2023 Celebration of Teaching event looks to the future

“The Future of Education Is in Your Hands.”

That is the theme of this year’s annual teacher-recruitment event hosted by the James R. Watson and Judy Rodriguez Watson College of Education, in partnership with the College of Natural Sciences. The celebration will showcase teaching as a critical, rewarding career during which participants can glean insights and inspiration from seasoned educators and CSUSB representatives.

The Celebration of Teaching is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 20, in the Center for Global Innovation (CGI-103). The event is specifically geared for students pursuing a CSUSB degree who may be interested in exploring a career in teaching and wish to learn more about the array of resources, training and support that is available to them.

The theme of this year’s event is intended to underscore the need for new teachers who will shape and mentor the next generation of students who themselves might also become educators.

“As of today, California needs to hire about 4,000 teachers in order to reduce the excessive large class sizes we have in many California schools,” said Chinaka DomNwachukwu, dean of the Watson College of Education. “This means that you are entering into a profession that needs your passion, your skill, and the expertise you bring to the classroom. As a teacher, you not only help to shape the lives of today’s youth, you help shape the future of this nation. This is one of the noblest professions anyone can join. California needs you; the nation needs you.”

Prospective attendees can register for the event online by visiting the 2023 Celebration of Teaching homepage or the event’s Eventbrite registration page.

A highlight of this year’s event is keynote speaker Cherina Betters (’17, Ed.D.), a College of Education alumna and the first chief of equity and access at San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. Previously, Betters served as a teacher for the San Jacinto Unified School District and Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District – and she was the first Black teacher to work in that district. In her current role, she represents 33 school districts and over 400,000 students.

The event will also feature welcome remarks from DomNwachukwu and College of Natural Sciences Dean Sastry G. Pantula.

“Teachers are absolutely vital to ensure a bright, prosperous future full of opportunity and possibility for all,” Pantula said. “For that future to remain bright, we need a new generation of teachers to light the way forward. I encourage everyone with a love of learning and a passion for science to ignite that same love and passion in others. The future of education is truly in your hands.”

The event will feature educators from local school districts who will share job prospects and packages they offer to newly hired teachers. Additionally, campus representatives will provide information on financial aid options available to credential students. 

The Celebration of Teaching will also be a great opportunity to network with other students, faculty and staff as well as current teachers, counselors and administrators from local school districts.

Multiple breakout sessions will be held to give participants the opportunity to meet and network with K-12 teachers, faculty and current, credentialed students.

The Celebration of Teaching is a partnership between the James R. Watson and Judy Rodriguez Watson College of Education and College of Natural Sciences, and is supported, in part, by a Department of Education Advising 4 Undergraduate Success (A4US) grant.