Where Talent Meets Tradition: Baldwin Hills’ “Us Celebration” Shines
On a vibrant spring morning in Los Angeles, Baldwin Hills Elementary School once again lit up the stage and our hearts with its annual “Us Celebration,” a schoolwide talent show that showcases student ability and celebrates community, culture, and connection. For decades, this powerful tradition has brought families, educators, and students together in an expression […]
Library of Congress Literacy Awards Regional Gathering in Seattle a Success
We are honored to share that the Cotsen Foundation for the ART of TEACHING is a 2024 Library of Congress Successful Practice Award winner! As part of this recognition, Dr. Julie Graham, Cotsen Associate Director of the Cotsen Foundation, and Carlen Le-Hessinger, and Senior Program Officer, participated in the recent Library of Congress Literacy Awards […]
Post-Fellowship Year (PFY) Graduation
Congratulations to our graduating Post-Fellowship (PFY) schools! PFY school teams gathered together to share their stories of a yearlong journey towards building Collective Teacher Efficacy within a signature practice. It was clear from their reflections and experiences that each team’s collaborative efforts made a positive impact on teaching and learning across their school campus. Prospective […]
Cotsen Graduation at the Skirball Cultural Center
The Cotsen Graduation at the Skirball Cultural Center on May 17th was more than just a ceremony — it was a heartfelt celebration of passion, perseverance, and the power of teaching. Kicking off with warm words from Cotsen’s President and CEO, Barry Munitz, and Board Chair, Jonathan Victor, the event honored the remarkable 2025 cohort […]
Empowering Families: How Cotsen Grants Transform School Communities
Imagine a school where parents and caregivers hug teachers, not just for gratitude, but for giving them the tools to unlock their children’s potential at home. This is the magic unfolding at Ceres Elementary and Danbrook Elementary, two schools fueled by the Cotsen Family Engagement Grant to redefine how families connect with learning. At Ceres […]
Rebuilding Hope: How the Cotsen Community Rallied for Fire-Ravaged Schools
The Palisades Fire was a tragedy that tore through the Santa Monica Mountains, leaving devastation in its wake. Among the countless losses were schools like Marquez Elementary, which became a smoking ruin, displacing teachers and students alike. But in the midst of destruction, a story of resilience emerged. Xochitl Becerra, a Cotsen Mentor at Castle […]