Commitment to Equity & Diversity
November 15, 2024 2025-04-25 11:05Commitment 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
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. Meetings will take place at the TCSJ Stockton campus at 4:30 p.m. in Room 129. Facilitator: Tiani Hudgins (thudgins@teacherscollegesj.edu)
Meeting Dates:
January 30, 2025
February 6, 2025
March 6, 2025
April 10, 2025
May 16, 2025
Queer Folks Affinity Group
Join our safe space for educators who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, pansexual, asexual, and questioning. Facilitator: Dr. Mitch Mesimer (mmesimer@teacherscollegesj.edu)
The first meeting was held on March 21, 2025. Please stay tuned for future meetings!
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!
Our book study of “You Belong Here” by Kim Dabbs has concluded. 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!
TCSJ Campus Climate Survey
We are thrilled to share the results of TCSJ’s second annual Campus Climate Survey, conducted from October 29th to November 13th, 2023. Valuable feedback has provided us with insights into the diversity, equity, and sense of belonging within our campus community. We received a response rate of 29%, with a total of 405 completed surveys collected during the three-week period. We invite you to take some time to review the comprehensive report, which highlights key findings from the survey.
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.
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