2020 Impact Report

From the Dean

Greetings,

It has been a year like no other. The ongoing stressors of the pandemic, combined with the courageous activism of the Black Lives Matter movement, combined to make my first year as dean of the Loyola Marymount University School of Education one of the most challenging yet inspiring of my career to date.

From day one, the LMU SOE community made it clear that they have no interest in returning to the pre-pandemic normal—because that “normal” was built on structures that maintained inequality. Instead, we are more committed than ever to reimagining and remaking schools that benefit all students, their families, and the educators who serve them.

Excellence During COVID

“This has been a year unlike any other. Our faculty, students, and staff have adapted quickly to remote teaching and learning, and are finding ways to thrive despite the many challenges that the pandemic presents. They’re driven by a passion to make a positive difference in the lives of the students and communities they serve.”

—Edmundo Edward F. Litton, Ed.D., Professor and Chair, Department of Teaching and Learning

A 72-Hour Pivot to Online Instruction

Led by Shannon N. Tabaldo, SOE’s iDEAL program helped the Diocese of Orange shift quickly to remote teaching for its 19,000 students

No Prior Tutoring Experience? No Problem

SOE’s faculty trained LMU volunteers to become virtual tutors for students from marginalized communities

Online Leadership Supports State’s School Psychology Programs

SOE Professor Brian Leung led online working groups with 24 universities in California to develop training materials and strategies for Covid-19

Alum’s first book helps pre-K students adjust to virtual school

Meleah Campbell M.A. ’19 wrote a rhyming book that normalizes online learning and develops literacy skills

Difference Makers

“SOE’s faculty and staff excel in their knowledge, experience, and commitment to social justice. Promoting culturally responsive practice, we create learning and working environments focused on inclusive education and care for the whole person.”

—William Perez, Ph.D., Inaugural Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Family of Schools Director Aims to Boost Number of Black Male Teachers in L.A.

Dr. Darin Earley is partnering with LAUSD to help them attract and retain Black male teachers, who comprise only 2 percent of teachers nationwide

Tracking a High School Course’s Impact

Dr. Kyo Yamashiro is part of a research team studying the effect of taking an ethnic studies course on racial inequalities over time

A Digital Toolkit Aids Goal-Setting in School Districts

SOE's Center for Equity for English Learners, led by Dr. Magaly Lavadenz, created online resources for LCAPs nationwide and completed other Covid-responsive projects for its partners

Professor Named Top Reviewer by International Journal

Dr. Maryann Krikorian earned the honor during her first year as a reviewer

Change Agents

“Whether serving as teachers, administrators, or in other capacities, our students and alumni find ways to engage their communities to improve the quality and equity of education.”

—Maggie Bove-LaMonica M.A. ’05, J.D. ’13, director of Leadership for Educational Equity and Board Chair of the SOE Alumni Association

Alum Chosen as Youngest-Ever Woman President of LAUSD

Kelly Gonez M.A. ’13 is one of seven alumni elected to public office this November in California alone

Marginalized College Students Get a Boost from New Leader

With twin passions of leadership and teaching, Russell Castañeda Calleros Ed.D. ’18 has found a position that suits both of them

Building a Better Leadership Pipeline in California

Through her non-profit Diversity in Leadership Institute, Laura McGowan-Robinson Ed.D. ’16 aims to improve outcomes for Black and Latinx students

Counseling Student Gets a Jump on Professional Roles

Brianna Angèle ’20 won a grant for an arts engagement workshop, presented a research paper, and organized a peer-mentor training session while earning her credential

SOE By the Numbers

We’re proud to be among the top 5 percent of all schools of education across the country. Here are this year’s metrics on enrollment, degree completions, scholarly accomplishments, grant wins, and more. You can download a PDF of these figures by clicking the button below.