Exploring Teacher Preparation Pepperdine's CCTE Highlights
In a vibrant showcase of academic excellence and community collaboration, Pepperdine University made a remarkable mark at the California Council on Teacher Education (CCTE) conference, which took place from October 19th to 21st in San Diego. The conference served as an enriching platform for sharing the outcomes of community-based research and exploring the ever-evolving landscape of education.
The CCTE conference annually brings together deans, faculty, and staff from public and private universities to address the myriad challenges encountered in teacher preparation across the State of California. The presence of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing added valuable insights into the upcoming changes and trends in the certification process, reinforcing the significance of this event.
Dr. Jennifer Miyake-Trapp, Dr. Weina Chen, and Dr. Kevin Wong were at the forefront of this enlightening participation, presenting their findings from the Community-Based Research grant. Their presentation, aptly titled "Engaging Sixth-Grade Mandarin Learners and Pepperdine Teacher Candidates in a Mutually Empowering Afterschool Program," offered invaluable insights into the realms of multilingual education and the collaborative spirit that thrives within university-community partnerships.
“I was delighted to share findings from our Community Based Research Grant generously sponsored by the Office of Research, Grants, and Foundation Relations and to engage with others interested in university-community partnerships and multilingual education,” says Dr. Wong. “It was also an incredible opportunity to learn more about the tenets and applications of ethnic studies that will undoubtedly inform my teaching at GSEP.”
The Teacher Preparation Program (TPP) at Pepperdine University made a resounding impact at this year's CCTE conference. The collective participation of faculty, staff, and students amplified the university's commitment to excellence in education. EdD alum Veronica Ferrufino, a member of the class of '23, presented her dissertation research findings, showcasing the depth and rigor of academic inquiry. Current EdD students, Alice Pak and Terrance Cao, also made notable contributions by sharing their ongoing research endeavors.
This year's conference theme, "The Ethnic Studies Moment in California Public Education: Preparing the Field for Historic Change," set the stage for enlightening conversations and innovative ideas, signaling a dynamic shift in the educational landscape.
In a compelling account of their participation at the conference, Terrance Cao shared, "Dr. Miyake-Trapp and I found great enthusiasm in actively participating in engaging roundtable discussions at the conference, during which we presented our insights on assessment protocols for ethnic studies in teacher preparation programs. This experience was enriched by the valuable feedback and perspectives provided by a diverse group of stakeholders in K-12 education. We eagerly anticipate the ongoing dialogues that have the potential to influence policy development within teacher education."
Notably, Dr. Reyna García Ramos, the Director of the MAT program at Pepperdine, joined as a new member of the CCTE board, further demonstrating the university's commitment to shaping the future of education and the development of future educators.
The conference served as an inspirational platform for knowledge sharing, forging partnerships, and exploring the evolving educational landscape in California. Pepperdine University continues to be at the forefront of these discussions, emphasizing its dedication to enriching the world of teacher education and its engagement with the wider community.