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UC San Diego | Department of Education Studies

October 2025 Issue

Welcome Back, EDS Community!

We know this fall comes with both excitement and strain as we navigate new demands and limited resources. Still, the start of a new academic year offers a reminder of our shared purpose and collective strength. This newsletter highlights the innovative work and collaboration that make EDS such a resilient and inspiring community.

The Department of Education Studies is excited to welcome all new and returning students!

This year, we’re proud to celebrate the addition of 74 new Education Sciences undergraduate majors, a new M.Ed. cohort of 58 students, and 5 new Ph.D. students joining our community of passionate educators and scholars.

Here’s to a year of growth, collaboration, and impact in education!

Education Studies undergraduate alum Peter Leonido was recently featured in EdSource for his inspiring dedication to teaching during a time of significant change in U.S. education policy. As a first-generation college graduate, Leonido shared how his commitment to fostering critical thinking and advocacy among students remains steadfast despite political and systemic challenges.

Now pursuing his master’s degree in education at UCLA, Leonido continues to teach and mentor students from diverse backgrounds in Los Angeles and San Diego. He emphasizes the importance of English and ethnic studies in empowering young people to think critically, challenge inequities, and shape a more informed and just society.

Interested in applying to the M.Ed & Multiple-Subject or Single-Subject Credential Programs? 

Join EDS for a virtual info session to get all your questions answered. See below for more information.

Register for the info sessions:

Education Studies faculty member Dr. Sarah Fine is featured, quoted on the front page of The San Diego Union-Tribune discussing the growing trend of 4×4 block scheduling in high schools. Drawing on her research, Fine emphasizes that longer class periods can foster deeper learning, stronger relationships, and more active student engagement.

Congratulations to PhD alum, James Crawford, from the Department of Education Studies, for receiving the inaugural Student Centeredness Award! This honor recognizes his outstanding commitment to fostering inclusive, supportive, and student-focused learning experiences at UC San Diego.

According to The Princeton Review’s Best Value Colleges for 2025 ranking, UC San Diego is among the nation’s best public colleges for students seeking an excellent education and solid career preparation at an affordable cost.

EDS is thrilled to welcome Jean Lee, who joined the department in July!

Dr. Jean Lee is the Director of Teacher Education in the Department of Education Studies. Formerly a Professor and Director of Accreditation and Assessment at the University of Indianapolis, she began her career as a secondary math teacher in San Diego.

She holds a B.A. in Pure Mathematics and an M.Ed. from UC San Diego, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Indiana University. Her research focuses on project-based learning (PBL), teacher preparation for high-need urban schools, and STEM educator recruitment and retention.

A certified PBL trainer, Dr. Lee leads professional development for teachers nationally and internationally. She is co-PI on the NSF-funded Get the Facts Out project, which promotes STEM teaching through evidence-based messaging. Her publications include co-edited books and journal issues on PBL and STEM education.

She currently is slated to teach EDS 205A and 205B.

Listen to your body. I’ve learned the hard way that your body always knows what it needs—you just have to listen. When you ignore the signs, it’ll eventually make you slow down. As future teachers, we give so much of ourselves to others, but we can’t help anyone if we’re running on empty. I try to remind myself: fill your own cup first so you can show up for others the way you want to.

Enjoy the journey, not just the destination. I used to be so focused on reaching my goals that I forgot to appreciate the process along the way—and I regret that. Looking back, I wish I’d slowed down, appreciated the small wins, and had more fun along the way. Learning isn’t just about the end result—it’s about everything you pick up in the process.

I became a teacher to make an impact—to share my love of learning mathematics and help students see themselves as capable, empowered thinkers. One of my favorite parts of teaching is watching students’ mathematics identities transform—from feeling disconnected or discouraged to becoming active participants in a classroom that values reasoning and curiosity over just getting the right answer.

Teaching truly is one of the best professions! In fact, teachers in the U.S. rate their lives better than all other occupations groups, trailing only physicians! If you’re curious about why teaching is such a rewarding path, check out GettheFactsOut.org for more inspiring reasons to join the profession.

This month's student spotlight is Zoe Decatur, a current undergraduate student double majoring in Education Sciences and Psychology. She is also a student ambassador for the Department of Education Studies.

I want to become a school psychologist.

A piece of wisdom I would share is to really embrace the fact that learning to be an educator is as much about your own growth as it is about supporting others. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek feedback, and make mistakes. Those moments often teach you more than the times everything goes smoothly. Build strong relationships with your professors, mentors, and peers, because education is collaborative, and those connections will shape your journey. The impact you’ll have on students’ lives will go far beyond academics. Keep that purpose close because it will carry you through the challenges and make the successes even more meaningful.

My favorite thing about EDS is how it connects theory to real-world practice. I love that we don’t just study education in the abstract, but we actually get opportunities to work in classrooms, support students, and see the impact of what we’re learning. The program also emphasizes equity and social justice, which makes the work feel really meaningful. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by peers and faculty who are passionate about creating positive change in education.

EDS 130: Introduction to Academic Mentoring of Elementary School Students  

My favorite memory in EDS so far has been my first fieldwork experience. Walking into a classroom and actually applying what I had been learning in my courses was both exciting and challenging, but it really confirmed why I chose this path. I also loved connecting with my peers afterwards and sharing our reflections. It felt like we were growing together as future educators. That moment made the program feel real and meaningful.

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