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 […]
Learning, Connecting, and Innovating at CUE 2025
The buzz was electric at the Spring CUE 2025 Conference in Palm Springs from March 20 – 22, where thousands of educators gathered to transform teaching and learning. Among them were over 200 Cotsen Principals, Mentors, and Fellows, all united by a shared passion for using technology to help students succeed. They dove into everything […]
Elevate Your Teaching: Cotsen Alumni Conference Grants
Cotsen alumnus have exclusive access to transformative professional development opportunities. Our Alumni Conference Grants covers conference registration, airfare, and accommodation for events like: NCTE/NCTM Joint Conference (Summer 2024) Harvard Family Engagement Institute (Summer 2024) Institute for Racial Equity in Literacy NCTE Annual Convention: “Heart, Hope, Humanity” (November 2024, Boston) CUE Conference (March 2025, Palm Springs) […]
Joyful Learning: Transforming Math Education at Hermosa Drive Elementary
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 […]
Message from Jerry Harris – January 2025
As we step into a new year, we are reminded of both the strength and the vulnerability of our community. The recent devastating fires in the Los Angeles region have deeply impacted our neighborhoods, with the heartbreaking loss of schools, homes, businesses, and places of worship leaving a profound void in our community while reminding […]
2025 Empowered Learning Conference: Fostering Joy, Innovation, and Connection for Deeper Learning
On February 22nd, the Telesis Academy of Science and Math buzzed with energy and excitement as the venue for the 2025 Empowered Learning Conference. The event drew a dynamic mix of Cotsen alumni, current fellows, mentors, administrators, and a diverse group of educators from various schools and districts with the theme of “Fostering Joy, Innovation, […]