Dean's Welcome

Laura Alamillo

Dean Alamillo is a scholar in the field of language, literacy and culture. She received her Ph.D. from the school of education at the University of California at Berkeley. Prior to coming to Sonoma State, Dean Alamillo served two years as Interim Dean at Fresno State. Her service in the CSU system began in 2004 when she began as an Assistant Professor in the Language, Literacy, Bilingual and Special Education department. Dean Alamillo was instrumental in building graduate programs and key in supporting the teacher residencies in the Central Valley. She was responsible for starting one of the first bilingual, pre-schools offered at a CSU campus for children of student parents on campus. In addition to her work in the CSU system, Dean Alamillo recently published in 2018 a co-edited volume focusing on Chican@ children’s literature. Dean Alamillo comes to Sonoma State with a vision of continuing the work of justice-oriented teacher preparation and expanding teacher residencies in Northern California. She is committed to increasing the racial diversity in the teaching profession and hopes to make an impact in improving the educational experiences of children in the region by working closely with district partners in Sonoma County. 

Since 1964, Sonoma State University has excelled in preparing effective teachers, administrators, and other school professionals. The School of Education offers Teacher Credential programs in Multiple Subject, Single Subjects, and Special Education. We also have a dynamic Early Childhood Studies major that prepares students to become knowledgeable and caring professionals who are committed to contributing to a just society through high-quality education and social service for all children and families. In addition, we offer advanced credentials and master's programs in Reading and Language; Administrative Services; Curriculum, Teaching and Learning; Early Childhood Education; Special Education; and Educational Leadership. Our degree programs are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and our credential programs are approved by California's Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Our educators and staff take pride in offering individualized and small group experiences for our teacher candidates and degree program students. Our programs are rigorous, focused, personalized, and highly regarded by both students and the wider educational community. Our field placements are carefully chosen to be in some of the best places for our students to learn about teaching and learning. Our faculty’s research agendas help create the best teachers in California and give our students opportunities to actively participate in exploring real-world solutions for tomorrow’s classrooms.

We in the School of Education help meet the employment needs of public schools in the North Bay and beyond by preparing new teachers and school leaders and helping educators continue their own growth and learning. Our regional Educator Job Fair, held on campus annually in the Spring, connects local schools and districts with job candidates. We are improving the diversity of the teacher workforce in California with collaborative initiatives like our PUERTA and La Promesa/The Promise programs. For current educators, we provide opportunities for professional growth such as the Nexus Interdisciplinary Program for Elementary Teachers, and the Maker Educator Certificate Program.

Children begin school each Fall looking for the caring, skilled guidance of the best teachers and early childhood professionals we can provide. I hope that you as a prospective student come join us in the fulfilling life of helping students learn and grow.  Become one of these teacher-leaders.

Dean Laura Alamillo, Ph.D.

alamillol@sonoma.edu