August 2015 Newsletter

Shakespeare Works when Shakespeare Plays

There’s still time to register for Shakespeare Works when Shakespeare Plays, the School of Education’s unique teacher professional development conference taking place at the Mondavi Center from September 4–6, 2015. We present this conference in partnership with Globe Education, Shakespeare’s Globe and Shakespeare’s Theatre Association, and the teaching faculty are drawn from some of the best practitioners in the United States and England. “You have inspired my return to the school year!” said one participant last year. Don’t miss out! Learn more and register today.

SCHOLARSHIP NEWS

Next Generation STEM Teaching Award Fund 

We’re pleased to announce that a pledge from Lydia Baskin and matching gift from Nancy and Tom Patten has endowed the Lydia and Ronald Baskin Family Scholarship Award, which will provide annual support to students in our teaching credential/MA program who are interested in teaching STEM subjects in elementary schools. 

Because of their commitment to STEM education, Nancy and Tom Patten have also pledged matching funds for gifts of all amounts to the Next Generation STEM Teaching Award Fund (a recently endowed scholarship fund for teaching credential/MA students interested in teaching STEM subjects in California public schools). Every gift made to the Fund is matched dollar for dollar. Make your gift today, and double this scholarship support! Contact Alison Morr at almorr@ucdavis.edu or (530) 754-7024.

SCHOOL AND FACULTY NEWS

Welcome to Assistant Professor Alexis Patterson

The School of Education welcomes our newest faculty member: Alexis Patterson, PhD, who joins us this fall as an Assistant Professor of Elementary Science Education. Her interests are in science education, urban education, small group work, and social-emotional intelligence. “The School of Education’s emphasis on diverse learners is so important to me,” said Alexis. “That’s the heart and crux of my research—better understanding diverse learners and increasing the pathways for them to science fields.” Read more…

Professors Cassandra Hart and Kevin Gee Receive Hellman Family Fellowships

The Hellman Family Foundation contributed funds to establish the UC Davis Hellman Fellows Program to provide support and encouragement for the research of promising Assistant Professors who exhibit potential for great distinction in their research, and who have documented a need for funding. Professors Cassandra Hart and Kevin Gee will be the Hellman Fellows for 2015-16. Their fellowships are intended to support research and creative activities that will promote career advancement and enhance their progress toward tenure.

New Associate Deans

The School of Education’s academic administration has expanded to include two associate deans. Paul Heckman is now the Associate Dean for Academic Personnel and Research, and will be primarily responsible for oversight and support of the senate faculty, clinical faculty, and other academic appointees in the School of Education. Cindy Passmore is now the Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Instruction. In this role, Cindy will be responsible for all academic programs in the School of Education, and will oversee and coordinate our academic programs, teaching assignments and scheduling, lead the development of any new academic programs, and support and collaborate with program directors.

New Associate Director of Annual and Special Funds

Sarah Harlan joined the School of Education in August as our Associate Director of Annual and Special Funds. Sarah’s primary responsibility is the strategic execution and management of the School’s annual giving program as well as other special fund projects, which will involve working closely with alumni, volunteers and local community partners. “I’m eager to dive into this role,” Sarah said. “I have a background in university development, so I understand the importance of annual giving and the support it provides faculty and students.”

ALUMNI NEWS

Lisa Bennett (M.A. 2008; Ph.D., 2013) was awarded two grants this year at CSU Fresno, where she is an Assistant Professor of Literacy. The first, a $230,000 Strategic Teacher Education Preparation (STEP) grant, was awarded by the CSU system and the Bechtel, Jr. Foundation to enable revisions to all CSU Fresno Liberal Studies courses to ensure students are ready to enter credential programs. The second grant, a $50,000 capacity building grant aimed at increasing future K-8 teachers of color, was selected by University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Minority Serving Institutions, and funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. This grant will allow revision of the courses in the California Mini-Corps Program to address new state standards and critically examine the issue of standardized testing acting as a barrier for students from migrant backgrounds.

Aman Dhanda (M.A. 2006) has been awarded a U.S. Department of Education Teaching Ambassador Fellowship. The U.S. Department of Education designed the Teaching Ambassador Fellowship to enable outstanding teachers to bring their classroom expertise to and expand their knowledge of the national dialogue about education. The Fellowship is designed to improve education for students by involving teachers in the development and implementation of national education policy. 

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION EVENTS

Shakespeare Works when Shakespeare Plays

September 4-6, 2015

A unique professional training opportunity for teachers. Invigorate your teaching! Register today while space is still available. 

UC Davis School of Education Fall Welcome
September 21, 2015 • 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Putah Creek Lodge

Join us for food and fun as we kick off the academic year and welcome our new students. All alumni, students, faculty, staff and family members are welcome to this free event. Register here.