On Saturday, August 16, new Cotsen Mentors and Fellows gathered for orientation and the start of an exciting two-year journey together. Educators from Ocean View School District, Walnut Valley Unified, Montebello Unified, Fullerton, Long Beach Unified, and Los Angeles Unified joined to learn, connect, and build community.to learn, connect, and build community.
The day highlighted what it means to grow as both teachers and learners. In morning sessions, participants explored their chosen content areas, while Cotsen 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 Cotsen 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 Cotsen 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.
