September 27, 2023
Report urges public schools to do more to address racism
Educators and policymakers urged to positively address racism and its impact on learning and opportunity
September 17, 2023
U.S. News 2023 college rankings are out, and UCR surges
Once again, U.S. News & World Report has named UC Riverside the No. 2 university in the nation for social mobility. UCR also climbed 13 spots in the overall rankings, to No. 76 among the top 435 private and public universities.
September 11, 2023
Elite university admissions for athletes benefit white students
Special admissions for athletes, legacy students, and the children of faculty and dean’s choices greatly benefits white applicants, a UCR-led analysis shows.
August 24, 2023
Celebrating School of Education's 2023 Graduates
This year, we had over 330 students graduate from the School of Education. Of those students, 169 received theirs Bachelors, 101 received Master of Education (M.Ed.) plus Credentials, 29 received Master of Arts (M.A.), and 13 received their Doctoral (Ph.D.) Degrees. Below is a list of some of SOE's 2023 graduates, along with a few who received awards for their academic excellence this year. Sarai Palma Hernandez received her Bachelor's Degree in in Education, Society, and Human Development, with a concentration in Learning Behavioral Studies, and in Spanish with a concentration in Cultural
August 24, 2023
Ph.D. Dissertation Defense Round up: 2022-2023
The School of Education is proud to announce and celebrate our doctoral graduates who successfully defended their dissertations this academic year.
August 23, 2023
UCR professor’s work cited in Justice Sotomayor’s dissent
In this summer's landmark affirmative action case, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor used UCR education professor Uma Jayakumar's research in her dissent.
July 05, 2023
Q&A: What does the end of affirmative action mean for UCR?
Emily D. Engelschall, associate vice chancellor of enrollment services, offers insight.
July 03, 2023
Dean Spencer’s Keynote at A Black Education Network Institute
The 18th Summer Institute held by A Black Education Network (ABEN) focused on Pedagogies & Practices for Successfully Reaching African American Students. At the institute, 120 educators from throughout the country gathered to engage with, learn from, and share best practices with the nation’s most inspiring Black educators. This year’s institute included SOE’s Dean Joi Spencer as a keynote speaker. During Dean Spencer’s keynote address, she shared her insights on the importance of advancing Black education and empowering the next generation of leaders. She also went over hallmarks of Black
July 03, 2023
Offering Hope to the Next Generation of Education Students: Meet Zaira Jimenez, Ph.D.
Zaira Jimenez just graduated with a Ph.D. specializing in special education. While she now holds the highest possible academic degree a student can obtain, Zaira never imagined she would go to college at all. Like many students who grew up in low-funded schools, Zaira was never encouraged to pursue an education beyond high school. “My [high school] teacher recommended that as a Latina I should do something with my looks rather than continuing my education,” she said. While she didn’t have an encouraging support system, Zaira was determined to go to college. That persistence paid off and she
June 29, 2023
UCR remains staunchly committed to educating a diverse student body
University of California, Riverside, leaders and scholars have made the following statements in response to the 6-3 U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down the use of race, or affirmative action, in college and university admissions:
Kim A. Wilcox, UCR chancellor:
June 29, 2023
SOE's response to U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding affirmative action
We are dismayed by the recent Supreme Court ruling, which effectively ends race-conscious affirmative action in the United States. These recent decisions on two cases, Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. (SFFA) v. President and Fellows of Harvard and SFFA v. University of North Carolina set a stage for future educational policies, practices and mindsets and send a message that race and racism no longer impact the life-chances and outcomes of individuals and communities. As Californians, who have experienced the ill-effects of a 27-year ban on Affirmative Action, we are profoundly aware of the
June 28, 2023
California schools weak on civic education, report finds
UCR study finds that California public schools remain weak on civic education that is needed for an informed democracy
June 20, 2023
Professor Tara J. Yosso honored for lifetime achievements
Education professor Tara J. Yosso honored by the American Educational Research Association for her lifetime achievements.
May 26, 2023
First Scholarship Recipient Selected for New SOE Donor Endowed Fund
LaTysa Flowers-Jackson has been named as the inaugural recipient of a first-of-it's-kind endowed scholarship fund. This is the first endowed scholarship for SOE’s new undergraduate program, and LaTysa is the first recipient. LaTysa is an undergraduate student in the School of Education where she is working towards her degree in Education Society and Human Development with a concentration in Social Justice. She also works full time at the YMCA of San Diego as Association Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Director. Her background includes experience in special education advocacy, mental health
May 22, 2023
Fellowship supports probe of meritocracy ideology high schools
UCR School of Education professor Suneal Kolluri will probe the paradox of the meritocracy ideology in U.S. high schools with a fellowship from the Spencer Foundation recently awarded by the National Academy of Education
May 05, 2023
Alumni Honored With Excellence in Education Award
Nallely Arteaga, Ph.D. ‘20, Lesly Monsalve, M.A. ‘21, and Rachael Bedolla, M.A. were selected as the 2023 alumni award recipients
March 31, 2023
One of every six autistic children are expelled from daycare
University of California, Riverside, study found that 16% of autistic children of surveyed parents were expelled from daycares resulting in more problems for them in elementary school.
March 28, 2023
SOE Welcomes Dean Spencer
Over the past few months, the UCR community has warmly welcomed Dean Joi A. Spencer as its new Dean of the School of Education with a series of events: Dr. John and Kathy Allavie welcomed donors and community members to their home in Riverside, CA for an intimate gathering, and the School of Education held a welcome reception and book talk on campus where Dean Spencer discussed her recent book, "Anti-Black Racism at School: Creating Affirming Educational Spaces for African American Students" (Teachers College Press). The conversation was moderated by SOE Assistant Professor Alice Lee. View a
March 13, 2023
California study finds that growing political conflict hinders learning and increases hostility
A new analysis by researchers at UC Riverside and UCLA shows that even in blue state California, political attacks on public schools are pervasive and growing, hindering learning and the role schools play in a diverse democracy.
Political division and community-level conflict is negatively impacting student interactions, and many California students are experiencing hostility and intolerance in school. Troublingly, the research finds high levels of hostile comments toward LGBTQ students, and racist remarks targeting Latino, and in particular, African American students.
March 10, 2023
Education professor honored by national education research association
The American Educational Research Association, or AERA, has honored UC Riverside education professor Joseph Kahne as a 2023 AERA Fellow for his exceptional contributions to education research.
February 22, 2023
School of Education authors recognized for work to improve racial climate in teacher education programs
February 21, 2023
SOE at AERA 2023
Dozens of UCR School of Education faculty, students, and researchers will participate at this year’s annual American Educational Research Association, or AERA meeting. AERA is the largest national interdisciplinary research association devoted to the scientific study of education and learning. This year’s event will be held in-person from April 13-16 in Chicago. This year, Ted and Jo Dutton Presidential Professor for Education Policy and Politics Joseph Kahne has been named a 2023 AERA Fellow and will be inducted during a ceremony at the 2023 Annual Meeting in Chicago on April 14. The AERA
February 19, 2023
Meet SOE's Undergraduate Student Ambassadors
Ambassadors support the vision and spirit of SOE by collaborating with faculty and staff to provide engaging, informative, and personalized experiences for the community.
February 15, 2023
Education professor to be recognized for exposing inequities faced by teachers of color
February 13, 2023
Researcher honored for work in English language learner education
The James Irvine Foundation recognized Linda Navarrette as one of six change-makers in California.
February 13, 2023
Researcher honored for work in English language learner education
The James Irvine Foundation recognized Linda Navarrette as one of six change-makers in California.
February 07, 2023
UCR hosts 17th annual University of California Special Education, Disabilities, and Development Risk conference
Three UCR School of Education doctoral students served as co-chairs for this year’s annual University of California Special Education, Disabilities, and Development Risk conference, held at UCR.
January 23, 2023
School of Education dean works for equity in education
Joi Spencer, the new dean of the School of Education, comes to UC Riverside with deep ties to Inland Southern California and a mission to help the region realize greater educational equity in public education.
January 23, 2023
Five questions with....Dean Joi Spencer
Dean Joi A. Spencer shares advice for students, her desert island music, and a glimpse into what she does in her free time.
January 19, 2023
UCR professor receives grant to probe racial barriers in teacher education programs
Rita Kohli, an associate professor in the UCR School of Education, has received a $50,000 grant from the Chicago-based Spencer Foundation to probe the experiences of teacher educators of color as they navigate systemic racism in teacher education programs throughout the United States.
December 21, 2022
Culturally-informed mental health screenings improve student, school and community successes
As concerns about youth mental health, school shootings, and other forms of violence prompt more school systems to conduct mental health screenings, a UC Riverside-led analysis is urging school officials to proceed with deference to student family, cultural, and community backgrounds.
December 21, 2022
Culturally-informed mental health screenings improve student, school and community successes
As concerns about youth mental health, school shootings, and other forms of violence prompt more school systems to conduct mental health screenings, a UC Riverside-led analysis is urging school officials to proceed with deference to student family, cultural, and community backgrounds.
December 08, 2022
New article examines how young men respond to college readiness practices while enacting masculinity
Suneal Kolluri published a new article in Urban Education, “What Do I Need That For?”: The Misalignment of Masculinity and College Preparation in an Urban School.” Kolluri is an assistant professor in the Educational Policy and Leadership department in the UC Riverside School of Education. His scholarly work has been featured in the Review of Educational Research, Educational Researcher, and the Harvard Educational Review. Below is an abstract and link to the article. Abstract Young Black and Latino men face profound academic obstacles in transitioning to college. Few studies have interrogated
December 07, 2022
School of Education grad students, faculty member, alums win AAHHE fellowships
The American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education, or AAHHE, has honored two UCR School of Education graduate students, a faculty member, and two alums with 2022-23 fellowships.
November 29, 2022
Culture war battles at schools harm public education, UC report finds
Educators have sought to avoid controversy by pulling back on teaching lessons in civics, politics, and the history and experiences of America’s minority communities.
November 17, 2022
OASIS initiative provides $1.7 million for UCR research projects
UCR's Office of Research and Economic Development (RED) has announced over $1.7 million in competitive funding for faculty research projects through its Opportunity to Advance Sustainability Innovation and Social Inclusion initiative, known as OASIS. The projects range from probing the severity of COVID-19 infection in Riverside County, through sustainability and resilience in agriculture; to finding ways to mine lithium needed for electric car batteries from brine below the Salton Sea.
October 10, 2022
Meet UCR’s new faculty members
For fall quarter 2022, UC Riverside welcomed 34 new permanent faculty members from a variety of disciplines.
Learn more about the new faculty below:
College of Humanities Arts and Social Sciences
October 03, 2022
SOE welcomes three new faculty
Join us in welcoming three new faculty! José Del Real Viramontes, Ph.D. is an assistant professor in the Higher Education Administration and Policy program the School of Education at the University of California, Riverside. Prior to UCR, he was an assistant professor in the Higher Education/Community College Leadership program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Cultural Studies in Education from the University of Texas at Austin. As a former community college transfer student, his research explores the
October 03, 2022
Dr. Frances Valdovinos named Assistant Dean and Director of Teacher Education
Frances Valdovinos has been named Assistant Dean and Director of Teacher Education program at UCR’s School of Education (SOE). Valdovinos joined SOE in 2016 as a student academic advisor and was recently appointed assistant dean and director of teacher education, a role she served as interim for a year.
July 25, 2022
New program aims to increase Latinx students conducting environmental research
A $342,000 grant has allowed the expansion of a UC Berkeley program to UCR.
July 25, 2022
New dean of School of Education named
Joi Spencer has been named the dean of UC Riverside’s School of Education, effective Jan. 1, 2023.
Spencer is a professor of Mathematics Education at the University of San Diego, in the School of Leadership and Education Sciences, or SOLES. During 16 years at USD, Spencer has been associate dean and, most recently, interim dean of SOLES.
July 05, 2022
School of Education honors faculty, students, and staff
This year, in addition to the undergraduate awards, SOE established new awards that honor our exceptional graduate students, faculty, and staff. The recipients were honored at SOE’s Commencement reception at The Barn. Below is a full list of awards and honorees. Academic Excellence Award This award recognizes undergraduate students—one from each Education Concentration—who are selected by the Undergraduate Education Committee (based on faculty nominations) for achieving excellence in their academics, research, and community engagement or creative activity. Stephanie Zeng is a memorable leader
July 05, 2022
Highlander celebrates 10-year anniversary of DACA with FLOTUS
Ariana Aparicio Aguilar, a doctoral student in UCR's School of Education and a recipient of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, was recently invited with Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox to attend a 10-year DACA anniversary at the White House.
June 08, 2022
UC Riverside tests a reading comprehension intervention for students in the middle grades with autism spectrum disorder
The study will implement an evidence-based reading intervention program in Southern California and Central Texas
June 08, 2022
UC Riverside tests a reading comprehension intervention for students in the middle grades with autism spectrum disorder
The study will implement an evidence-based reading intervention program in Southern California and Central Texas
June 06, 2022
Graduate student selected to join John Smartt Summer Scholars Program
Join us in congratulating UCR graduate student Alexis Weatherspoon for being selected to the John Smartt Summer Scholars Program at The Rutgers Center for Minority Serving Institutions. The internship program is designed to give interested master's students the opportunity to receive professional experience, connect with scholars in the higher education field, and learn fundamental research skills in connection to equity and leadership. Interns will get a $1,500 stipend, the opportunity to do and publish research, academic mentoring, and administrative experience, among other things. This year
June 06, 2022
SOE donors and alumni create five new endowed scholarships to support student success
UC Riverside School of Education (SOE) is grateful to the following donors for helping create five new endowed scholarships. The new scholarships are part of UC Riverside’s student success fundraising initiative, Beyond Brilliant, which aims to raise $50 million over five years to broaden access to our world-class educational experience and provide additional resources for student-centered programming. Dr. Vera Machado Martinez Endowed Graduate Student Scholarship Fund, SOE’s first Beyond Brilliant initiative gift, will provide support for students in the School of Education who seek to become
May 26, 2022
American Council on Education awards fellowship to school psychology professor
Austin Johnson will join the 2022-23 class of ACE Fellows.
May 26, 2022
A drunk driver killed her parents. Now she’s graduating to honor them
Azalea Corral has a family photo that shows her three younger siblings and parents smiling together against a Santa Barbara countryside backdrop. It was taken on February 8, 2020 — the last time they would pose together for a photo.
The following day, both her parents succumbed to bodily injuries after a drunk driver struck them while they were out on their usual evening stroll in Goleta, a community about 12 miles west of Santa Barbara. Corral’s siblings were in the house; she was on a train back to Riverside.
May 16, 2022
Making a difference: SOE staff spotlight
The Inland Empire Alumni Network (IEAN) for the University of California, Riverside is a group of local UCR alumni who promote a sense of community throughout the Inland Empire. They host networking and programming events that enrich student experiences and also promote student-alumni interaction to establish relationships with other Highlanders. The IEAN for UCR takes part in many volunteer leadership and service projects to represent the Highlander community’s proud and lifelong commitment. Samantha Jobelius, SOE’s enrollment manager, is the current president of the IEAN for UCR and also