Commitment to Equity & Diversity

Commitment to Equity

Equity is a way of being. We at Teachers College of San Joaquin believe that we need to meet people where they are and guide them to embrace, demonstrate, and practice an equity mindset through insatiable curiosity for learning. We believe that an equity mindset is achieved through strong relationships and ongoing, deep reflection starting with an ever-evolving personal examination of truth. We believe that equity requires rigorous, intentional dedication. We commit to sustaining an equity lens as we work with our strategic priorities and resources while maintaining relevant, ongoing action and assessment of progress. We acknowledge that it is going to take time to dismantle systemic oppression and injustice and we are deeply committed to the journey.

Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.

Maya Anglou

Residency@TCSJ
Class of 2023

The TCSJ Equity Team & Equity Goals Dashboard

The TCSJ Equity Team operates under the guidance of the San Joaquin County Office of Education’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access Steering Committee. Our team meets monthly, focusing on three key areas: learning, reflection, and action.
  1. Learning: We introduce new ideas to foster continuous learning through reading, writing, watching, reflecting, and sharing.
  2. Reflection: We consider how our learning influences daily practices and impacts our staff, faculty, and students.
  3. Action: We discuss and determine next steps aligned with our program and institutional goals, setting timelines to evaluate the effectiveness of.
To demonstrate our commitment to equity and diversity, we have created an Equity Goals Dashboard. This tool tracks, monitors, and reports our goals, actions, and progress, ensuring transparency and intentionality in our efforts.
CLICK HERE to view the Equity Dashboard!

Equity Spotlight

Each month, the Equity Spotlight features a member of the TCSJ community who exemplifies a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through personal stories and professional insights, these highlights honor individuals who bring unique perspectives, advocate for equitable practices, and contribute to creating inclusive learning and work environments. From staff and students to alumni, the Equity Spotlight celebrates those who are making an impact within the community.

Help us shine the spotlight! If you know someone in the TCSJ community making a difference, let us know through our Equity Spotlight Nomination Form.

Karie Nelson

Karie Nelson, adjunct faculty member at TCSJ, shares how her story led her to advocacy for social justice – emphasizing the needs and rights of individuals within the Queer Community. Karie shares that she believes life learning involves consistently working to deconstruct personal biases while recognizing individual privilege. She advises that protecting one’s personal wellbeing as the first priority is vital to ongoing healthy advocacy for transformative equity work.

PAST EQUITY SPOTLIGHTS

Dr. Girlie Hale

Dr. Girlie Hale, President of TCSJ, shares her experience as a 1st generation Filipina in California’s Central Valley and her journey to define her culture on her own terms. Dr. Hale describes that her first name, Girlie, always created a sense of not belonging and brought about ridicule in her early life. As an anecdote to her life experiences, she shares that her “Starbucks name” was “Donna” and it wasn’t until her doctoral journey began that she was able to fully transform her cultural mindset and embrace her powerful personal history. Dr. Hale encourages everyone to embrace their uniqueness and shares insight on how understanding and promoting equity is a lifelong journey. Her “Starbucks name” is now Girlie!

PAST EQUITY SPOTLIGHTS

GIRLIE HALE.

Dr. Girlie Hale, President of TCSJ, shares her experience as a 1st generation Filipina in California’s Central Valley and her journey to define her culture on her own terms. Dr. Hale describes that her first name, Girlie, always created a sense of not belonging and brought about ridicule in her early life. As an anecdote to her life experiences, she shares that her “Starbucks name” was “Donna” and it wasn’t until her doctoral journey began that she was able to fully transform her cultural mindset and embrace her powerful personal history. Dr. Hale encourages everyone to embrace their uniqueness and shares insight on how understanding and promoting equity is a lifelong journey. Her “Starbucks name” is now Girlie!

RAYVEN ROBLES

TCSJ Alum, Rayven Robles, shares their experience as a first-generation college graduate and the passion for education that they promote: believing all students can aim high for success.  Having a nonbinary gender identity, Rayven explains how initial feelings of apprehension and vulnerability turned into acceptance as parents embraced the skills and enthusiasm Rayven brings to the classroom.  Rayven speaks about the importance of students feeling included regardless of their background or identity.

RITA BARRERA

Professor Rita Barrera – Exploratorium fellow and founding member of Unbound Stockton – shares her history and passion for creating equitable classroom spaces. Rita explains how STEM can entice student engagement and discovery – factors critical for equitable learning experiences. As a teacher, she advocates for authenticity which can lead to vulnerability and greater inclusive understanding between all persons sharing a learning space.

JOSE PATINO

M.Ed. student, Jose Patino, shares how building a supportive school community begins by providing students with a welcoming and safe environment.  As a soccer coach, Jose has contributed to his school’s overall culture by consistently ensuring students with special needs are not left out.  As an RSP teacher, he provides students with social supports to promote their academic success.

Upcoming Events

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, ACCESS, AND INCLUSION (DEIA) RESOURCES

 

Teachers who identify as Black and/or African American are invited to come together to learn, reflect, connect, and celebrate in community. This racial affinity space provides an opportunity to build community, share experiences, and reflect on diverse experiences as educators and people of Color.

All meetings will be held via Zoom. Select a date below to register and receive the Zoom link.

Online Meeting Dates & Times:

Facilitated by:
Tiani Hudgins (thudgins@teacherscollegesj.edu)

Interested in facilitating an affinity group? Please submit an interest form for more information.


 
 
Join our welcoming space where we honor our roots, embrace our identities, and bring together our TCSJ Latine community, friends, and allies to connect, support, and thrive together.
 

Hybrid Meeting Dates & Times: 

Mostly Wednesdays | 4:00-4:50 p.m., TCSJ, Room 110 (Four Tree)

  • Wednesday, October 28, 2026
  • Wednesday, December 9, 2026
  • Wednesday, February 10, 2027
  • Tuesday, April 6, 2027
  • Wednesday, May 5, 2026
Email a facilitator for the Zoom link.

Facilitated by: Dr. Myra Gardea-Hernandez (mgardeahernandez@sjcoe.net) & Vanessa Segoviano (vsegoviano@sjcoe.net)
 
Submit an interest form: bit.ly/TCSJLatin
Please stay tuned for future book studies!
Please stay tuned for future professional learning opportunities!
Find resources on our Equity Continuum – scaled for equity explorers at 3 levels of knowledgeability! 

We are thrilled to share the results of TCSJ’s third annual Campus Climate Survey, conducted from March 18 to April 4, 2025. Your valuable feedback has provided important insights into the diversity, equity, and sense of belonging within our campus community. This year, 516 TCSJ community members participated in the survey, including students, instructors, mentors, supervisors, and staff from a wide range of backgrounds and programs. We invite you to explore the comprehensive report, which highlights key findings and themes from the survey. Your perspectives continue to guide our ongoing efforts to foster an inclusive, supportive, and empowering learning environment for all.

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