Judy Johnson, Executive Director of the Cotsen Foundation for the ART of TEACHING, to Retire

Dr. Johnson, the founding executive director, has led the program for more than a decade and has overseen the growth of its efforts to help teachers deepen their knowledge and improve their skills as they seek to achieve excellence in teaching.  Since its inception in 2001, the ART of TEACHING, which offers talented teachers a two-year fellowship and links them with mentors and other learning resources, has engaged more than 625 teachers in 100 schools across 20 school districts in the pursuit of teaching excellence.  In the last 12 years, the foundation has given over $20 million in support of teachers from Irvine to San Jose.

“Judy’s deep belief in the promise and talent of teachers and her commitment to helping them to get the opportunities and ongoing support they need to truly master the art of teaching has been the guiding force of our effort,” said Lloyd Cotsen.  “Her thoughtfulness and understanding have provided our organization with a rare level of insight into the needs of teachers.  In the process she has made a huge difference in their lives and established a strong foundation for our continuing work to help teachers achieve teaching excellence.”

Cathy Nguyen, Cotsen alumna (’05) and teacher at Smith Elementary in Lawndale describes the program’s impact:  “Over the years, the ART of TEACHING has dramatically changed what I thought I knew about good teaching and active learning.  The program has developed an exemplary model to help good teachers fine tune their practices.  As a pioneer in this novel idea of moving teachers from good to great, Judy Johnson has played a vital role in the success of the program.  Her leadership, compassion, and clear focus have made the ART of TEACHING the sought after program that it is today.”

The Board of Directors at the Cotsen Foundation for the ART of TEACHING has named Jerry Harris as the new Executive Director of the ART of TEACHING.  Mr. Harris has served as a program officer for the foundation since 2007, focusing on the development of school governance and leadership that supports the promotion of teaching excellence.  With more than 30 years of experience as a highly respected teacher, curriculum specialist and professional developer, principal, and administrative mentor for the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, Mr. Harris has a deep understanding of all aspects of the conditions that are necessary for schools to excel and for teachers to achieve excellence.

“The core mission of our organization, to help teachers master the art of teaching, remains unchanged,” said Mr. Harris in accepting the appointment.  “I am looking forward to working with teachers, school leaders, and the broader education community to further that mission, and expand excellent teaching in Cotsen schools.”

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