Over the past 20 years, the College of Education has become one of California’s top programs to prepare teachers and educational leaders.
The college has also forged strong partnerships with local and regional school districts and the community and championed educational equity.
Dean Lisa Kirtman, who has served in the position since 2016, reflected on the College of Education’s growth, achievements and transformative education at a 20th-anniversary celebration on Oct. 22.
“The college has always been committed to excellence in education with a deep connection to the community we serve,” said Kirtman, who joined the university in 2000 as a faculty member in elementary and bilingual education.
Kirtman said one significant milestone is this fall’s launch of the college’s first undergraduate program in urban learning for those aspiring to be elementary or special education teachers and community leaders.
“Our new undergraduate major focuses on social justice and was needed for the long-term health of the college,” she said. “This program is a testament to our commitment to creating a just, equitable and inclusive education system.”
Kirtman noted that over the past two decades, 12,678 individuals have completed the college’s credential programs for pre-K-12 teachers, 6,869 have earned master’s degrees in education, and 476 educators have earned a doctorate in education in educational leadership to serve at the P-12 and community college levels.
“These numbers are not just statistics; they represent the lives we have touched, the careers we have launched and the impact we have made in the field of education,” she said.
The college also offers six online graduate-level programs, including the university’s first online degree program in instructional design and technology, launched in 2002.
College’s Early Leaders Lauded
For their contributions and dedication to the college, Ashley L. Bishop, acting and founding dean, and Claire C. Cavallaro, the first dean, were recognized by their colleagues at the anniversary celebration.
Bishop stepped into the role of acting dean of the new College of Education in 2004, which became Cal State Fullerton’s eighth college, and served for two years.
After a nationwide search, Cavallaro, dean emeritus, assumed the position in 2006. She served for 10 years, taking the college to new heights, including leading the effort to establish the doctor of education program — one of the first, and now largest, in the California State University system.
Bishop recounted how the then School of Education, which formed in 1966-67 and focused on teacher preparation and credential programs, was ready to take a leadership role on campus and in the community as a college.
“Today, because of the leadership the College of Education has taken within the university and educational community, Cal State Fullerton has built a reputation for excellence in preparing teachers, specialists and school and district administrators for their professional responsibilities,” said Bishop, chair and professor emeritus of reading.
Supporting the Next Generation of Educators
In recognition of the milestone anniversary, Kirtman also announced the college’s goal of raising $100,000 to fund scholarships to support the next generation of educators.
“Raising funds for scholarships is not just a financial goal; it’s an investment in our future. Educators shape minds, inspire dreams and empower students to reach their full potential,” Kirtman said.
“By providing scholarships, we ensure that passionate individuals can pursue their calling in education, regardless of their financial circumstances.”
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union and Teacher Created Materials are providing matching scholarships. To donate, visit the anniversary giving website.
20-Year Milestones
Here is a glimpse of some of the college’s milestones over the past 20 years.
- In 2007, the college launched the Ed.D. P-12 concentration, followed by the community college concentration in 2008.
- The Center for Research on Educational Access and Leadership (C-REAL) and the SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Center for Creativity and Critical Thinking were established in 2008.
- In 2013, the SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Center for Careers in Teaching joined the College of Education. The center established the Men of Color in Education program in 2014 to improve teacher diversity in schools, followed by the Titan Future Teachers program in 2018.
- In 2014, the National Resource Center for Asian Languages (NRCAL) was established with a U.S. Department of Education grant to improve the teaching, learning and research of Asian languages.
- 242 grants totaling $38.7 million have been awarded to college faculty members over the past two decades to advance research, support innovative projects and enhance the ability to serve students and the community.
- More than 3,000 people are served in the community each year by the college’s centers and programs.
- 100% of the college’s programs focus on social justice, community partnerships and technology.
Visit the 20th-anniversary newsletter to learn more about the college’s faculty, staff and accomplishments.