Dear Cotsen Colleagues,
Welcome to a series of videos recorded by fellows and mentors representing the graduating class of 2021. Although we cannot gather in person this year for the culmination of the fellowships, we are nonetheless excited to celebrate and salute our fellows and mentors on the journey that they have just completed.
The 2020-2021 school year was a momentous one. We grew in ways we didn’t know we could, we firmly held onto hope, and we tried every single day. As this year came to a close, a few of your colleagues took time to reflect and capture their thoughts about being a part of the fellowship. We hope you enjoy listening to and connecting with their experiences. Speaking on behalf of the 2021 graduating class are the following representatives: (Click the link to watch on YouTube).
First, our Founding Director, Mrs. Margit Sperling Cotsen, and I would like to share a few opening remarks to thank the graduates for their dedication and commitment to teaching excellence.
Maria Coronel, fellow, Villacorta Elementary, Rowland
Jill Iger, fellow, Hancock Park Elementary, Los Angeles
Erin Montoya, fellow, Phelan Language Academy, Whittier City
Daniele Fuson, fellow, Whitaker School, Buena Park
Alex Jauregui, mentor, Beatty School, Buena Park
Lorrie Cariaga, mentor, Cabrillo Elementary, Wiseburn
To the graduating class, you inspire us, and we can hardly wait to witness all the magic that you will bring to your students.
Sincerely,
Jerry Harris
Executive Director
Let the globe, if nothing else, say this is true:
That even as we grieved, we grew.
That even as we hurt, we hoped.
That even as we tired, we tried.
That we’ll forever be tied together, victorious.
From “The Hill We Climb” by Amanda Gorman