Christina Giguiere

UCI Graduate Cristina Giguiere returns to DOE as Multiple Subject Program Coordinator

Irvine, Calif., December 1, 2007

In 1998, Christina Giguiere left the San Joaquin Valley to pursue an undergraduate degree at UC Santa Barbara. The day after graduation at Santa Barbara, she journeyed to UC Irvine to begin the Masters of Arts in Teaching program as a Multiple Subject Credential Candidate. This 15-month rigorous program appealed to Christina’s work ethic and her desire to have both a credential and a master’s degree in a short period of time.

Christina spent the summer of 2002 studying teachers as action researchers and exploring the challenges and passions of outstanding educators. The nine months that followed included demanding courses and inspiring student teaching experiences. The second summer of classes focused on policy, cognitive learning theory, and educational technology. The expert instructors and enriching course content provided her with a wealth of knowledge. The program allowed Christina to move beyond the novice phase of planning, implementing and assessing student learning.

The M.A.T. program motivated Christina to become a teacher leader with a clear understanding of student engagement, classroom management, parent communication, and professional development. She landed a first grade teaching position at Turtle Rock Elementary in Irvine. The program courses prepared her to instruct first and third graders in all content areas, as well as take on leadership roles within the school. After one year of teaching Christina earned a M.S. in Reading and Reading Specialist Credential through CSU Fullerton.  Christina continued to focus her efforts on curriculum, literacy, technology, and teacher education.

Teaching, as well as earning her advanced degrees in Orange County, motivated Christina to seek a career in higher education. She hosted a UCI student teacher in the spring of 2007 and made connections with the faculty members at the Department of Education. In July Christina returned to the University where she embarked on her journey in education almost six years ago. As the Department of Education Multiple Subject Program Coordinator, she dedicates herself to preparing pre-service teachers for a rewarding career in education. About one third of credential candidates are also enrolled in the M.A.T. program, a path that she highly recommends to all student teachers. Christina hopes to play an integral role in the Credential Program as an administrator, instructor, advisor and mentor to future elementary school educators.

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