Category Archives: Public

  At Hermosa Drive Elementary in Fullerton School District, math class is no longer a dreaded subject—it’s a celebration of creativity and fun. Inspired by a workshop on joyful learning, Cotsen mentor Kyle Ruiz and her fellows have revolutionized the school’s approach to mathematics education. From googly-eyed staplers to vibrant murals, the school environment now […]

The fall 2024 edition of our newsletter, Cotsen Connect, explores several professional growth opportunities that our Foundation was honored to provide to hundreds of current and alumni educators over the summer and early fall. It also highlights a few upcoming events that we hope many of you will attend. As I reflected on these opportunities, […]

The 19th Annual ART of TEACHING Conference brought together more than 500 educators at the Long Beach Convention Center on September 14th. The Conference drew together a stellar group of presenters who inspired attendees with their diverse perspectives on education, equity, and literacy. Keynote Speaker Dr. Carla Shalaby delivered a thought-provoking address on education as […]

We are thrilled to announce that on August 1st, 2024, the United States Library of Congress in Washington D.C. selected the Cotsen Foundation as a 2024 Library of Congress Literacy Awards Program Successful Practice Honoree. The Foundation received a prestigious $10,000 award in recognition of its outstanding work in promoting literacy through innovative and effective […]

With 26 years of experience in education, Sean Lindsay continues to make a profound impact on the Cotsen community. A former teacher at Alvarado Elementary School, Sean spent 16 years inspiring students, serving as a Cotsen mentor for four of those years. During his time at Alvarado, he founded the Writing institute that eventually led […]

 Imagine being seven years old arriving at school 30 minutes late and being sternly told, “You’re late,” while another adult admonishes, “You need to be on time!” Then your teacher repeats that. You are seven and have no control over when you arrive at school, but you are made to feel awful before your day […]