As I write this, I’m struck by the limitations of human ability to forecast the future!  I don’t think anyone could have predicted how unusual our context would be for the start of another academic  year---we are almost 25 weeks into a pandemic with surging infectivity in LA County, a deepening economic crisis and a very turbulent national context.  It is my sincerest hope that despite everything, you are doing … the best you can!  I hope you, like me, can take some solace in the ordinary, “normal” things that happen at a start of a semester—meeting new classmates and professors, reviewing syllabi, making it through that first assignment and so forth. 

At a time like this, it is important to not only find solace but to find inspiration where we can.  I recently had the opportunity to read President Obama’s address to the graduates of 2020.  The advice he gives graduates can speak to all of us at the beginning of the fall semester.  First he encourages us with this, “do what you think is right, not just what’s convenient or what’s expected or what’s easy… think about the values that matter to you the most.”   It’s easy to fade into the background on a zoom session, much harder to lean in to dialog and discussion with your professor and your classmates.  Secondly, he tells us, “listen to each other, respect each other, and use all that critical thinking you’ve developed from your education to help promote the truth”.  Your education is made more meaningful by engaging in discussion with your classmates, instructors and also your family members and friends, who may or may not agree with you.  Thirdly, he asks, “…even if it all seems broken, have faith in our democracy”.  I think he is also asking us to have faith in some aspects of our institutions, like Education.  He writes, “There are so many ways to serve — the important thing is to recognize that this nation needs your talents, your passions, your voice, to make it better.”  Your education is your way into serving your community through your contributions in the field of education as a teacher, counselor or educational leader.  We applaud your commitment to pursue your education and make a difference in your communities!

Finally, how will we make it through this semester—with hope.  President Obama reminds us, “Especially in a time like this. You don’t always need hope when everything’s going fine. It’s when things seem darkest — that’s when you need it the most.   That’s what hope is. It’s not the blind faith that things will get better. It’s the conviction that with effort, and perseverance, and courage, and a concern for others — things can get better.  That remains the truest part of our American story.”

Every action you take this semester to learn and to prepare yourself for a career in the field of education—is taking action for a more equitable and just future.

Values, engagement, holding on to your aspirations and having hope—this is the recipe for a meaningful fall semester.  I’m wishing you all the best for the fall semester!

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For questions about course enrollment, please contact the Division your program is in:

Division of Applied and Advanced Studies: Betty at  [email protected]

Division of Curriculum and Instruction: Michelle at [email protected]

Division of Special Education and Counseling: Jennifer [email protected]

For advising and credential information, please contact the Office of Student Services:

[email protected]

Visit the CCOE website for additional information!

Resources for future students or those interested in applying, as well as current students, are located in the tabs at the top of this webpage. Also visit the Covid-19+Credentialing Information site for additional information.”

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If you are unable to locate the information you need, please call the Dean’s Office at 323.343.4300