Commitment to Equity & Diversity
November 15, 2024 2025-10-13 16:33Commitment 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.
Residency@TCSJ
Class of 2023
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.
Jose Patino, current M.Ed. student
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.
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.
Upcoming Events
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, ACCESS, AND INCLUSION (DEIA) RESOURCES
Black & African American Affinity Group
We invite any teacher who identifies as Black or African American to join us in a space dedicated to learning, processing, and celebrating together in racial affinity. This group is a supportive community where we can discuss and reflect on our diverse experiences as educators and people of Color.
Facilitator: Tiani Hudgins (thudgins@teacherscollegesj.edu)
Meeting Dates:
- Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 4:30-5:30 P.M., Valley Brewing Co., 157 W Adams St, Stockton, CA
- Thursday, November 20, 4:30-5:30 P.M., Starbucks, 4895 S 99 Frontage Rd, Stockton, CA
- Tuesday, February 10, 4:30-5:30 P.M., Zoom
- Friday, May 15, 2025, 4:30-5:30 P.M., Valley Brewing Co., 157 W Adams St, Stockton, CA
Unidos en Comunidad | Latine Affinity Group
Facilitators: Dr. Myra Gardea-Hernandez (mgardeahernandez@sjcoe.net) & Vanessa Segoviano (vsegoviano@sjcoe.net)
Hybrid Meeting Dates:
Fridays | 4:30-5:30 p.m., TCSJ, Room 110 (Four Tree)
Zoom available if needed
- October 17, 2025
- December 12, 2025
- February 20, 2026
- April 24, 2026
- May 8, 2026
Join a safe space for educators to share experiences, embrace PRIDE, promote professional authenticity, and find belonging. We are inclusive of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Non-binary, Transgender, Asexual, Pansexual, Questioning, and other fluidities of gender/orientation.
Facilitator: Dr. Mitch Mesimer (mmesimer@teacherscollegesj.edu)
Next Meeting Date via Zoom:
- Friday, September 5, 2025, 5-6 P.M.
Join tinyurl.com/mryhth34
Interested in facilitating an Affinity Group?
If you are passionate about creating a supportive space of affinity groups and are interested in facilitating one, please CLICK HERE!
Book Study: “Fix Injustice, Not Kids” by Paul Gorski & Katy Salwell
Sponsored by TCSJ’s Equity Team
SAVE THE DATE! Paul Gorski will be leading a workshop at TCSJ in January 2026.
ABOUT THE BOOK
- Directly confront inequity
- Focus on structural conditions, not “fixing” students
- Prioritize equity in policies and culture
- Rethink what equitable access really means
- Apply an equity lens to data
- Sustain the work through care, joy, and community
Through powerful narratives, this book inspires leaders to disrupt injustice and become transformative equity champions.
ZOOM SESSIONS
Please scan the QR code to register and a link will be emailed to you.
Fridays, 5:30-6:30 P.M.
- Sept. 5 – Intro + Chapters 1–2
- Oct. 10 – Chapters 3–4
- Oct. 24 – Chapters 5–6
- Nov. 7 – Chapters 7–8
- Dec. 5 – Chapter 9
Please stay tuned for future professional learning opportunities!
Find resources on our Equity Continuum – scaled for equity explorers at 3 levels of knowledgeability!
TCSJ Campus Climate Survey
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, a total of 516 TCSJ community members participated in the survey, comprising 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.
Join us for Views & Voices, an opportunity for open, honest dialogue where your opinions, concerns, and ideas are heard and valued. Whether you join us in person, online, or asynchronously, your voice helps shape the future of TCSJ.
Upcoming Views & Voices Sessions
In-Person Session
October 20, 2025 | 4–5 p.m.
Room 132, TCSJ
Stop by, grab a cookie, and share your thoughts!
Online Session
October 23, 2025 | 4–5 p.m.
via Zoom – https://tinyurl.com/views25voices
Share Your Feedback via Google Form – Submit Your Feedback by October 31, 2025
Questions? Contact Dr. Karin Compise at kcompise@sjcoe.net.
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