Given the critical teacher shortage in the Coachella Valley, the UCR School of Education worked with leaders at UCR Palm Desert to add a cohort of students eager to earn their M.Ed. along with their CA teaching credentials.  Last night, in an emotional ceremony celebrating the success of both the program and its graduates, that first class of six students crossed the stage to receive their degrees.

The spirit of the evening was summed up by the words of Dr. Frances Valdovinos, Assistant Dean and Director of Teacher Education: “Whatever you do, give it 100%. Echelen ganas! Don’t let anyone tell you ‘No you can’t’ or get in the way of change.” All six students were given the opportunity to speak at the ceremony about their journey and thank their families, friends, professors and fellow students. Five stated they were first-generation college graduates and one identified as a proud Dreamer. Five students also completed their Bilingual Authorization which makes them much-needed dual language immersion teachers.

The 2024 UCR Palm Desert Teacher Education graduates are:

•    Vivian Araujo
•    Evelyn Marie Castro
•    Jennifer Guadalupe Gamboa Estrada
•    Areli Sinay Garcia Huerta
•    Liliana Marcelo
•    Zayra Zamora

The next cohort of UCR Palm Desert M.Ed. candidates begin class next week. Valdovinos stated “The goal is to keep adding more students each year and, ultimately, keep adding more teachers to the Coachella Valley.”

For more information, visit https://education.ucr.edu
For questions, contact soecomm@ucr.edu