by Emma Prophet

The 2025 CPP Fall Retreat was an insightful, energizing, and memorable experience that brought together faculty and staff as well as community members for a time of learning, reflection, and connection. The retreat has been an important tradition for the CPP college. It provides a strong sense of unity and thoughtful conversations.

Throughout that time, faculty and staff were able to step away from their busy routines and focus on growth in a more intentional way. Whether talking through ideas with new faces or reconnecting with familiar ones, everyone seemed genuinely appreciative of the opportunity to slow down and be present with one another. The retreat served as a reminder of how valuable it is to have dedicated time to gather, share perspectives, and build supportive relationships.

Each year, the CPP Excellence Awards recognize individuals who exemplify exceptional dedication, leadership, and service within the College of Professional Programs. Recipients of this award consistently demonstrate a commitment to elevating the student experience, advancing the mission of the college, and contributing meaningfully to their departments and the broader campus community. Their contributions strengthen our programs, inspire those around them, and highlight the remarkable talent and dedication present throughout CPP.

The 2024-2025 CPP Excellence Award Winners are:

● Faculty Service Activities: Ashley Lepisi, Education

● Faculty Teaching: Clive Gary, Education

● Faculty Scholarly & Creative Works: Rajeev Dwivedi, Business

● Classified Staff: Christi Wavada, Education

● Classified Staff: Christine Davies, Psychology

● Exempt Staff: Jill Stinson, Education

● Campus Partner: Margie Scammell-Renner, Advancement

● Community Partner: Matt and Candie Chew, Champions Retreat

● Community Partner: Bob Cole

● Team: Family Resource & Training Center (FRTC)

● Alumni: Alvaro Figueroa Garcia

● Alumni: Mary Beazer

One of the most anticipated moments of the event was the keynote presentation delivered by Cimone Wright-Hamor. Cimone’s message was powerful, engaging, and deeply thoughtful. She spoke with clarity and authenticity about leadership, the impact of faculty and staff on students’ lives, and how universities should navigate the information age. Her ability to connect with the audience through personal stories, practical insights, and genuine passion, made her presentation one of the defining highlights of the entire retreat. Attendees left feeling both inspired and challenged in the best possible way.

As the retreat concluded, the sense of community was amplified. Many participants expressed how refreshing it was to be in a space where learning, encouragement, and meaningful conversation were at the center of the day. The blend of educational content, supportive interactions, and Cimone Wright-Hamor’s outstanding keynote presentation, all created an environment that felt uplifting and restorative. Overall, the 2025 CPP Fall Retreat was a wonderful success!

“Educator Preparation Programs, like the one at Eastern Washington University, work with prospective teachers to prepare them for a future career. Program orientation sessions offer opportunities for candidates to learn more about the profession, the program of study, and others with similar interests. Orientation practices to boost connection are transferable to a successful start of any professional learning collaboration or classroom community.”

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April’s EWU Teacher of the Month was Mrs. Kimberly Taylor, a teacher from Sacajawea Middle School in Spokane. She was nominated by her student Loona, who said she is the best teacher they have ever had! STCU is proud to sponsor this program.

Winners are chosen by EWU. You can submit a nomination here: https://www.khq.com/teacherofthemonth/

On Wednesday April 3rd, 2024, EWU will be celebrating Giving Joy Day!  This annual event is an opportunity for new and returning gifters to give to programmatic and scholarships funds at any financial level, supporting student success and providing opportunities for current and future Eagles!

• In 2023-2024, 103 CPP students received EWU scholarships totaling nearly $312,000.

Here are testimonial videos from our students on the impact of receiving scholarship funds:

Explore funding opportunities by scholarship or program by clicking the button below.

]]> https://www.ewu.edu/cpp/news/ewu-celebrates-future-teachers/ Mon, 27 Nov 2023 19:05:39 +0000 https://www.ewu.edu/cpp/?post_type=stories&p=19351 EWU Celebrates Future Teachers]]>

EWU Celebrates Future Teachers

Outdoor Class Inspires Young Students to Protect Environment

Master of Social Work alum Heather Zorrozua ’11, a Counselor at Cheney Middle School, who completed the School of Education’s Principal Certificate this year, has been named Assistant Principal starting in the fall.

When asked how her academic program prepared her for her career, Heather states that:

The well-rounded knowledge from the MSW program gave me a broader lens in working with key stakeholders. With added experience working in a residential mental health setting, with my MSW, I was prepared to work with the whole student. The wealth of information I was provided during my MSW program allowed me to bring a range of skills to work within the public education setting not typically seen by school counselors.  This also helped give me the confidence to obtain my administrative certification to ensure a more considerable impact on my students and the broader community. Moving into an Assistant Principal role for Cheney Middle School, I will bring my MSW and all the skills/knowledge that has come with it to an advanced generalist background.

Her most significant challenge and “blessing” while at EWU was that she was working full-time in a residential mental health setting.

While the experience was terrific and happened simultaneously with my learning, I was required to dial in my time management. In addition, during my administrative certification, I also worked full-time with the bonus of being a mom, wife, and coach. So while all the challenges have been a blessing, they required laser-focused time management.”

Her favorite thing about EWU the connections she built within cohorts and community work. She states that, “it has been great to interact with people years later that have supported the work I have been doing within my current job. The connections are lovely.”

When asked what advice she would provide to current students, she says that they should have an open mind.

While it might feel like you know what you want to do and how to get there, be open to exploring various jobs and avenues. You might find your calling in a field, position, or space you never imagined. Say yes and explore your options! You know, ever know what road might open for you. Make connections and be kind!

Heather let us know that she is “incredibly excited to continue to serve in the Cheney community and cannot wait for my new adventure as an Assistant Principal at Cheney Middle School!”

Congratulations Heather!

by Mya Brossoit

The College of Professional Programs is proud to highlight The Eastern Reading Council, a student club that promotes a love for literacy and community service.

Eastern’s Reading Council partners with surrounding school districts in teaching local children about reading and the importance of literacy. The club participates in Literacy Nights, public readings to students, and supporting book drives within the community. They are a powerful demonstration of giving back to the community through intentional acts of service. The Council is made up of primarily EWU Education students, but is open to all majors who are interested in joining.

Working with this club gives me great joy, as these students are eager to make a difference in the lives of children through experiences we get to plan for, create and be a part of… My students are truly making an impact in the lives of children in Cheney and Spokane and I am PROUD to know them. – Ashley Lepisi, Club Advisor and Education Lecturer

The Reading Council continues to thrive as members are rebuilding the organization since the pandemic. Though starting fresh left much work to do, members demonstrate an eagerness for creative outreach and inspirational leadership for generations to come. The club persistently volunteers their time to children and influential activities regarding literacy and service.

A few recent activities the club participated in were volunteering at a Literacy Night, taking part in the Club and Organization Fair on campus, and working on their big project for the year. During this project, members were able to collect over 300 books from local school districts, Starbucks, and Thomas Hammer. They were then able to donate these books for students to enjoy and put on a Bingo for Books Night at Stevens Elementary School in Spokane. Leftover books were then donated to the Dual Immersion Program at the Libby Center. The club members describe this project as one of their greatest accomplishments:

This event was incredibly rewarding for us to participate in…We felt as if we were making a difference with this activity, and we believe this is what our club is all about. We are helping bridge the opportunity gap that many of these students face by sponsoring activities like this. Our club is beyond excited to organize more events like this one.

When asked what advice the Council would give to other Eagles, members emphasized the importance of getting involved in clubs and organizations on campus. Not only is it a wonderful way to build a resume and invest in relationships, but it also brings satisfaction by seeing the difference can can make in the lives of others.

You only are in college once, so you should make the most of it by joining clubs, meeting other Eags, and giving back to the community.

The Eastern Reading Council holds many dreams for upcoming projects. They share their hopes to put on another Literacy Night and their plans for holding a book fair at EWU. Along with that, members plan to create literacy packets/books for students during the summer. This provides literacy development and reading opportunities for students who may not have the ability to access books in the summer. Members also promote the Eagles Read Program, led by Instructor Ashley Lepisi, for students in the community.

Through their consistent generosity and investment in students, it is clear EWU’s Reading Council is flying high like an Eagle throughout our community!

Joining this club has opened our eyes to the various needs of students. All students should have the right to have books in their hands, participate in fun activities such as a Literacy Night, and have access to Literacy Materials. We are making this possible for students. If you are someone who is interested in making a difference, I would highly recommend joining our club!

The College of Professional Programs proudly honors the Eastern Reading Council for their authentic passion and influence in community service and promoting literacy!

Learn more about upcoming Reading Council events on EagleSync and follow them on Instagram @ewureadingcouncil

The School of Education celebrated its second Future Teacher Send Off of the ’22-’23 academic year on March 16th, featuring teaching candidates from the Bachelor of Arts in Education (BAE), and Master in Teaching (MIT) programs.  Friends and families joined the candidates as we heard from sponsors of the event: EWU Admissions, EWU Alumni Office, and STCU.  Each candidate was recognized and given a goodie bag from Admissions and the evening began with a group picture with Swoop, who in Swoop fashion tucked into the fabulous cupcakes provided by Dining Services.