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As we kick off a new semester, we’re excited to reconnect and support you on your journey. Whether you're returning or just beginning your time at Lurie College, this semester is full of opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact.
As may have read, Dean Heather Lattimer will soon be departing the Connie L. Lurie College of Education to embrace an exciting new role as the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Cal State LA. During her tenure, Dean Lattimer has been a catalyst for advancing transformative student programs and opportunities, championing inclusive education, fostering community engagement, and driving interdisciplinary collaboration. Her visionary leadership has left an indelible mark on our college, inspiring students, faculty, and staff alike. Her impact will undoubtedly continue to resonate within our community for years to come.
In this edition, you’ll find a welcome video from Lurie leadership, a reflection from Dean Lattimer on her time with Lurie College, exciting career center opportunities, and upcoming campus and community events to keep you engaged. Be sure to stay connected by following us on your favorite social media platforms to explore ways to get involved and make the most of your experience!
Here’s to a great start to Spring '25!
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RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS IMPACTED
BY L.A. WILDFIRES
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- SJSU Cares is available at sjsu.edu/sjsucares for any students that are experiencing an unforeseen economic need.
- Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) offer a safe and supportive environment for students to explore their feelings, develop coping strategies and foster personal growth. CAPS can support students in navigating this situation with services that include brief individual therapy, couples and group counseling, and referral to additional services. CAPS also provides Same Day Services to address students' most immediate concerns on a drop-in basis. Please call (408) 924-5678 or visit us at sjsu.edu/wellness. If you are facing an emergency after hours, please encourage visit this link for important resources.
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- For community-based support, Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network (MALAN) is maintaining a list of resources available to those affected by the recent fires. The link includes up-to-date resources for free items, animal boarding, shelter, distribution hubs, and other services: January 2025 Fire and Wind Storm Resource Library.
- Learning strategies to cope with stress can be an important way to deal with difficult situations. The Well-being @ SJSU website and the Mindful Steps System offers a range of resources and services to help students build their capacity to manage stress.
- Students from the Los Angeles County, please to take moment to update your contact information, especially with a current cell number, so the University may have a way to contact you regarding fire related impacts to your academic journey.
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ADDITIONAL CAMPUS RESOURCES
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IN HER WORDS:
REFLECTING WITH DEAN LATTIMER
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As we bid farewell to Dean Heather Lattimer, who is embarking on an exciting new opportunity, we reflect on the transformative leadership and unwavering commitment she has brought to the Connie L. Lurie College of Education. In the interview below, Dean Lattimer shares some reflections on her time with us, her vision for the future, and hopes for the continued growth of our college community.
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What are you most proud of accomplishing during your time as dean?
Heather Lattimer (HL): We built a fantastic community! It’s been wonderful to witness the pride and commitment of our students, faculty, and staff. There’s a common sense of purpose as we seek to make a positive impact in the region and in our academic fields.
How has the college evolved under your leadership?
(HL): We’ve grown new programs, strengthened enrollments, increased the diversity among our students, faculty, and staff, and elevated the profile of the college so that we are now recognized as a leader in the CSU and nationally. These changes are the result of a shared commitment to living our values and I am confident they will continue well beyond my tenure.
Do you have a memorable moment or milestone you would like to share?
(HL): Commencement is always meaningful and it was particularly special when the first group of our BAIS students graduated. They had started the program in the height of the pandemic and many had never met in person. All were mid-career education professionals, many of whom had struggled to find a path to a college degree through traditional programs. They joy that the graduates and their families embodied when they came together to celebrate was truly magical.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of serving as dean?
(HL): The people! Lurie College has amazing students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners. It has been such an honor to be able to experience the strengths, support the dreams, imagine possibilities together, and amplify the successes of the individuals who call this college home.
What do you envision for the future of the college?
(HL): I am incredibly confident in the future of Lurie College. This college is home to smart, dedicated, passionate, resilient, equity-focused, justice driven leaders who are making a tremendous impact in our region. I am 100% certain that the college will continue to grow and thrive. I look forward to celebrating from afar as the college continues to lead the way nationally and internationally.
What changes can the Lurie College community expect to see for the Spring '25 semester?
(HL): After consulting with faculty and staff at the start of the Spring semester, Provost Del Casino will appoint an interim dean. The interim dean and I will then work closely together to ensure a smooth transition in leadership. The provost is also planning to launch a search for a permanent dean this spring with the goal of hiring a new dean to begin in Fall 2025. I hope that the whole community - students, faculty, staff, and community partners - will participate in the search process. Your input will be vital to ensure a successful search.
What are your hopes for how the Lurie College community navigates this transition?
(HL): Our community is strong and resilient! Together we navigated through COVID, state budget crises, and university leadership changes. And during those periods of change, we managed to grow stronger, leaning into our strategic plan and core mission. I’m confident that as long as you continue to collaborate and lift one another up, the community will continue to thrive.
Can we look forward to seeing you at future Lurie College events?
(HL): I’m here through Feb. 28 and am excited to continue to be part of the day-to-day life of the college. After March 1, I’ll step into a new role and the college will have new leadership - initially with an interim dean and then with a permanent dean. It will be important for these new leaders to have the freedom to engage with the community and guide the college without having a former leader hanging around. But if there are ever retrospective style events - or if individuals want to share family news or individual achievements - I’d love to hear from you! It is always an honor to celebrate your achievements and joys!
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LURIE COLLEGE HARDSHIP FUND
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What is the Hardship Fund?
The Connie L. Lurie College of Education was established to help students with emergency financial need. Thanks to the generosity of other students, staff, faculty, and the community, Lurie College is able to provide this grant to support its students who have experienced an unforeseen financial hardship that will prevent them from continuing their enrollment at Lurie College and SJSU.
Since July 2019, the College has processed 190 awards for a total of $91,784. The awards had been fairly evenly split between undergraduate and graduate recipients.
Recipient Testimonial
"I am very grateful to have received the Hardship Grant! Because of the funding, the cost of gas for my internship has been covered which is really helpful for me. I'm really grateful that the Hardship Grant exists because it increases the equity for students who are financially insecure. Thank you so much to the committee and donors!"
-Graduate Student, Speech Language Pathology Program
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SJSU Grad Slam 2025 Applications are now OPEN!
Apply to SJSU Grad Slam 2025! All enrolled master’s and doctoral students from any program or field are encouraged to apply.
The application deadline is February 14, 2025.
Application Instructions
- Before you submit your application, please take a moment to read the Student Application Instructions. We are using InfoReady for the submission process this year, which may be new to you.
- Once you have read the instructions, please submit your application by using this link.
Why Should you Participate?
- Sharpen your communication skills and gain confidence as a presenter.
- Showcase your groundbreaking research to a wider audience.
- Win cash prizes and bragging rights!
- Receive expert guidance through curated presentation workshops.
- Gain invaluable experience for your future career
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EDD LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
DISSERTATION DEFENSE
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Name: Mariana Alvarez
Dissertation Title: CULTURA Y CORAZÓN: LATINA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS LEADING SCHOOLS
Brief Description of Research: This is a qualitative participatory study that highlighted the experiences of Latina elementary school principals on their pathway to the principalship and how they use cultural intuition and community cultural wealth to influence their approach to school leadership.
Dissertation Committee Members: Chair - Dr. Rebeca Burciaga Faculty Member - Dr. Veneice Guillory-Lacy Outside Member - Dr. Norma Martinez-Palmer
Date: January 31, 2024
Time: 10:00 am- 12:00 pm
Location: Zoom (Available at https://sjsu.zoom.us/j/82968038155)
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Happy New Year from the Career Center! With the start of a new year, it's a great time to set your career goals and plan for what’s ahead. Whether you’re looking to polish your resume, get guidance on navigating the job market, or gain experience—we’re here to support you. Join upcoming webinars and events designed to help you succeed. Let’s make 2025 a year of growth and achievement!
Identify Activities You Want to Try in the New Year Use our Build Experience Resources (page 9 of our Build Experience Guide).
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EXPLORE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
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Learn of the latest opportunities shared from the Office of Field Experience! Use the link below to see what awaits you.
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Check out the LCoE Job Folder to learn of additional opportunities. Be sure to save the link below to explore various job listings.
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Shout out to Saili Kulkarni, PhD. Associate Professor in Department of Special Education on being selected from a highly competitive pool of over applicants from 15 CSU campuses to serve as a CTEPP Equity Leaders Fellow for Spring Semester 2025!
Congratulations to Sandra Zuniga Ruiz, PhD. Assistant Professor from our Teacher Education Department on receiving the 2025 Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE) Dissertation Award!
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Discover how the Connie L. Lurie College of Education is shaping the future of education and community engagement! Our latest impact report highlights groundbreaking achievements, including faculty innovations, student success stories, and transformative programs. From impactful new initiatives to fostering inclusive leadership, the report showcases the vibrant community we’ve built together.
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Explore the 2023-2024 digital report today!
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LURIE COLLEGE IN THE SJSU NEWSCENTER
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Shelving Doubt: Essy Barroso-Ramirez Tackles Imposter Phenomenon for First-Generation Scholars
EdD Cohort 11 Student,
Essy Barroso-Ramirez dives deep with University writer Julia Halprin Jackson
on her recently published article “
Imposter phenomenon as a first gen scholar
” in a journal and digital platform for women of color in librarianship.
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Early Childhood Education: The Ultimate Investment
University writer Julia Halprin Jackson recently had a chance to talk with lifelong supporter of early childhood education, Becky Morgan. Take a moment to read the Newsroom story today.
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Lurie College Awarded the Christa McAuliffe Excellence in Teacher Education
The American Association of State Colleges and Universities recognizes the Connie L. Lurie College of Education for diversifying the pipeline within the education workforce, addressing a long-existing disparity in the community.
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“Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life, because you become what you believe”
- Oprah Winfrey
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