As I write this, California is beginning to take small, cautious steps towards reopening our economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. While we mourn the more than 3,200 people who have died in our Golden State, there are signs of progress. Even amid expanded testing, the number of new cases of coronavirus has declined and hospitalizations have significantly reduced. Let us hope for good things.
At UCLA, we too are looking to better times at our University and across the nation. Yet even during the pandemic, good things continue to happen across the UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies.
In this issue of Ampersand, we continue to share some of what is happening. I hope you will take a look at this story on how the UCLA Center for the Transformation of Schools director Joe Bishop is tackling remote learning in his undergraduate class on education politics and policy. And be sure to read about the experiences of Zach Rutland, an Information Studies student who served as a Mellon Foundation Intern at the Skid Row History Museum and Archive – visit this link for the story.
We are also hard at work on an exciting new UCLA Education program in Transformation Coaching, founded around UCLA Coach John Wooden’s belief that, “coaching is teaching.” Be sure to check out this story previewing our first Transformational Coaching webinar taking place on June 2, featuring a conversation with legendary UCLA Hall of Famers Sue Enquist, former UCLA Women’s Softball head coach, and Valorie Kondos Field, former UCLA Women’s Gymnastics coach.
I continue to be amazed at the energy and innovation of our talented team at GSE&IS. These stories are just some of what is happening at UCLA but reflect our spirit as Bruins. We are moving forward. I hope you enjoy reading about our work and genuinely appreciate your support.
Stay Safe,
Marcelo
Marcelo M. Suárez-Orozco
UCLA Wasserman Dean & Distinguished Professor of Education
UCLA Graduate School of Education & Information Studies