Teachers College of San Joaquin

Yesterday, we had the honor of celebrating four remarkable individuals whose dedication has helped shape Teachers College of San Joaquin into what it is today. On June 23, 2026, TCSJ President Girlie Hale recognized the following long-standing Governing Board members for their years of service to SJCOE and TCSJ:

✨ Dr. Dennis Brennan | TCSJ Board Trustee, 2015–2026
✨ Jane Chamberlain | TCSJ Governance Committee Member, 2014–2026
✨ Vernon Gebhardt | TCSJ Board Trustee, 2014–2026
✨ Anthony Gutierrez, J.D. | TCSJ Board Trustee, 2011–2026

Together, these four leaders contributed decades of wisdom, expertise, and unwavering commitment to our college and the students we serve. Their historical knowledge of TCSJ and their passion for educator preparation have left a lasting mark on our institution. While their presence on the board will be sorely missed, their legacy will continue to inspire everything we do. 💙

Thank you, Dr. Brennan, Ms. Chamberlain, Mr. Gebhardt, and Mr. Gutierrez from the entire TCSJ community!

🎟️ FREE EduGrowth Registration for TCSJ Faculty & Current Students!

We're excited to offer a limited-time opportunity for Teachers College of San Joaquin faculty members and current students to attend EduGrowth 2026 at no cost—a $50 value!

Join us for a full day of professional learning built around four core values:

🔹 Rigor
🔹 Relationships
🔹 Reflection
🔹 Relevance

Connect with education leaders and industry experts, engage in meaningful networking, and leave inspired with practical strategies you can apply immediately. Expect engaging sessions, interactive workshops, and opportunities to grow alongside fellow educators.

📅 Saturday, July 11, 2026
🕘 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
📍 Teachers College of San Joaquin, Stockton

🎫 Complimentary registration is available for a limited time while supplies last.

👉 Reserve your free ticket today: bit.ly/FreeEG26

🎉 Meet the Exhibitors of EduGrowth 2026! 🎉

One of the best parts of EduGrowth is discovering new resources, ideas, and partnerships that support educators and students. We're excited to welcome an outstanding group of exhibitors who will be joining us on July 11 at Teachers College of San Joaquin!

This year's exhibitors include:

✨ Blue: The Business of You
✨ ChalkWild, LLC
✨ Don Bott Teaches
✨ EduProtocols
✨ Go San Joaquin
✨ Jackson 3 Foundation
✨ Lakeshore Learning
✨ Learning Genie
✨ Retro Report
✨ Short Answer
✨ Snorkl
✨ Sound Pedagogy
✨ The DBQ Project
✨ Training Wheels / Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library
✨ UC Scout
✨ Under the Hat Podcast

Be sure to stop by throughout the day to explore innovative tools, classroom resources, professional learning opportunities, and community partnerships designed to support educators and learners.

📅 July 11, 2026
📍 Teachers College of San Joaquin
🔗 teacherscollegesj.edu/edugrowth

🎉 Congratulations to TCSJ alumnus Enrique Lopez on his new role as Director III of the Special Education (SPED) Department at San Joaquin County Office of Education!

Enrique's career in education reflects a deep commitment to serving students and supporting educators. From instructional assistant to teacher, coordinator, and now Director III, he has consistently led with a student-first mindset and a dedication to creating a culture of belonging, collaboration, and excellence.

We are proud to count Enrique among our TCSJ alumni. He earned both his Clear Administrative Credential and Moderate/Severe Education Specialist Credential through Teachers College of San Joaquin and continues to give back to the profession as a valued TCSJ faculty member.

We're also excited that Enrique will be presenting alongside Danielle McPherson at EduGrowth 2026, where they will share practical strategies for advancing inclusion and access for special education students on general education campuses.

Congratulations, Enrique! We look forward to seeing the continued impact of your leadership across San Joaquin County and beyond. 👏

🎓 Huge congratulations to Karen Abelar on successfully presenting her Master's Project this week!

Karen's research — "Coping with Characters: How SEL Training for Teachers Boosts Preschoolers' Coping Growth" — showed that puppetry-based social emotional learning (SEL) instruction helps Pre-K students build real, lasting social-emotional skills. 🎭✨

Her committee was impressed by the intentional professional development and curriculum she designed, and it's no surprise why. As a school site leader, Karen has already put her M.Ed. work into action, leading staff and supporting student success every step of the way.

This is what happens when a passionate educator turns research into real-world impact. Karen, we are proud of you! 👏🌟

🤖✨ EduGrowth 2026 Presenter Spotlight: Fred Cochran ✨🤖

Join us at EduGrowth 2026 for "LUDIA in Action: Designing for Every Learner with an AI Thought Partner" presented by Fred Cochran, Coordinator for Continuous Improvement and Support at the San Joaquin County Office of Education.

In this engaging session, participants will explore how AI can serve as a thought partner in designing learning experiences that are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the diverse needs of all students. Discover practical strategies for applying UDL principles while leveraging emerging technologies to remove barriers and increase opportunities for every learner to succeed.

With 27 years of experience as a teacher, instructional coach, site administrator, and adjunct instructor, Fred is a recognized leader in Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and inclusive educational practices. He serves as a UDL Implementation Specialist, co-facilitates the California UDL Coalition Network, and supports the California Coalition for Inclusive Learning (CCIL).

📅 Saturday, July 11, 2026
📍 Teachers College of San Joaquin
🎟️ Register today: teacherscollegesj.edu/edugrowth

🎉 Celebrating Our 2026 Scholarship Award Recipients! 🎉

Teachers College of San Joaquin was proud to recognize and celebrate our 2026 Scholarship Award recipients during this year's Scholarship Awards Celebration.

These outstanding educators have demonstrated dedication, perseverance, and a deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of students. Their passion for learning and service embodies the mission and values of TCSJ, and we are honored to support them on their educational journeys.

A special thank you to our generous scholarship benefactors, whose investment in educators helps make these opportunities possible. It was wonderful to bring recipients and benefactors together to celebrate these achievements and the impact they will have on schools and communities throughout our region.

Congratulations to our scholarship recipients:

🏆 Delta Kappa Gamma Scholarship
• Sabrina Gonzalez

🏆 Amy Dickens Taylor Memorial Scholarship
• Austin DeMello Threde
• Leann DeMello
• Anabel Garcia
• Sabrina Gonzalez

🏆 Gary & Kathy Dei Rossi Scholarship
• Hannah Aguirre
• Rebecca Rendon

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! We look forward to seeing the continued impact you will make as educators and leaders. 👏🍎

🎤✨ EduGrowth 2026 Presenter Spotlight: Jon Corippo ✨🎤

What happens when paper, technology, and artificial intelligence all compete for a place in the classroom? The answer starts with one thing: pedagogy.

Join us at EduGrowth 2026 for "EduProtocols. Paper, EdTech, or AI: Pedagogy Comes First" with Jon Corippo, co-creator of EduProtocols, global educator, author, and self-described EduRebel.

Known for challenging conventional thinking and helping educators maximize student engagement, Jon will share practical insights for making intentional instructional decisions in an era of rapidly evolving technology. This session centers on what matters most—effective teaching and learning.

Join educators from across the region for a day of inspiration, innovation, and professional growth at EduGrowth 2026.

📅 Saturday, July 11, 2026
📍 Teachers College of San Joaquin
🎟️ Register today: teacherscollegesj.edu/edugrowth

🎓 Congratulations to Rebekah Talavera on an incredible Master's Project presentation!

Rebekah presented her 6th–8th Grade ELD Supplemental Designated Curriculum — a thoughtfully researched, standards-aligned curriculum built with multilingual learners at the heart of every lesson. Her committee was blown away by the depth and care she brought to this work, weaving in culturally responsive and relevant topics that make learning truly engaging.

This isn't just a project. It is a resource that will make a real difference. Rebekah plans to implement her curriculum this Fall and is already looking ahead to leading professional development in her district to champion multilingual learners.

So proud of you, Rebekah! The students and educators lucky enough to benefit from your work are in for something special. 👏

🎮✨ EduGrowth 2026 Presenter Spotlight: Brian Briggs ✨🎮

Get ready to create, innovate, and engage with Brian Briggs at EduGrowth 2026!

📚 Session: Catch the Vibe: Building Your Own Classroom Games and Tools (No Coding Required)

As the Director of Technology for Washington Unified School District, Brian Briggs brings nearly 30 years of experience in education and a passion for helping educators harness technology in meaningful ways. A CITE Certified CTO, Google Certified Innovator, LEGO Education Ambassador, and co-host of the Check This Out Podcast podcast, Brian is dedicated to empowering students and educators as creators, not just consumers, of technology.

In this hands-on session, you'll discover how to design engaging classroom games and learning tools. Learn practical strategies to spark creativity, boost student engagement, and create customized learning experiences that align with your instructional goals.

🎓 Join us at EduGrowth 2026 and explore how creativity and technology can transform learning!

📅 Saturday, July 11, 2026
📍 Teachers College of San Joaquin
🎟️ Register today: https://teacherscollegesj.edu/edugrowth/