2012-2013
Mary Roosevelt
Honor Scholars
UC Irvine School of Education
MAT/Credential Programs
Mary Roosevelt Honor Scholar
A candidate who shows
promise as
a visionary,
a leader, committed to
improving educational
opportunities for all
students.
Jillian Blackledge,
Mathematics
Graduated: UC San Diego, Mathematics with a
Concentration in Teaching
• Discovered Mathematics for Secondary Education at UCSD and
knew it was the right choice for her.
• Completed fieldwork in downtown San Diego teaching 8th Grade
Algebra.
• Enjoys helping students grasp old and new concepts as well as
helping them appreciate mathematics.
Kelly Casassa, Art
Graduated: University of San Diego, Art History
• One of 50 Orange County 7th graders to attend
Arts-X- Press, a summer immersion program for
promising middle school art students
• Later taught art fundamentals at Arts-X-Press
• Pursued undergraduate photography, 2D design, and painting
• Has visited some of the world's most renowned museums.
• Senior thesis, "Portrait of a Woman: A Critical Analysis of
Sixteenth Century Italian Oil Painting.”
Michelle Chang,
Chemistry
Graduated: UC San Diego, Biochemistry
• Held a job as a swim instructor and mentored
school students.
middle
• Discovered her passion for teaching while teaching an
English literacy class in Taiwan to 58 eager students.
• Believes in the importance of engaging and promoting
critical thinking.
• Wants to promote higher education among underprivileged
students.
Robert Chodola, History
Graduated: UC San Diego, History
• Had his first experience in teaching through the AVID
program where he was a tutor
• AVID gave him a different perspective on cultural diversity in
education
• Believes that successful teachers earn respect through their
actions
• Believes in the principles of respect and honesty
Erika Espinoza, Multiple
Subjects
Graduated: UC Riverside, Political Science
& Ethnic Studies
• The only Latina from her high school to be admitted and
graduate from UCR
• Attributes her access in higher education the Upward Bound
Program.
• Worked with at-risk students in MEChA Summer Leadership
Camp at UCR
John Funk, Multiple
Subjects
Graduated: CSU San Jose,
Political Science
• Substitute taught after his Bachelor’s in K-8 classrooms
• Believes in high expectations for all students
• Wants to build a strong educational foundation and inspire
children to be curious and love learning all their lives
Elizabeth Gastelum,
Math
Graduated: UCLA, Political Science
• Influential teachers and life experience ignited her passion
for teaching
• Believes in the power of hope, kindness, and optimism in the
success of learning communities
• Believes that a teacher should be accessible, professional,
engaging, and dedicated
• Draws on the lessons of parenthood to help with understanding
youth
Stephen Gorgone,
Biology
Graduated: UC Santa Barbara,
Biopsychology
• Explored several professions before the decision to teach
• Working with the disabled was one of the most fulfilling
professional experiences before teaching
• Biology offers a unique way to look at the world and ourselves
• Science fulfills our curiosity and our intellect
Trevor Herschberger,
English
Graduated: UCLA, English
• His summer work at the migrant camp in Davis, CA
during High School ignited his love of teaching
• He taught sports, games, and then English vocabulary, grammar,
and reading skills to 1st – 6th graders.
• These experiences taught him patience
• Trevor is committed to access and equity for all
Madeline Mullens,
English
Graduated: UC Irvine, Art History
& European Studies
• Served as the Graduate Coordinator for the Ph.D Program in
Visual Studies at UCI
• Taught ESL in South Korea to middle schoolers
• Korea ignited her interest in being a teacher
• Loves discovering students’ individual needs
• Works at a museum on exhibits and marketing
Christopher Perez, Math
Graduated: UC Irvine, Mathematics and
Anthropology
• His double major in Math and Anthropology taught him the
different perspectives of social sciences and mathematics
• A staunch advocate of equality and social justice
• Participated in the UCI Cal Teach program with placements
in Santa Ana Unified School District
• Uses his own experiences as a Latino male to identify with
his students
Amanda Roberson,
French
Graduated: Appalachian State University,
French & Political Science
•Is an avid Francophile
•Her high school French teacher helped establish Amanda in the
profession
•Taught French for several years in North Carolina before
coming to California
•Had to begin again on her credential once in California
Lisette Vega, Multiple
Subjects
Graduated: UC Irvine, Psychology &
Social Behavior
• Despite surrounding risk factors, her family believed in
education
• Lisette’s Kindergarten teacher showed her the pathway to
teaching
• She later volunteered in her Kindergarten teacher’s
classroom
• Committed to helping low-income children believe in and
meet their potential