Throughout her academic journey at the CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� School of Education, Bethany Morton has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments for her students, particularly children from marginalized backgrounds. 

A fourth-grade teacher at Colfax Elementary School, Morton has been selected as this year's outstanding STEM Education master’s graduate for the ways she thoughtfully questions how current practices and policies in math and science education are not yet serving minoritized youth and her support of colleagues and educators seeking more humanizing mathematics education experiences for students.

“Bethany draws upon her expertise in sociology by delving deeply into the history of the subject areas to theorize how they led to inequitable experiences for minoritized youth at a foundational level,” said award nominators and STEM Education Faculty David Webb and Melissa Braaten. “Bethany understands the constraints imposed upon her as a classroom teacher and factors that contribute to educational injustice.”

Morton’s capstone project investigated the presence of opportunities for mathematical reasoning and justifications in elementary classrooms, identifying areas for teacher collaboration and professional development to better support educators and student learning. 

Reflecting on her experiences at CU ����Vlog�ƽ��, Morton said she is grateful for the advocacy in education that was modeled by her professors and encourages new students to embrace authentic learning experiences. 

“During challenging times, several professors at CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� served as advocates for me, demonstrating the importance of supportive teachers who inspire, motivate and empower students,” she said. “As I have learned more about the complexities of the education system and issues of injustice and deficit perspective, my professors not only showed the importance of advocacy, but also showed me ways to be an advocate for teachers and students. 

“From improving my capacity to support students—socially, emotionally, and academically—to understanding what truly serves students’ needs, my experiences at CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� have equipped me to be an advocate for students and teachers.”

Following graduation, Morton plans to continue her advocacy as an elementary school teacher in Denver Public Schools, while also considering opportunities for leadership roles, further education and international teaching experiences, all driven by her passion for education and equity.

In her words

Please tell us a bit about yourself

  Although I was born in Colorado, I spent most of my life in Georgia. When it was time for college, I wanted to return to Colorado, and when I visited CU ����Vlog�ƽ��, I immediately knew it was where I wanted to be. While my goals and dreams have always centered around being an elementary school teacher, it was my undergraduate experience at CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� that strongly influenced my perspective on education and motivations as a future educator. While here, I was inspired to become a culturally responsive teacher, prioritize equity and passionately advocate for students' learning needs. When I finished my undergraduate degree at CU, I knew I wanted to continue in my education. Due to many impactful professors and things learned, I knew I wanted to stay at CU ����Vlog�ƽ��, a place where I could continue to grow as an educator.

What is one of the most significant lessons from your time at CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� that you’ll carry with you into the next chapter of your life?

  One of the most significant lessons I have taken away from being a student at CU ����Vlog�ƽ��, both through my undergraduate and graduate studies, is the importance of being an advocate for my students, myself, and others. My professors and coursework have shed light on the many inequalities embedded in our education system. Yet, they have also shown me the importance of advocacy.  

During challenging times, several professors at CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� served as advocates for me, demonstrating the importance of supportive teachers who inspire, motivate and empower students. Their mentorship also highlighted the significance of agency in effecting positive change. Furthermore, as I have learned more about the complexities of the education system and issues of injustice and deficit perspective, my professors not only showed the importance of advocacy but also showed me ways to be an advocate for teachers and students. From improving my capacity to support students—socially, emotionally, and academically—to understanding what truly serves students’ needs, my experiences at CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� have equipped me to be an advocate for students and teachers. 

What does graduating from CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� represent for you or your family/community?

  Personally, graduating with my master’s from CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� represents a commitment to being a lifelong learner and to continuing to work towards being the best teacher for my students’ and school community. 

What is your best piece of advice for incoming students?

  My advice for new students would be to fully embrace the authentic learning experiences offered within the School of Education. Throughout your coursework, you will encounter numerous opportunities to engage in meaningful and authentic learning experiences. Take advantage of these opportunities as they directly contribute to your growth as a future or current educator and can be used to make a real impact in education. 

What are your next steps after graduation?

  Following graduation, I will continue to be an elementary school teacher in the Denver Public School system, where I am a fourth-grade teacher at Colfax Elementary. Looking ahead, I have many different ideas such as moving into a leadership role, pursuing a PhD, and teaching abroad. However, regardless of the path, education will always be my passion and focus. 

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Yazmine Lynette Patiño is passionate about supporting first-generation college students as one herself. 

“I’m the first in my family to receive a bachelor's and now a master's degree, both of which I could not have accomplished without the unwavering support of my family” she said. “Graduating from CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� represents sacrifice, growth, and possibilities for myself and for my family.”

Patiño grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, but she was drawn to CU ����Vlog�ƽ��'s scenic location and the School of Education’s reputation for her master’s studies.

She has been selected as the 2024 Outstanding Master’s Graduate for Educational Foundations, Policy and Practice for her academic performance and her “diligence, thoughtfulness, and excellence in research” that she demonstrated in her classes as well as during her final capstone project. Patiño’s capstone project involved a thorough interviews exploring the experiences of staff members in pre-collegiate programs designed for first-generation and underrepresented students in higher education and it applied theories of community cultural wealth — centering students assets from their families, culture and experiences — and "acompañamiento” — the idea of learning alongside of students.

Patiño’s graduation is only the beginning. She hopes to continue working for the Colorado Department of Education or support first-generation students on college campuses.

In her words

Please tell us a bit about yourself

  I'm originally from the San Francisco Bay Area in California, and I moved to Colorado almost two years ago to attend CU ����Vlog�ƽ��. After graduating with my bachelor's, I knew I wanted to return to school for my master's but wasn't sure what I wanted to study or where. I've always had a love for education and learning and loved the idea of being a part of others' educational journeys. With that in mind, I chose to pursue a master's degree in education. Both the beautiful location and the great things I had heard about the School of Education at CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� drew me to apply for the master's in educational foundations, policy and practice.

What is one of the most significant lessons from your time at CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� that you’ll carry with you into the next chapter of your life?

  You, especially as a student, will never have enough hours in the day to read everything there is to read on a particular subject. And that's okay. It takes many, many years to become an expert, so as long as you continue to learn and read about the subjects that interest you, you will be okay. 

What does graduating from CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� represent for you or your family/community?

  Graduating from CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� represents sacrifice, growth, and possibilities for myself and for my family. I'm the first in my family to receive a bachelor's and now a master's degree, both of which I could not have accomplished without the unwavering support of my family, especially when I decided to move away from home to attend CU ����Vlog�ƽ��. Every educational milestone has also represented the possibilities that are out there for my younger siblings, who now have an older sister to help them through whatever educational pathway they choose to follow. 

What is your best piece of advice for incoming students?

  I would advise incoming students to make time in their schedule to meet with their professors and advisors at least once every semester. They have such a wealth of knowledge not only about the subjects they teach, but about academia in general that is worth tapping into. 

What are your next steps after graduation?

  After graduation, I hope to either continue working for the Colorado Department of Education or work on a college campus supporting first-generation students. 

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As a proud bilingual educator, Silvia Ortiz exemplifies excellence in teaching, leadership and advocacy for bilingual learners at her school and in her small rural district. Ortiz is a passionate advocate for her mostly Latinx bilingual students as an English Language Development Teacher at Hudson Elementary School in Weld RE-3 School District. 

As a member of the BUENO Center for Multicultural Education’s Northeast Teacher Cohort, Otriz was able to earn her Master’s Equity Bilingualism and Biliteracy from the CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� School of Education by attending courses close to home in Brighton and alongside 20 peer educators across three districts in the rural northeast region of Colorado.

Respected by her colleagues and revered in her community, Ortiz is also a strong bilingual writer and thinker. She completed her Teacher Inquiry Project, the culminating project and report for her master’s program, bilingually written in Spanish and English where she explored bilingual identities of her young Latinx students through linguistically and culturally responsive children’s literature. 

For her work as an exemplary educator and graduate student, Ortiz has been selected the 2024 Outstanding Graduate of the Master’s in Equity, Bilingualism and Biliteracy Program by the faculty in the BUENO Center. However, she has been a member of BUENO Center community since she participated first in the BUENO Career Ladder program in 2005, a partnership between CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� and Aims Community College, on her pathway to becoming a teacher. Engaging in the master’s program helped bring Ortiz’s career, education, and connections with CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� full circle.

In her own words

Please tell us a bit about yourself

  My journey to CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� is a unique one. I reside in the Brighton area and teach in a small town in Northeastern Colorado. During my undergraduate program, I had the privilege of participating in the BUENO program through the Career Ladder Program. This experience not only deepened my passion for educational equity but also paved the way for my decision to pursue my master’s degree through the BUENO program at CU ����Vlog�ƽ��. The opportunity to return to BUENO now as a graduate student was a clear sign that this was the right path for me."

What is one of the most significant lessons from your time at CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� that you’ll carry with you into the next chapter?

  I have always considered myself a lifelong learner, and my time at CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� has satiated my desire to explore new learning and revive my passion for equity for bilingual learners. The most profound and significant lesson I take away from my time at CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� is this: all of our students come to us with various gifts and talents. It is up to us, educators, to explore such gifts and talents and leverage them to inspire and nurture independent learners and thinkers. By disrupting injustices created by systemic oppression we give our students the opportunities to thrive."

What does graduating from CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� represent for you and/or your community?

  Graduating from CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� as a BUENO Center master’s student is a momentous achievement. CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� has always been at the forefront of educational equity and advocacy for bilingual students and communities. As a Latina, this accomplishment holds a special place in my heart. It is a testament to my dedication and the support I have received from my community. This honor will undoubtedly enrich my work with my brilliant bilingual students."

What is your best piece of advice for incoming students?

  I believe that one’s most remarkable ability is the ability to use metacognition. The ability to evaluate, monitor, and apply new teachings to our understanding is essential. A student with the caliber of being a critical thinker and having metacognitive awareness will find success in their endeavors."

What are your next steps after graduation?

  As a lifelong learner, I have enjoyed my time as a student. Now is the time to apply all of what I've learned. My graduate program was robust and rich, with mastery in the field of educational equity. Now is my time to discern how best to apply my newfound knowledge in my specific role. Furthermore, I would like to inspire other educators through my example and leadership."

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Haydn Crouse had several years of experience teaching in elementary schools and a solid undergraduate underpinning, when she realized she wanted to “become a better teacher for my students.”

Crouse, a kindergarten teacher in the St. Vrain School District, enrolled in the Literacy Education Master’s program a CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� to better support her students’ literacy education and grow as a teacher, and her experience in graduate school fulfilled that dream and more.

“This, coupled with the experiences I had as a child who struggled with reading, gave me a strong desire to attend a Literacy Education program, so I could learn, grow, and continue to become the best teacher I could be,” she said.

A reflective and thoughtful educator, Crouse is motivated to support striving readers, as she makes sense of her own trajectory and supports she received as a student herself.  

She draws from her professional development and graduate studies in culturally and linguistically diverse education and her master’s courses in literacy to build meaningful literacy communities for diverse readers. Throughout her coursework, Crouse’s assignments and interactions with colleagues showcased a commitment to asset-based literacy instruction, building from and honoring the cultural backgrounds in her classroom, her faculty nominators said. Many of her students come from different regions, countries, and linguistic backgrounds, starting school in the U.S. in Longmont. Crouse is able to translate research around evidence-based instruction into responsive literacy instruction, assessment, and feedback that accounts for the different strengths and areas of growth in her classroom community.  

In addition, Crouse engages in collaboration with colleagues as a thoughtful listener and peer coach, in ways that keep students as the focus. She often shares her own experiences as a learner and about how she is growing as an educator—integrating what she is learning in ways that impact her daily classroom teaching.

When she crosses the stage at graduation, Crouse will be the first person in her family to earn a master’s degree. She plans to use the tools and knowledge she gained through graduate school to make a positive impact in the lives of her students and their educational experiences. She hopes other teachers will follow in her footsteps and find a graduate program that complements their continual growth as teachers.

“As a teacher who is working towards their master’s degree, you are in the most incredible position possible,” she said. “You are able to take the research practices you are learning in your courses and apply them directly to your instruction as an educator. You will experience how these practices work in a classroom setting with immediate feedback and reflection, get to participate in case studies and action research that directly support you as an educator, and work through your questions in education using knowledgeable, kind, nonjudgmental professors and colleagues as a soundboard. Although teaching and receiving a master’s degree can, at times, feel overwhelming, I am so happy I applied myself in both areas simultaneously.”

In her own words

Please tell us a bit about yourself

  I am a fifth year kindergarten teacher who grew up in Louisville, Colorado surrounded by a family filled with love and support. For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a teacher. I cannot help but feel that being an educator is what I am meant to do and how I am meant to impact others in life.  My greatest aspiration when applying to and beginning the Curriculum and Instruction - Literacy Education program at the ����Vlog�ƽ�� was to become a better teacher for my students.
When I began this program, I was in my fourth year of teaching, first teaching 3rd grade for two years and then moving both states and grade levels to teach kindergarten. Although I believe I received an incredible education in my undergraduate program, I knew there was a lot more I could learn about how to support my students in literacy. This, coupled with the experiences I had as a child who struggled with reading, gave me a strong desire to attend a Literacy Education program so I could learn, grow, and continue to become the best teacher I could be. The ����Vlog�ƽ�� fit my desire to learn about educational literacy research-based practices while also having the opportunity to choose courses outside of the literacy education track that support my desires to become a well-rounded teacher. CU's continued advocacy for diversity and inclusion was also appealing to me, as I could keep these at the forefront of my learning and teaching throughout the program."

What is one of the lessons from your time at CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� that you’ll carry with you into the next chapter?

  Throughout my teaching career, I have always known that education is an ever-evolving field. My program at CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� has taught me the value in educating myself in research-based educational practices. Adopting new practices in teaching requires a balance between keeping an open mind while continuing to have a critical lens. CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� has provided me with the background, tools, and resources that allow me to continue learning and growing as an educator throughout and after my master’s program. This way, I can always be growing as an educator, while keeping the strong foundation I have learned through the Literacy Education program.”

What does graduating from CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� represent for you and/or your community?

  When I graduate from the ����Vlog�ƽ��, I will be the first person in my family to graduate with a masters degree. This is something I, and my family, take great pride in. Not only will I show pride for my family, but I will also show pride for my educational community, as I am bettering myself as an educator to support future generations of children. I plan to use the tools and knowledge I have acquired throughout my graduate program to make a positive impact in the lives of my students’ educational experiences. Graduating with a masters degree from the ����Vlog�ƽ�� means I have not only accomplished a great task but I have also obtained a great amount of knowledge that will support me in my goal to be a better teacher for my students.”

What is your best piece of advice for incoming students?

  My piece of advice for incoming students pertains to current teachers who are in the masters program specifically. As a teacher who is working towards their masters degree, you are in the most incredible position possible. You are able to take the research practices you are learning in your courses and apply them directly to your instruction as an educator. You will experience how these practices work in a classroom setting with immediate feedback and reflection, get to participate in case studies and action research that directly support you as an educator, and work through your questions in education using knowledgeable, kind, nonjudgemental professors and colleagues as a soundboard. Although teaching and receiving a masters degree can, at times, feel overwhelming, I am so happy I applied myself in both areas simultaneously. You can do it!”

What continues to drive your passion for your work after graduation?

  The excitement and passion I have gained surrounding the knowledge I received throughout my program will be a driving catalyst to continue my learning after graduation. I will teach my students with a wealth of knowledge on how to support students in literacy as well as other aspects of their education. My drive to uplift and encourage my students’ success will continue my passion for education after graduation. I am extremely grateful for the professors and instructors I have had the privilege to learn from throughout my time at the ����Vlog�ƽ��. I will forever be thankful for each and every person who has helped me learn and develop my knowledge during my program, and I promise to never stop learning and pushing myself as an educator.”

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Alex Boeding has been a thoughtful and engaged student in all of his School of Education master’s classes while navigating a busy life as a full-time teacher during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alex consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to the School of Education’s vision for justice and democracy and works to achieve that mission through his careful questions and contributions in class as well as his daily practices as a teacher​."

His academic work was consistently strong and immediately connected to his desire to improve his teaching and find ways to better support his students.

Boeding engaged in meaningful projects including analyzing his school’s employee handbook from a feminist and queer intersectional lens, a beautiful paper on the invisibility of Chicanx queer identities in Latinx educational spaces, and his capstone paper exploring LGBTQ teacher identity. 

In his capstone, he interviewed LGBTQ teachers and represented their words as found poems to explore how LGBTQ teachers understand and navigate coming out at work.

Boeding’s work in Educational Foundations Policy and Practice program builds on existing literature and extends it in ways that matter to classroom teachers, and these contributions are what led to his distinction as the 2022 Outstanding Educational Foundations, Policy & Practice Master’s Graduate.

“Alex consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to the School of Education’s vision for justice and democracy and works to achieve that mission through his careful questions and contributions in class as well as his daily practices as a teacher,” his nominators state. “Congratulations, Alex!”

In his own words

Please tell us a bit about yourself

  I live in Denver with my fiancé, and I currently work as a middle school teacher. I chose CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� because it had one of the strongest education policy programs, and it was still close to home!”

What is one of the lessons from your time at CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� that you’ll carry with you into the next chapter?

  One of my professors early on told us that 'learning should do something to you' and that is something I have held close to me, and will continue to hold close as I move to my next chapter.”

What does graduating from CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� represent for you and/or your community?

  My family is proud of my accomplishments.”

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Originally from Vietnam, Nancy (Nga) Hoang pursued a Master’s of Education degree in order to bring about change to the education system in her country. 

Hoang graduated from FTP University in Vietnam with a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering. In Vietnam, she was the first person to create computer science curricula and teach programming for children. She ran Kiddicode for two years and wanted to expand the model, but she had limited understanding of the teaching and learning methodology. Hoang decided to pursue a Master's in STEM Education in the CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� School of Education because of the program's renown reputation and to "gain more knowledge in the education field and be ready to bring more impact to Vietnam's education as well as STEM global fields." 

Education is not a trending major when students study aboard. However, there is no doubt about the huge impact of education on a country. I was a pioneer in Computer Science education in Vietnam. Now, I have more knowledge of the educational research-based. It will strengthen my work, and I can bring more impact to STEM education in Vietnam as well as in STEM global fields."

Hoang is a creative, enthusiastic, and passionate learner who strives for excellence in all that she does. Now, she’s been named 2022 Outstanding STEM Education Master’s Graduate. She views education as an important social lever for development and equity, which she argues is important in Vietnam to further their independence from a history of colonization. She is particularly interested in access to computational thinking. 

In her role as a research assistant, Hoang generously adds her computer science, curriculum design, and technical expertise to inquiryHub, a research-practice partnership based at CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� that’s engaged in research and development of materials, tools, and processes to promote equitable student learning of STEM.

As part of this research-practice partnership with Denver Public Schools, she supports the field testing of science materials. Hoang conducted multiple classroom observations and gathered video that is being used to support the design of professional development resources to support inquiryHub materials. These videos show teachers how to implement classroom routines and orchestrate discussions that are currently rare in science classrooms today, are difficult for teachers to learn, and are important for improving student outcomes in science. 

Her deep passion for education theory and practice was reflected in her academic work and in her interactions with colleagues and instructors.

In her own words 

Please tell us a bit about yourself

  I'm from Vietnam. My background is in Computer Science (CS). However, since I was a university student, I realized the importance of CS education in developing students' thinking and a serious lack of quality computer science education for K-12, especially in Vietnam. I spent two years as a software developer to gain more experience as an actual software engineer, but I maintained my interest in computer science education. In 2015, I started teaching programming to kids. I was the first person in Vietnam to create CS curricula and teaching programming for children in Vietnam. My first coding classes for children in Vietnam received much support from parents and students. Thus, I decided to open my academy to expand CS education in Vietnam. That is why Kiddicode - Tech Academy For Young Learners was founded. I ran this academy for two years, from January 2017 to December 2018, under CEO and Education & Training Manager roles. This academy is the first to introduce CS education to thousands of students in Vietnam. It revolutionized STEM education in Vietnam, especially in rural areas. It helped educate parents and educators about the importance of CS education in developing computational thinking for children. It also helped Vietnam, from a non-CS education country to the top nation in CS in Asia. After two years of running Kiddicode, I want to expand this model, but I have a limited understanding of the teaching and learning methodology from research-based perspectives. Thus, I decided to stop my work in Vietnam and pursue a Master's program to gain more knowledge in the education field and be ready to bring more impact to Vietnam's education as well as STEM global fields. I chose CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� because it is the No. 1 university in Colorado. School of Education also has a lot of interesting projects that advocate for modern STEM education.”

What is one of the lessons from your time at CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� that you’ll carry with you into the next chapter?

  Before taking part in the Master's program at CU ����Vlog�ƽ��, my goals were to learn more about learning science and learning theory to lead my research in developing CS curricula. And now, I think that I have achieved that goal and even more than that. I build my research skill a lot through doing my Master's degree at CU ����Vlog�ƽ��. I understand more about modern education frameworks and good teaching practices from research perspectives and have also seen them in real classrooms. I plan to apply for a Ph.D. program, so the experiences I gained at CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� are a strong foundation for me to continue the next chapter of my life.”

What does graduating from CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� represent for you and/or your community?

  It means a lot to my community. Education is not a trending major when students study aboard. However, there is no doubt about the huge impact of education on a country. I was a pioneer in Computer Science education in Vietnam. Now, I have more knowledge of the educational research-based. It will strengthen my work, and I can bring more impact to STEM education in Vietnam as well as in STEM global fields.”

What is your best piece of advice for incoming students?

  Most of the time during my Master's program is during in COVID time. I did not have much time to enjoy the campus and connect with many friends and faculty. So, now that COVID time is gone, I hope incoming students will have more time to enjoy the campus, be active, make more connections, and get the best out of their time at CU ����Vlog�ƽ��.”

What continues to drive your passion for your work after graduation?

  My capstone project is about the gap between Computational Thinking (CT) and Computer Science (CS) education. I am passionate about this topic. My capstone project also opens more questions for me about this topic. For example, I want to know how to connect CT in CS classes to other disciplines or daily lives; how to assess CT skills effectively. Thus, I think I will continue to pursue an academic career to continue to investigate these questions and contribute more to CS education.”

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Dedicated to building access and opportunity in higher education, Julia Chavarria is an excellent example of a scholar/practitioner who can quickly and deftly adapt knowledge she’s building from coursework in the Master’s in Higher Education program in the CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� School of Education to her professional work experiences and supports for students. 

Gratitude and appreciation of those who helped pave the way for me (drive my passion for this work). If I can be even half as helpful as my advisors and faculty members to my students, then I will be happy."

Chavarria is an Academic Advisor and Retention Specialist at Metro State University. She remembers working alongside my caring academic advisors while earning her Bachelor of Science in psychology at Colorado State University and that experience combined with background as a first-generation college student from rural Colorado, led her to a career paying forward in higher education.  

As a CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� graduate student, she created a capstone project that builds on her practicum experience with CU ����Vlog�ƽ��’s Student Support and Case Management Office. Chavarria reviewed the research on peer mentoring programs in order to inform the design of a new program at CU ����Vlog�ƽ��. Her project underscores how peer mentoring programs can build community, while also supporting student success, retention, and well-being. Her exemplary work and contributions to building a sense of community with her higher education colleagues and cohort are some of the reasons she’s been selected at the 2022 Outstanding Higher Education Master’s Graduate.

“Julia’s commitment to inclusion shines through all her interactions with other students, colleagues, and faculty,” her faculty nominators said. “Bright and kind, Julia supports fellow students, lifts up her colleagues’ ideas and creates community, both in and out of the classroom.”

In her own words

Please tell us a bit about yourself

  I am from a small town on the eastern plains of Colorado, named Strasburg, Colorado. I am a first-generation Latina woman who obtained a Bachelor of Science in psychology at Colorado State University. During my undergraduate years, I was working alongside my academic advisors and fell in love with higher education. I then worked in the mental health field for a few years and found myself missing higher education. I then decided to pursue a master's degree in higher education at the ����Vlog�ƽ��. I have loved every second of being in this program. Every professor has helped me learn to embrace who I am and take up the space I rightfully deserve in higher education. It has been so inspiring, and I cannot wait to make space in higher education for all people.”

What is one of the lessons from your time at CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� that you’ll carry with you into the next chapter?

  I had a fantastic professor, Scarlett Ponton de Dutton. She taught a small course, about 8 students, where we all talked and contributed to class discussions every single week for a semester. There was a great classmate that I got so excited to be partnered with. Ever since that class, I met my best friend! She has been such a blessing in my life and it is so exciting going through life with her, especially as we embark on our higher education career journey! Bonus points because Scarlett, my friend, and I all crochet!”

What does graduating from CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� represent for you and/or your community?

  Graduating for CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� is a HUGE deal for me and my family! I am a first-generation Latina student who has the most education credentials. I have a career. I have a salaried job. My parents worked so hard while my siblings and I were growing up. It is so amazing to showcase that my parents hard work and sacrifices were worthwhile.”

What is your best piece of advice for incoming students?

  Get prepared to grow at least ten times as a person. It is not an easy path, and you will feel discouraged often. However, take pride and celebrate the small things. Lean on your colleagues not only for support but also for laughs. Realize that you and your cohort are in this together! Realize that you are not alone and learn to share with your classmates and lean into the new experiences.”

What continues to drive your passion for your work after graduation?

  Gratitude and appreciation of those who helped pave the way for me. If I can be even half as helpful as my advisors and faculty members to my students, then I will be happy.”

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Just like many educators, Deidre Bergquist navigated the challenges of transitioning to remote learning with her students in 2020, her first year teaching first-grade after earning her bachelor of arts in psychology with a teaching license in elementary education from CU ����Vlog�ƽ��. Even with all the new hurdles that came with teaching during a pandemic, she started her master’s program in CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� School of Education in the Fall of 2020.

I am totally up for the challenge that comes with becoming a literacy leader. I absolutely love literacy and the learning that comes with it (being a primary teacher). I love seeing the growth students can make when they receive literacy instruction and I believe that every student deserves an excellent literacy education and a chance to learn how to read. I can’t wait to have a positive impact on my students and colleagues with everything I’ve gained from the Literacy Studies program at CU ����Vlog�ƽ��​."

Since her first semester, Bergquist strives to model lifelong learning for her students as part of her desire for her them to develop a love of learning and reading. Her passion for early literacy education and reaching her students where they are, the quality and care she puts into her lesson planning, and her thoughtful contributions to class discussions and assignments, and she has been named the 2022 Outstanding Literacy Studies Master’s Graduate.

Working with diverse student groups in the Adams 12 school district, Bergquist looks for ways to “take note of each of my students, notice what their background is, where they come from, so I can take action for them and help them develop empathy in a loving and welcoming environment.” Her vision for creating a community of literacy learners demonstrates her commitment to ensuring her students see themselves in the work that is taken up in her classroom, including the selection of responsive texts and instructional practices.  

As she completes her journey in the master’s program, Bergquist is stepping into her role as a literacy leader in her school, supporting her colleagues through thoughtful coaching, and sharing her own reflections as a teacher learner. 

“Deidre has so eloquently and courageously shared her own personal journey with her students and has reflected on how these experiences have allowed for expansive opportunities for learning and self-growth,” her faculty nominators said. “In her instruction, she has created humanizing and empathetic experiences that give students the space to be themselves.”

In her own words

Please tell us a bit about yourself

  I'm originally from Ft. Collins, Colorado, and I decided to come to ����Vlog�ƽ�� for my undergraduate degree because I was always in awe of the city and campus growing up. My time as an undergraduate lead me to education and I decided to pursue a career in teaching. When I finished my undergraduate degree, I knew I didn't want to be done with school. I knew that I wanted to further my learning in the education field and I promptly applied to graduate school at CU ����Vlog�ƽ��. Throughout my undergraduate education, I heard about the PIE (Partners in Education) program and how good of an experience it was. I figured I would apply to do PIE and get my masters degree so I could experience all aspects of the graduate program. My mindset throughout my time in the program shifted as I began to realize all of the different directions I could take my career in education. This program has opened my eyes to the idea of being a literacy leader and the various positions I can have as a literacy leader in and out of the classroom. Not only are there opportunities to be a literacy leader in schools, but there are also opportunities elsewhere.”

What is one of the lessons from your time at CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� that you’ll carry with you into the next chapter?

  CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� prepared me to be a literacy leader. With equity, justice, and diversity at the forefront of its program, I feel inspired to make a change within my community. I now see through a critical lens and feel empowered to challenge inequities that exist within education. This program has fostered my love for literacy and the need to be an advocate for each and every student through their literacy journey.”

What does graduating from CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� represent for you and/or your community?

  Graduating from CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� represents an experience of learning that I can take with me and apply throughout my career and life. It represents being someone who can go out into my community and fight for those who have been oppressed and marginalized, students who deserve an equitable and accessible education.”

What is your best piece of advice for incoming students?

  My advice would be to embrace every aspect of CU and all that it has to offer. There is groundbreaking work going on and it's a great feeling to be a part of it. There are many amazing programs and resources for the community to get involved in and everyone is so supportive. I would also say, lean on your cohort and classmates for support, the work we do isn't easy and it's reassuring to be around people that are in similar situations.”

What continues to drive your passion for your work after graduation?

  After graduation, I plan to continue my work as an educator that strives towards creating equity and inclusion for all learners. This work has really opened my eyes to the inequalities that exist within in education and I hope to make strides as a literacy leader to create a positive impact on literacy and ensure that education is accessible to all learners. I am totally up for the challenge that comes with becoming a literacy leader. I absolutely love literacy and the learning that comes with it (being a primary teacher). I love seeing the growth students can make when they receive literacy instruction and I believe that every student deserves an excellent literacy education and a chance to learn how to read. I can’t wait to have a positive impact on my students and colleagues with everything I’ve gained from the Literacy Studies program at CU ����Vlog�ƽ��.”

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Douglas Watkins already had a busy and fulfilling career and family life, when he enrolled in the master’s program in the CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� School of Education to deepen his grounding in learning sciences. With a newly minted master's degree, Watkins hopes to inspire his young son.

Watkins is the secondary science curriculum coordinator with Denver Public Schools, and now the 2022 Outstanding Learning Sciences and Human Development Master’s Graduate. 

Since coming to CU ����Vlog�ƽ��, Watkins has pursued coursework across both the Learning Sciences and Human Development program and STEM education program area to deepen his understanding of learning theory and curriculum and assessment in science. 

As an older graduate student, with a full life already and young son, making the time to fit school work in with my 'normal' job and family commitments was tough. So, for me personally, I feel a great sense of accomplishment. I hope it means a lot for my son, too. I hope he is motivated to pursue advanced degrees in his life and can reflect back on how he saw me doing it so he knows he can do it, too."

 He has continued to be a strong partner to CU ����Vlog�ƽ��’s inquiryHub, a research-practice partnership between CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� researchers and science education leaders that develops materials, tools, and processes to promote equitable student learning of STEM. Watkins is not just as a co-designer of curriculum and professional development but also a co-researcher for the inquiryHub.

As a student, he has contributed to two published manuscripts and one published on the partnership’s innovative assessment work, “Assessment to promote equity and epistemic justice: A use-case of a research-practice partnership in science education” in the Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science with Distinguished Professor Bill Penuel. 

“Douglas always brings thoughtful questions and infectious enthusiasm to his work; he is most deserving of this award.”

In his own words

Please tell us a bit about yourself

  I was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada and moved to the Denver area after my son was born. I joined Denver Public Schools (DPS) as a teacher and then moved into an administrative position as a science curriculum specialist. After working for about a year within the Research Practice Partnership already in place between CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� and DPS, I came to really appreciate what the research side of the partnership had to offer to help move the education system forward. It was that appreciation that prompted me to pursue coursework at ����Vlog�ƽ��, specifically within the Learning Sciences program. Tammy Sumner, Katie VanHorne, and Bill Penuel were really instrumental in convincing me of the utility in such a pursuit.”

What is one of the lessons from your time at CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� that you’ll carry with you into the next chapter?

  Learning alongside and with Bill Penuel will always rank high. I'm incredibly fortunate to have had his mentorship and scholarly advice. But I think what has changed the way I see the world is the first course I took at ����Vlog�ƽ��: Education and Sociolinguistics with Dr. Mileidis Gort. She opened my eyes to the ways language and languaging can and are used to influence cultures or disadvantage peoples and cultures. The reason I came back to school and pursued this degree was to support me with being better at my curriculum coordinator job in DPS. I think the impression Dr. Gort left on me, and my new appreciation for sociolinguistics, have helped me as much or more than anything else.”

What does graduating from CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� represent for you and/or your community?

  Graduating with a graduate degree from CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� means a lot for me, personally, as it was a challenging time in my life to have gone back to school. As an older graduate student, with a full life already and young son, making the time to fit school work in with my 'normal' job and family commitments was tough. So, for me personally, I feel a great sense of accomplishment. I hope it means a lot for my son, too. I hope he is motivated to pursue advanced degrees in his life and can reflect back on how he saw me doing it so he knows he can do it, too.”

What is your best piece of advice for incoming students?

  My success in the graduate program came from two places: desire and support. For incoming students, I'd advise them to be sure they are motivated and passionate about what they are studying. If those aren't there, then I'd suggest changing studies. Additionally, I'd advise students to lean on their advisors if times get tough. I saw so many of my collegiate peers work with amazing advisors to figure out paths forward so many times over the four years it took me to complete this degree. CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� advisor, especially in the SOE, are amazingly supportive.”

What continues to drive your passion for your work after graduation?

  I was passionate about my work before coming back to school. I feel I'm super prepared to continue exploring the new research, as it is communicated, in order to keep doing the best I can within the DPS system.”

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Lauren Gaona’s students are often her best teachers. After teaching in Thailand, her Thai students taught her the true essence of being a teacher is about building trusting relationships and creating a space for everybody to bring their whole, authentic selves into the classroom.

As a teacher, it’s ok to admit what you do not know. I work to build organic relationships with students and make space for them to showcase their expertise in the classroom. This also helps position the classroom as a place where everybody has something to learn from one another.”

That experience also taught her that she wanted to enroll in graduate school to earn a master’s degree and teacher licensure. Gaona applied to the CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� School of Education because the school’s values mirrored hers.

“I chose to attend CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� for my master’s because the School of Education’s strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusivity in education aligned with my own vision for what teaching and learning should be,” she said. “I learned here that the pursuit of teaching for equity and social justice will require an enduring open-mindedness throughout my career. I am grateful to my professors in CU Teach for supporting me as a lifelong learner.”

Gaona’s mentor teachers recognized her for her commitments to promoting social justice and remaining inspired and engaged, despite constant change and the challenges of teaching both hybrid and virtually during an unusual school year that was disrupted by a global pandemic. 

“My student teaching semester was an experience I’ll never forget,” she said “In the face of immense adversity during online learning and throughout the pandemic, my students taught me the true meaning of resilience and determination."

“Despite being physically separated online, we built relationships and created a sense of classroom community that reframed my view of what is possible with online education.”

Through it all, Gaona prioritized her students and recognized their unique potential. At the beginning of the semester, she wrote and mailed notes home to parents about the amazing things their children were doing in her classroom, a practice she continued throughout the semester. She also recognized it was OK to be herself and approach teaching and learning with humility.

“As a teacher, it’s ok to admit what you do not know,” she said. “I work to build organic relationships with students and make space for them to showcase their expertise in the classroom. This also helps position the classroom as a place where everybody has something to learn from one another.”

Throughout her time in the classroom — whether it be a CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� or in a K-12 school or an international locale — she realized that students and communities have many unique things to teach teachers. 

“Working with young people is what drives my passion for teaching — building relationships, learning from them, helping them grow, and providing a context where curiosity can flourish,” she said. “I am so excited to get to know my students and to work with them to create a science learning community that is accessible, relevant, and inclusive for all people. 

“Part of my vision is to broaden what counts as participation in science, so that all students feel they belong as powerful doers of science — inside and outside of the classroom.”

One of Lauren’s greatest lessons:

My student teaching semester was an experience I’ll never forget. In the face of immense adversity during online learning and throughout the pandemic, my students taught me the true meaning of resilience and determination. Despite being physically separated online, we built relationships and created a sense of classroom community that reframed my view of what is possible with online education. My mentor teacher, Kristin McLaurin, exemplified what it means to learn about and support the unique needs of each individual student — she is the kind of mentor I hope to be for my own students in the future."

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