Main Content
School of Education Newsletter, Volume 8, Issue 2
Update from the Dean
Dear Friends of the School of Education,
As we release our winter 2026 edition of our E3 Newsletter, I wish you and yours a Happy Lunar New Year 2026, which started on February 17, 2026. As we head into spring 2026, I invite you to learn about other new year festivities celebrated around our nation and the world, including with/in diverse co-ethnic communities across our state.
In this edition of E3, we are honored to share some of the key happenings in the UW Tacoma’s School of Education. We are honored to feature MEd student Kaya Fernandes and Associate Professor Dr. José M. Rios. We are also honored to share other news, including accomplishments by current students and by academic personnel, faculty, and staff.
I would like to take a moment to offer a few critical reflections on recent events. As many of you know, before joining UW Tacoma in 2017, I lived in the Twin Cities for several years. I am painfully aware that government-sanctioned violence against certain communities and individuals is nothing new in our nation. Still, it is deeply disturbing to see so many of our fellow Americans across the nation being harmed, intimidated, killed, pitted against each other, re/traumatized, and much more. At the same time, in these moments of collective and individual grief, let us elevate the tireless work of brave educators, leaders, and ordinary citizens everywhere who, as part of their personal and professional calling, feed, save, and uplift lives in a show of support for their communities and humanity overall.
Finally, in this moment, I am reminded of the wisdom of my graduate advisor and mentor, Dr. Violet J. Harris, Professor Emerita of Education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In 2000, she co-published an article in the Reading Research Quarterly (2000 in Volume 35/Issue 1) with Dr. Arlette I. Willis; they wrote about the perennial educational value of modeling and teaching the type of criticality that has been central to sustaining our democratic values over generations: “We believe that as a nation we will continue to see acts of civil disobedience as parents and guardians, teachers, and students resist the political acts of powerful elites toward ideological domination and conformity” (p. 86).
Drawing on what Dr. Harris imparted to the thousands of students whose lives she transformed, mine included, I invite us all to continue to center our “What and Why,” even when we are unsure about the “How and When.”
Respectfully,
Rachel Endo
Professor and Dean
Get To Know MEd Student Kaya Fernandes
Kaya Fernandes joined our MEd for Practicing Educators program this winter 2026.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself and what drew you to the MEd for Practicing Educators program at UW Tacoma.
My name is Kaya Fernandes, and I am an enrolled member of the Lower Elwha Klallam tribe. I am an educator, and throughout my educational and professional journey, I have remained committed to giving back to Indigenous communities and contributing in meaningful ways. This has included working with organizations, mentoring, and tutoring Native youth. Additionally, I have worked as a preschool teacher, where I incorporate traditional Indigenous teachings and stories in my curriculum. I hold my bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Western Washington University and am currently pursuing my MEd for Practicing Educators degree at UW Tacoma.
What drew me to the program was the ability to pursue my degree while working full-time as an educator and the flexibility to tailor my coursework to my professional needs.
2. What do you hope to get out of your time here?
Throughout my time here at UW Tacoma, I hope to build meaningful connections and knowledge that I can carry with me throughout my professional journey as an educator, so I can better serve my community.
3. What have you most enjoyed at UW Tacoma and in the School of Education?
My first time on campus was January 2026, when the winter quarter began. What I have enjoyed most about my time on campus was exploring the beautiful campus and feeling very welcomed by the School of Education.
4. What advice would you give to someone considering this program?
If you are considering the MEd for Practicing Educators program at UW Tacoma, my best advice would be: Go for it! There is great energy, support from the School of Education, and professors.
Get to Know Dr. José M. Rios
Dr. José M. Rios is an Associate Professor in the School of Education, where he prepares future P-12 teachers to create equitable and engaging science learning environments. His teaching and research explore how assessment, learning theory, and institutional systems impact access to science education, with a focus on scientific argumentation, classroom interaction, and diversifying the STEM teaching workforce. He teaches science methods and learning theory, mentors educators, and leads statewide professional development efforts. He also directed the NSF-funded NextGen-WA II project to strengthen equity-driven STEM teacher preparation in Washington State.
A recipient of UW Tacoma’s Distinguished Teaching Award, Celebrando Communidad Award for Latine Education, and other honors, Dr. Rios is known for his inclusive, inquiry-based approach to science teaching and his mentorship of BIPOC students. He holds a BA in Biology from Oberlin College, and MS and PhD in Science Education from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Originally from the Boogie down Bronx, he now lives in Seattle with his wife, Rachel Hart, and their dog, Obi. They have two children, Alessandro, a film editor in Los Angeles, and Luca, a civil engineering student at Columbia University. Outside of academia, Dr. Rios is a certified group fitness instructor and teaches classes at Ballard Health Club.
1. How did you become interested in education?
From a young age, I was always fascinated by nature and science inventions, often watching TV shows related to anything about science. As a first-generation student, my expected career path was medicine, which was my focus through college. Fortunately, I began volunteering in science classes in high school to fulfill service obligations, and worked as a lab instructor, then as an Upward Bound science teacher and tutor, and eventually as a middle school science teacher. It was during my junior year that I decided to leave the pre-med track and pursue a career in education. When I was a middle school science teacher in MPLS, MN, I decided to get a master's degree to improve my salary. I had always worked with students from underrepresented groups in science, whether in summer programs or after-school activities, and my master’s degree exposed me to potential areas for research with underrepresented groups in science education. As a result, I decided to continue my graduate studies, which led to a PhD in science.
2. What has been the most rewarding aspect of your academic career so far?
I have been teaching in some capacity since my early 20s. I am always touched and amazed when former students reach out to me about the effect I have had on their lives and tell me their success stories. For example, I recently heard from an Upward Bound student at Oberlin College who is now a medical director at a prestigious hospital in the U.S. It is humbling and an honor to have been part of their journey.
3. What do you enjoy most about teaching at UW Tacoma?
I love the diversity of students in our classrooms. It’s exciting to see our UW Tacoma students mirroring the demographics of the community we serve. I learn so much from their experiences in the South Sound, and those experiences help me tailor my instruction so that the content and classroom experiences are directly relevant to their lived experiences and to those of the students they will teach in the future.
EdS Candidate, Maddie Schmalz, Wins WSASP Diversity Scholarship
EdS School Psychology Program student, Maddie Schmalz, has been selected to receive a scholarship by the Diversity Scholarship Program Selection Committee within the Washington State Association of School Psychologists (WSASP).
Dr. Laura Feuerborn, Director of the EdS Program, remarks: “This is a highly competitive scholarship, and we are proud to join Maddie in celebrating this prestigious achievement.”
To learn more, visit: https://www.wsasp.org/Diversity-Scholarship/
Schmalz remarks: “I am truly honored to receive this scholarship and deeply appreciative of the kind words shared about me. This support will meaningfully reduce the financial pressure on my family as I pursue my EdS in School Psychology. It allows me to focus more fully on my training and development as a future school psychologist. I am grateful for the opportunity to further my studies and am excited to move closer to my goal of serving diverse students and school communities.”
Dr. Sarah Arvey Tov Named 2026 Faculty Fellow
Dr. Sarah Arvey Tov, an Assistant Professor in the School of Education, is a recipient of a 2026 UW Tacoma Office for Community Partnerships Faculty Fellow for Community Engagement award. Below is an overview of her project, “RootED: Designing for Transformative Community-Led Special Education Teacher Preparation.”
RootEd will deepen a partnership designing community-engaged special education teacher preparation through a Disability Justice (DJ) lens. Dr. Arvey Tov and the co-directors of Roots of Inclusion, Sarah Butcher and Jennifer Karls, plan to bring faculty, families, and activists together with the goal of educational justice coursework and field experiences centering the families and communities of multiple marginalized youth.
EdS Program and Tacoma Housing Authority Partner to Combat Bullying
Several of UW Tacoma’s EdS in School Psychology students authored an article to share a collaboration with Tacoma Housing Authority and Salishan Association to combat bullying in the community.
Congratulations, 2025 Student Scholarship Recipients!
The UW Tacoma School of Education is pleased to announce the recipients of our 2025 merit-based graduate scholarships. Recipients were selected based on their academic accomplishments and advancing the School of Education’s mission. Congratulations to all!
EdD in Educational Leadership (Muckleshoot cohort)
- Maya Esquivido
- Betty Pacheco
- Annette Woolley
EdS in School Psychology
- Smith-Doolittle Kyle
- Annia Barajas Gonzalez
- Jessica Lemus Rodriquez
- Sumeya Muse
MEd with Teacher Certification
- Jonathan Chea, Dual Track K-8 and TELL
- Nikki Gant, Secondary Science Education
- Riley Miller, Dual Track K-8 and TELL
- Hongying Neubauer, Dual Track K-8 and TELL
- Laura Raymer, Dual Track K-8 and TELL
- Allison Witt, Dual Track K-8 and SPED
Educational Administration
- Baljinder Grewel
- Abigail Roque Gaspar
MEd for Practicing Educators
- Jaskirat Atwal
- Villablba Rojas
School of Education Co-Sponsors 18th Annual MLK Jr. Unity Breakfast
The School of Education was a proud sponsor of the 18th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Breakfast, which is hosted by UW Tacoma’s Black Student Union (BSU). We extend our heartfelt appreciation to BSU for their outstanding leadership on campus and in the wider community, and for their ongoing partnership in advancing justice, equity, and inclusion for all.
Photo: (at back from left) Cameron Cyprain, Dr. Dawn Hardison-Stevens, Dr. Rachel Endo (standing), Dr. Kawena Begay, Abagail Roque Gaspar (standing), Dr. Cynthia Requa, & Dr. Chanira Reang Sperry; (at front) Amy Reynolds & Dr. Stephanie Knipp. Photo by Dr. Stephanie Knipp
Dr. Dawn Hardison-Stevens: Community Events at UW Tacoma
Dr. Dawn Hardison-Stevens, Assistant Professor in the School of Education, has coordinated several community events that advance Indigenous and Native education. Below is a description of each event along with photos.
- UW Sacred Breath. (02/2026). As a committee member, Dr. Hardison-Stevens seeks to promote engagement across campuses through Sacred Breath, in collaboration with the American Indian and Indigenous Studies (AIIS) program, the School of Education (SOE), and the Office of Indigenous Engagement (OIE). Oscar Hokeah is scheduled to visit and present his book, Calling for a Blanket Dance. Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill.
- Future Native Teacher Initiative. (10/2025). As a committee member, Dr. Hardison-Stevens collaborated with FNTI administrators and invited Native high school students from Washington State to participate in a three-day program partnership with Native educators, the Puyallup School District, and the UW Tacoma’s School of Education and the Office of Indigenous Engagement.
Pictured at right: Ty Halton (Chumash), Academic Advisor/ Recruitment & Retention Specialist, partners with Wilson Arnold (Makah), a robotics instructor with Everett School District, asks the future Native teachers, “What Brings Me Here, Why Education?” at the UW Tacoma YMCA.
School of Education Partners with Highline College for Pathway to Master's Degree
The UW Tacoma School of Education is pleased to announce that we have signed an agreement with Highline College to provide a pathway for educators to earn their advanced degree, effective summer 2026 quarter.
Eligible alumni and current students of Highline College’s Applied Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education programs will have a direct pathway to apply to UW Tacoma’s Master of Educators for Practicing Educators program.
Dr. Tanya Powers, Associate Dean for Workforce Pathways at Highline College, notes: “Highline College is proud to collaborate with the University of Washington Tacoma to create a seamless pathway into the Master of Education for Practicing Educators. “We are excited to have our students access quality graduate programs.”
Dr. Belinda Louie, MEd Program Director and Professor, remarks: “This dynamic partnership enables advisors from both institutions to guide new teachers to pursue graduate education through a coordinated program plan, application support, and a streamlined admission process.”
Dr. Rachel Endo, Dean and Professor, notes: "With a shared mission to advance equity and excellence in education, this pathway will allow us to prepare practicing educators to advance their education in service to diverse communities, families, and learners."
To learn more about our partnership, visit: https://www.highline.edu/about/newsroom/news/highline-uwt-degree-partnership.html
School of Education Accomplishments
We are proud to spotlight the accomplishments of some of our amazing alumni/current students, faculty, and staff. These are not exhaustive.
Julia Aguirre, Professor/Director, Teacher Certification Programs
PUBLICATION
- Turner, E., Carlson, M. A., Brown, J., Green, M., Aguirre, J., & Suh, J. (2026) Elementary teacher practices for culturally responsive mathematical modeling. Journal of Mathematics Teacher Education, 1-34.
PRESENTATIONS/TALKS
- Zavala, M. & Aguirre, J. M. (03/2026). Reclaiming joy and justice with culturally responsive mathematics teaching. Invited Keynote. Regional Conference of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. New Orleans, LA.
- Aguirre, J. M. (02/2026) Reclaiming assessment as a humanizing Tool for learning and not labeling. Keynote. Annual Conference of Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE) in collaboration with Teacher Development Group. Portland, OR.
RESEARCH PRESENTATIONS
- Suh, J., Aguirre, J. M., Turner, E. & Carlson, M. A. (02/2026). Innovative teaching tool to help sustain K-5 student engagement during culturally responsive math modeling lessons. Report session. Annual Conference of Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE). Portland, OR.
- Turner, E., Aguirre, J. M., Carlson, M. A. & Suh, J. (02/2026). Formative assessment routines for supporting identify-affirming Mathematical Modeling Practices in K-2 Classrooms. Individual session. Annual Conference of Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE). Portland, OR.
MEDIA/WEBSITE
- Dr. Aguirre was a lead project investigator for the EQSTEMM project (Advancing Equity and Strengthening Teaching through Elementary Math Modeling) funded by the National Science Foundation (2020-2024). Dr. Aguirre and her collaborators created a public website to share math modeling resources. The EQSTEMM project website has been relaunched to include new classroom videos, math modeling lesson materials, and professional learning resources for culturally responsive mathematical modeling in elementary classrooms. Check it out. https://eqstemm.org/
Sarah Arvey Tov, Assistant Professor
AWARD
- Dr. Arvey Tov is the recipient of an award through the American Educational Research Association (AERA)’s Special Interest Group on Disability Studies in Education for her dissertation. She will accept the award at the AERA annual meeting in 04/2026. Cripping culturally sustaining pedagogies: Celebrating disability identity, community, and culture in schools [Outstanding Dissertation Award]
GRANT
- Arvey Tov, S., Butcher, S., & Karls, J. (2026). RootED: Designing for transformative community-led special education teacher preparation [OCP Faculty Fellows grant]. Roots of Inclusion.
K. Kawena Begay, Associate Professor
PRESENTATIONS
- Begay, K. K., Parkin, J., & Habila, M. (02/2026). Nigerian parent perspectives of the ASRS for autism identification. Research presentation at the National Association of School Psychologists Convention 2026, Chicago, IL.
- Gabrielsen, T., Begay, K. K., & Cutrer, B. (02/2026). My voice, my choice: Concrete consent tools for autistic girls. Miniskills presentation at the National Association of School Psychologists Convention 2026, Chicago, IL.
- McClain, M., Harris, B., & Begay, K. K. (02/2026). Autism assessments in schools: Beyond the ADOS-2. Practitioner presentation at the National Association of School Psychologists Convention 2026, Chicago, IL.
- Begay, K. K. (10/2025). Reframing autism: Thoughtful and affirming approaches to evaluation and feedback. Presentation at the Washington State Association of School Psychologists 2025 annual conference, virtual.
- Begay, K. K. (02/2026). Evaluation of autism in females: Nuanced presentations. Keynote presented at Devo Day to Developmental Behavioral Pediatric Fellows, Joint Base Lewis-McCord, WA.
- Begay, K. (02/2026). Highlighting lived experiences. Panelist at Devo Day presented to Developmental Behavioral Pediatric Fellows, Joint Base Lewis-McCord, WA.
- Begay, K. K. (11/2025). Reframing autism: Thoughtful and affirming approaches to evaluation and report writing. Full day presentation to Oakland Schools, Waterford, MI.
Rachel Endo, Professor/Dean
PUBLICATION
- Endo, R. (2026). Asian/American leadership in perpetually (Yellow) perilous times: On navigating academia and/in the post-2024 world. Cultural Studies <-> Critical Methodologies, 26(1), 77-81.
PRESENTATIONS
- Endo, R., Hagiwara, S., Kumashiro, K., Meecham, S., Roxas, K., & White-Smith, K. (02/2026). Leading for justice and equity in troubling times: Resources from the Education Deans for Justice in Education. American Association for Colleges of Teacher Education Annual Meeting. New Orleans, LA.
- Amos, Y., Endo, R., & Meecham, S. (02/2026). Asian/American women leaders leading educator preparation programs for equity and impact. American Association for Colleges of Teacher Education Annual Meeting. New Orleans, LA.
- Dr. Endo was a core faculty/featured speaker at the American Association for Colleges of Teacher Education (AACTE) New Deans & Leadership Academy in New Orleans, LA alongside Dr. Michael Dantley, Dean Emeritus of Education at Miami University, Dr. Ann Larson, Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, Education, & Social Sciences at the Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, and Corrine Murphy, Dean of Education at Western Kentucky University. The academy is an immersive experience offering new department chairs, associate deans, and deans in educator preparation programs with information about developing and enhancing their leadership skills, address current issues, and return to their home institutions to more effectively and impactfully deliver across their functions and responsibilities. Invited academy faculty are current or former deans of education with proven track records of highly effective leadership.
Laura L. Feuerborn, Professor/Director of School Psychology Program
PUBLICATIONS
- Feuerborn, L. L., Gueldner, B. A., & Tyre, A. D. (2025). Social and Emotional Learning and Learning Disabilities. Handbook of Learning Disabilities, 75.
- Feuerborn, L., Gueldner, B., Wallace, C., Park, H.Y., & Gallegos, J. (in press). A method for monitoring SEL implementation in the classroom. Contemporary School Psychology.
- Feuerborn, L., Okonda, O., Evans, J., Ramirez, B., Raiz, B., & Barajas, A. Using the Social Emotional Learning Implementation Tracking Tool. Paper presentation at the National Association of School Psychologists Annual Convention, Chicago, IL.
Dawn Hardison-Stevens, Assistant Professor
PRESENTATIONS
- Hardison-Stevens, D., & Determan-Beard, M. (01/2026). Invited guest speaker. Research is Story: storytelling as a form of knowledge, and relational accountability in research as acts of honoring oneself, family, community, and beyond. Tribal Governance and Public Policy. The Evergreen State College. Olympia, WA.
- Hardison-Stevens, D. (11/2025). Observing greater horizons: Academic learning pathways in Indigenous Native education. American Indian and Indigenous Studies (AIIS) Scholars Series. University of Washington. Tacoma, WA.
- Lawrence, C., Lynn, L., Hardison-Stevens, D., Strom, H., Abrahamson, S. (10/2025). Empowering sovereignty through policy: Washington State’s collaborative approach to Native Education. National Indian Education Association’s Annual National Conference (NIEA). Spokane, WA.
PUBLICATION
- Hardison-Stevens, D. E. (2025). What is NIEA? An introduction to Native educator scholars creating change in our education system. John McCoy (lulila?) Since Time Immemorial: Tribal Sovereignty in Washington. Educator Preparation Program Newsletter. Fall 2025. p. 4. (Found at https://www.pesb.wa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025-Nov-JMlSTI.pdf)
APPOINTMENT
- Dr. Hardison-Stevens was appointed as a committee member of the State Tribal Education Compact Schools (STEC). Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Washington State Native American Education Association Committee (WSNAEAC) Higher Education.
Christopher B. Knaus, Professor/EdD Program Director
PRESENTATIONS
- Smith, M. P., **Wilson, K. O., & Knaus, C. B. (2025). Meeting hate with history and a plan: An interest convergence workshop for healing educational practitioners. Intensive Institute presented to the National Association for Multicultural Education’s Annual Conference, New Orleans, LA.
- Knaus, C. B., ***Gustafson, A., & ***Yang, L. (2025). Centering voices as transformational approach: Narratives from critical higher education practitioners. Workshop presented to the National Association for Multicultural Education’s Annual Conference, New Orleans.
- Smith, M. P., *Walker, A., Knaus, C. B., **Wilson, K. O., & Sankofa Waters, M. B. (02/2026). Indoctrination or liberation? Reimagining schooling and creating transformative educational spaces in the age of anti-Blackness. Panel Discussion presented to Academy for Educational Studies’ Critical Questions in Education Annual Conference, San Diego, CA.
Miranda Kucera, Assistant Teaching Professor/EdS Clinical Coordinator
PRESENTATION
- Blazen, J., Kucera, M., & Beam, TK. (02/2026). Continued resistance by, for, and with your queer colleagues. Practitioner conversation presented at the National Association of School Psychologists Annual Convention, Chicago, IL.
Elavie Ndura, Professor
PRESENTATIONS
- Ndura, E. (12/2025). Unity in diversity: A transformative vision for leadership, literacy, and lasting change. Invited keynote presented at the 75th annual conference of the Literacy Research Association (LRA). Las Vegas, NV.
- Ndura, E. (11/2025). Empowering storytelling: Building bridges of understanding and empathy through mindful communication. Workshop presented at the annual conference of the National Association for Multicultural Education (NAME). New Orleans, LA.
APPOINTMENT
- Dr. Ndura was elected as Vice President, Pacific Northwest Chapter of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE) (2026-2028).
Sae saem Yoon, Assistant Professor
PUBLICATIONS
- Yoon, S., Chaomuangkhong, T., & Ozbek-Damar, S. (2026). Making ripples in the water: Empowering foreign-born teacher educators of color through critical duoethnography. Ethnography and Education.
- Chaomuangkhong, T., Yoon, S., & Ozbek-Damar, S. (2025). “I told them…, ‘I am not from here’”: Navigating the borderland experiences of racialized foreign-born teacher educators in White academia. Race Ethnicity and Education.
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