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UC San Diego | Department of Education Studies

February 2026 Issue

On February 11th, EDS and CalTeach hosted a screening of Counted Out, a thought-provoking film that explores how math education shapes opportunity, equity, and problem-solving in our world. To spark meaningful discussion, the screening was followed by a panel featuring three panelists from the San Diego math education community. The event was a huge success with over 70 attendees. Thank you to all of the students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members who made this an inspiring and engaging evening!

Dr. Erica Heinzman is a Continuing Lecturer and Supervisor In Education Studies. She teaches in the secondary credential and  master of education program and supervises the mathematics credential candidates in their placements. Her research and advocacy interests focus on high school mathematics pathways and non-traditional high school mathematics courses such as Data Science and Discrete Mathematics. Prior to joining the faculty at UC San Diego, she was a high school mathematics and AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) teacher and served in a variety of leadership roles at the school site for more than a dozen years. 

There’s a quote I have shared with my students recently, which I have been contemplating. 

“It can be overwhelming to witness/experience/take in all the injustices of the moment; the good news is that they’re all connected. So if your little corner of work involves pulling at one of the threads, you’re helping to unravel the whole damn cloth.” - Ursula Wolfe-Rocca

I encourage my students to ask themselves what thread they are pulling on, as I ask myself the same question. The quote reminds us that daily acts matter. Being present matters. Collective effort matters. What they do everyday they walk into the classroom matters. 

Hands down, it is my students. 

I’m a better human because of my students. I’m inspired by their creative lessons, advocacy for their students, enthusiasm for the profession, passion for their content area, and journey through EDS and beyond. 

I also enjoy spending time with loved ones, traveling, reading, cooking, and listening to podcasts, which all nurture my soul. 

My students would be surprised to learn that I grew up right here in City Heights—and that I once had no interest in becoming a teacher. It’s hard to imagine now, since teaching is such an important part of who I am. I cannot picture a more fulfilling career.

When I graduated from college, I remember walking across the stage, promising myself I would never go into teaching or sales. In my twenties, I explored a range of jobs, from working in public health to serving nonprofit organizations. Eventually, I had an epiphany on the beach in Hawaii (a story for another day!) that led me to become a high school math teacher.

Today, I feel fortunate to teach at UCSD, spend time in K–12 classrooms learning alongside my student teachers, and advocate for engaging, meaningful mathematics education at both the local and national levels.

In a lovely full-circle moment, I also have the privilege of working with my student teachers at Mann Middle and Crawford High in City Heights—the very schools I once attended and that nurtured my intellectual curiosity. It was one of my former teachers at Crawford who encouraged me to apply to UCSD’s M.Ed. and Credential Program, setting me on this remarkable journey.

This month's student spotlight is Marco Chacón, a current PhD student pursuing education and has TAed for many different courses in EDS, HDS, and Psych department. He is also a member of PSLIME Lab.

To produce research that helps makes K-12 teaching and learning more authentic, engaging, joyful, humane, equitable.

Pursue many different interests, try out many different possible paths - and step away from those that aren't the right fit. It's ok if it takes a little while to find your passion.

Working with my wonderful advisor.

EDS 297 Curriculum Theory with Dr. Thandeka Chapman.

Spending time in high school classrooms, learning from talented, inspiring, thoughtful teachers and students.

We are pleased to announce that UC San Diego’s Department of Education Studies is hiring an Academic Coordinator/Lecturer. This dually appointed role will teach and/or co-teach graduate courses while supporting the planning, coordination, and continuous improvement of the Ed.D. program. Responsibilities include curriculum development, student mentoring and milestone support, recruitment and outreach, admissions coordination, and collaboration with faculty, staff, district partners, and community stakeholders. The ideal candidate brings deep leadership experience in P–12 and/or higher education, a strong commitment to equity, and the ability to connect research and theory to leadership practice. Apply by 3/2/26.

We are pleased to announce that UC San Diego’s CalTeach Program in Science and Mathematics is hiring a Program Director. This role will provide leadership for the CalTeach undergraduate program, which prepares STEM majors to become highly effective secondary math and science teachers, especially in schools serving communities with the greatest opportunity gaps. Responsibilities include program administration, curriculum leadership, community partnerships, recruitment and outreach, and collaboration with faculty and local schools.  Applications are open until 3/14/26 if the position has not already been filled.

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