February 12 at UCLA Lab School

Learning & The Brain Conference

February 13-15 in San Francisco

Curricular and Improvement Support Committee Leadership Symposium (CISC)

February 18- 20 in Monterey

Computer Using Educators (CUE) and California Association for Leading Innovation in Education (CALIE) Conference

March 18- 21 in Palm Springs

National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) Conference

April 15- 18 in Anaheim

UCLA Lab School Educator Day – CGI Math

April 12 at UCLA Lab School

Association of Two-Way & Dual Language Education (ATDLE) Conference

June 17- 19 in San Diego

Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) National Conference

June 28- 30 in Phoenix

NCTE-NCTM Joint Conference for Literacy and Mathematics

August 3- 5 in Charlotte

21^st Annual ART of TEACHING Conference

October 3 in Long Beach

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Annual Meeting

October 28- 31 in Denver

National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Convention

November 19- 22 in Philadelphia

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La Cosecha, November 11 -15 , 2025, reignited bilingual brilliance and collective hope for dual language education. It uplifted educators as instructional leaders and advocates, centering comunidad, cultura, translanguaging, and the powerful promise of biliteracy for every child. ���ֶ���Ƶ educators left with ready-to-use strategies, joyful ideas for elevating Spanish in content areas, and renewed orgullo in their dual language practice. They returned to their classrooms reenergized, connected to a wider comunidad, and inspired to keep opening doors for emerging bilinguals.

���ֶ���Ƶ Alumni Present at the National Council of Teachers of English 2025

This year’s National Council of Teachers of English Conference (NCTE) held in Denver from November 20 – 23 , 2025, brought together many ���ֶ���Ƶ alumni who used their conference grant stipends to join in the learning and celebration. Highlights included presentations by Erin Montoya, copresenting with Literacy Partners in Whittier City, and Lourdes Aguilar from Atwater, who shared her food stories work inspired by Nawal Qarooni. Edison Language Academy alumni Maribel Cachu-Rios, Rocio Naranjo, and Ruben Marquez continued to shine, as they extended their ���ֶ���Ƶ fellowship goals and Writing Project work from their classrooms.

California Mathematics Council South Conference 2025

���ֶ���Ƶ Fellows and Mentors joined hundreds of educators at the 66th Annual California Mathematics Council South Conference in Palm Springs from November 6 – 8 . Guided by the theme “Celebrating Curiosity and Creativity in Mathematics,” attendees learned from leading voices in math education, including Jo Boaler, Pam Harris, Rachel Lambert, and Peter Liljedahl. The conference also featured ���ֶ���Ƶ Alumna Suzanne Huerta, whose session, “Building Engagement Through Personalized Math,” highlighted inclusive, student-centered strategies that make math learning more meaningful.

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On July 30 and 31 , 2025, ���ֶ���Ƶ Mentors and Fellows came together at the Autry Museum in Los Angeles for a two-day professional��development seminar that turned history into a hands-on adventure. The workshop kicked off at the James R. Parks Library and Archives, where Cheryl Miller and Alejandra “Ale” Gaeta walked us through the meaning of primary and secondary sources, reminding us that every piece of history carries its own story and perspective. Educators had the rare chance to see artifacts like woven baskets and moccasins from Native American tribes, connecting directly with the stories behind them.

Day two brought practical strategies from ���ֶ���Ƶ alum Raul Almada (Whittier School District), who showed how historical documents and photos can spark curiosity and critical thinking in TK–6 classrooms.

The experience continued with an interactive museum tour led by Sara Wilson, Director f Education and Museum Learning, who used open-ended questions to draw out deeper insights from paintings, photographs, and historical objects.

The result? Our new and returning ���ֶ���Ƶ Mentors and Fellows left inspired, energized, and ready to help their students become history detectives.

��We’re excited to keep the momentum going this fall, when Raul will return to lead a Primary Sources Observation—another chance to bring the past to life in powerful new ways.

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First-Year ���ֶ���Ƶ Mentors

First-and-Second-Year ���ֶ���Ƶ Mentors

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The day highlighted what it means to grow as both teachers and learners. In morning sessions, participants explored their chosen content areas, while ���ֶ���Ƶ staff shared insights on coaching and the observation cycle—key tools for reflection and growth.

Before lunch, alumni panelists Corinne Mosqueda, Jillian Harris, Rhonda Barnes, Colleen Goree-Grant, and Lauren Carr spoke candidly about their ���ֶ���Ƶ experience. They offered wisdom about the challenges and rewards of the coaching cycle as well as how the fellowship supports powerful teaching. Their Q&A that followed gave new ���ֶ���Ƶ Mentors and Fellows a deeper look into the components of the ART of TEACHING program.

In the afternoon, author and educator Kristi Mraz spoke about the importance of seeing students as whole humans, not just learners. Drawing on her book Kids First from Day One, she reminded us that the heart of teaching is building trust, creating community, and centering classrooms around students’ voices and needs.

It was a day of inspiration and connection, setting the stage for two years of growth, collaboration, and putting kids first.

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What happens when you bring math into storytime? For Hayde Cervantes, an alumna ���ֶ���Ƶ Fellow at Edison Language Academy, the answer was joyful engagement.��After learning about Mathematizing Children’s Literature at the NCTE-NCTM conference, Hayde teamed up with her ���ֶ���Ƶ Mentor, Alma Williams, to put these ideas into practice.

Inspired by Karen Recinos’��dual language CGI training, where the book Paletero Man��was used as a translanguaging example, they tried the same approach with Hayde’s students. Starting with a Notice and Wonder activity, students observed a single picture from the story and turned their observations into math story problems.

The result? Students discovered that math can live inside their favorite stories, and loved every moment of it. Hayde and Alma encourage other teachers to give it a try: open a book, add a math lens, and watch students’ curiosity come alive.

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Among the standout moments was a compelling session led by ���ֶ���Ƶ alumna Imani Blackwell of Open Charter Magnet School, with her colleague Dr. Christina Lincoln-Moore. Their presentation, “Non-Traditional Polygons and Polyhedrons That Have Changed the World,” showcased a project-based approach to teaching math that artfully blends art, culture, literacy, and architecture/ Imani guided participants through hands-on explorations of architectural forms and cultural symbols, demonstrating how these elements can deepen students’ mathematical thinking and promote flexible problem-solving. She provided examples of her students’ work throughout the unit and created space for participants to interact and create as well. Her session not only highlighted the power of math as a tool for understanding the world but also exemplified the conference’s core mission: to celebrate interdisciplinary learning and elevate math education through cultural relevance and creativity.

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“This celebration of our culture and passion for various forms of performing arts personifies Baldwin Hills Elementary School,” shared Principal Dr. Angela Killens as she welcomed the audience with warmth and pride. “This is a decades-long tradition that has brought attention to Baldwin near and far.” That attention stretches from local and district-wide recognition all the way to the likes of R&B group New Edition and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Thanks to social media, the “Us Celebration” has reached millions and firmly placed Baldwin Hills on the map.

The roots of the event run deep. Former principal Ms. Polite recognized the talent and passion of beloved teacher Ms. Malinda Jackson, empowering her to bring the celebration to life. What began with a vision for honoring student voice through performance has since grown into a full-scale production that includes nearly every student and staff member, each sharing their unique gifts.

This year’s performance was no exception. From dance and song to spoken word and instrumental performances, the “Us Celebration” radiated with energy, pride, and authenticity. The commitment from staff, families, and students was palpable not just in the applause, but in the confidence and joy shining in the faces of those on stage.

The ���ֶ���Ƶ is proud to recognize the strong leadership of ���ֶ���Ƶ mentor Colleen Goree-Grant, who helped guide and support Baldwin Hills’ participating fellows and their students. The event is a testament to the school’s enduring belief in the power of community, and in making sure every child feels seen, heard, and celebrated.

At Baldwin Hills, performing arts are more than enrichment—they are a reflection of identity, heritage, and heart. Congratulations to the entire school community for a phenomenal performance. We can’t wait to see what the next “Us Celebration” brings!

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Teachers and students at Baldwin Hills Elementary School performed special dances for the 2025 Talent Show Celebration.

Dr. Angela Killens welcomed parents, guests, and the entire school community.

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���ֶ���Ƶ Mentor Colleen Goree-Grant pictured with her ���ֶ���Ƶ Fellows (from left to right):

Lauren Carr (4th grade), Jessica Barahona (TK), Kim Makin (2nd grade), and Koko Malepeai (1st grade).

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Hosted at the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library, the gathering brought together past Literacy Award winners, honorees, and affiliated programs from across the western region. The event provided a unique opportunity for participants to connect, share insights, and collaborate on addressing programmatic challenges. Attendees engaged in deep discussions, exchanged valuable tips, and forged stronger relationships within the Literacy Awards network and with the Library of Congress’ Affiliated Center for the Book. This event was a significant step in furthering community building and collaboration among literacy leaders in the region. For more information on the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, visit: .

Participants also heard from Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) Teacher Network members, who shared how educators can use Library of Congress digital collections to teach diverse topics such as civics, journalism, STEM, and ethnic studies. The TPS program supports a wide range of learners and communities, helping educators bring history to life with rich, authentic resources. To explore TPS classroom resources, visit .

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(Left to right) Judy Lee, James Santos, Carlen Le-Hessinger, Dr. Julie Graham, and Dr. Don Vu

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