Once a year the School of Education celebrates students and educators at our Recognition and Awards Ceremony. Those honored represent a small subset of the amazing teachers, students and administrators who work hard to make a difference for students in our communities every day. The people and programs selected for recognition rise to the top for their unique contributions and outstanding achievements. This year's ceremony was in-person on Thursday, May 4th at 5pm in Ballroom B in the Student Center.
2023 Scholarship and Award Winners:
Patricia Nourot Early Childhood Scholarship:
- Rachel Curtis, Early Childhood Studies Major
William “Bill” Donaldson Memorial Scholarship:
- Ivon Martinez, Multiple Subject Credential Candidate
F. George Elliott Exemplary Student Teacher Award:
- Amber Hernandez, Multiple Subject Credential Candidate
F. George Elliott Fellowship for Professional Renewal:
- Noa Lewin, Special Education Teacher, Montgomery High School
Circle of Excellence Awards:
- Brandon Krueger, Adjunct Faculty, Sonoma State University
- Francisco Avila, Alumnus, Early Childhood Studies Program
- Principal Christina Lunde and Mentor Teachers of University Elementary at La Fiesta
- Hollie Retzinger, English Teacher, Piner High School
Award for Educational Innovation:
- Restorative Specialists Program – Santa Rosa City Schools, Santa Rosa
- Innovative Ag with AWE Aeroponics – Geyserville New Tech Academy, Geyserville
- Honorable Mention - Riding for Focus, North Bay Met Academy, Windsor
- Semi-Finalist - PLTs for Student Success, Marguerite Hahn Elementary, Rohnert Park
Our Mission
As a School of Education in the California State University system, our mission is to prepare teacher candidates and educational leaders to serve in California's diverse schools. We work collaboratively with our P-14 partners to best leverage our resources to ensure success for all students. We strive to prepare educational professionals who are knowledgeable and equipped to negotiate current education initiatives with skill and resilience. It is vital to the health of our local education community that we at Sonoma State University be in touch with what is happening in our local schools. The School of Education has a huge reach, preparing about 40% of the teachers in our local region.
The following awards are presented annually at our Recognition and Awards Ceremony:
The following scholarships are presented annually at our Recognition and Awards Ceremony:
- Patricia Nourot Early Childhood Scholarship
- William “Bill” Donaldson Memorial Scholarship
- Elliott Exemplary Student Teaching Scholarship
- Elliott Fellowship for Professional Renewal
Pictures from our 2023 Ceremony
