with a wealth of international professional experience and expertise. Students especially resonate with his teaching style that incorporates rigorous expectations with support and scaffolding of curriculum and technical requirements. He brings special currency in the field such as project management along with mobile learning and applications to K-12 and corporate/business training.

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Dr. JoAnn Carter-Wells
Director, CSUF MS in Instructional Design and Technology Program

Smith, Jodene

First Grade Teacher

The challenges of teaching are a part of life to those who have taught in the classroom for many years. These challenges are becoming increasingly difficult and as educators, it takes skill, time, and patience to develop the teaching expertise needed to effectively improve student achievement. Jodene Smith has given many years of service as a devoted and passionate educator who has consistently gone beyond the call of duty to ensure student success.  Congratulations for your many years of service as a teacher, and for over 20 years of working with Teacher Created Materials as an editor, curriculum developer, and author.

Jodene Smith has been involved in education for over 20 years. She received a Bachelor’s degree, teaching credential, and Master’s degree from California State University Long Beach. Jodene has been a classroom teacher for ABC Unified School District for over 15 years with experience in teaching in several magnet schools. She has successfully written and received numerous grants for her school.  Jodene has worked closely with Teacher Created Materials for over 20 years to develop curriculum that translates current educational research into practical classroom lessons. She has worked extensively on over 100 titles as an author, editor, or project manager. 

Teacher Created Materials

Wilson, Shannon

Administrative Assistant, MSIDT, CSUF

Shannon Wilson is probably the most highly valued MSIDT team member by not only the faculty, but the legions of students with whom she has interacted as they move through the MSIDT program to reach their professional goal. She is willing to devote time to each student's needs to assist them in navigating the sometimes challenging campus environment.  She is highly valued and thanked by all of us for her practicality and wisdom along with the extra support that she provides for the educational development of the students in the program and as a key connection to the larger professional community. We especially thank her for her dedication and commitment as an integral MSIDT team member to assist us with the goals, projects and community events of the MSIDT program over all these years!

Dr. JoAnn Carter-Wells
Director, CSUF MS in Instructional Design and Technology Program

Worden, Mark

Web Multimedia Instructional Developer, Coastline College

Mark Worden is an Instructional Designer, Web Multimedia Designer and Technology Coordinator at Coastline College. He is the first elected VP of Program Liaisons for the MSIDT Alumni Association in a new university chartered position that provides key leadership with connecting the MSIDT faculty team with the alumni. Mark is an integral member of our program team who incorporates cutting-edge technology into the curriculum and assists with general program guidance and support especially related to the needs of students for alumni mentors as well as curriculum and technology refinement that matches expectations in the field.

Dr. JoAnn Carter-Wells
Director, CSUF MS in Instructional Design and Technology Program