Katie Li graduated summa cum laude from College of the Holy Cross with a B. A. in Asian American Studies, and will complete a Single Subject credential in Social Science in Stanford University’s STEP program June 2009. She completed her student teaching at Summit Prep Public Charter High School in Redwood City.

Katie has worked as a Youth Development Coordinator for the National Equity Center and as a Project Coordinator for Teaching For Change, both in Washington, D.C.; she was a Fundraiser and Communications Associate for the Chinese Progressive Association in San Francisco.

She has planned community leadership development workshops in Boston and youth workshops for Asian American Leadership Education and Development in DC; and has managed the website as well as worked on youth activities for the Chinese Progressive Association. This year she has worked on student organizing and political leadership development for Stanford’s Asian American Activism Committee.

Katie is the recipient of numerous awards and scholarships including:  National Scholar for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship/Public Service Award; the Edith Witt Internship for the Poverty and Race Research Action Council; the Holy Cross Presidential Service Award through College of the Holy Cross; and was a Dana Academic Scholar at College of the Holy Cross. 

Recommendations: “Katie has been a strong addition to my classroom this year because she forms strong relationships with students and she is incredibly thoughtful in her planning and preparation.” “Katie’s commitment to our students can be seen every day when we co-plan, as she works hard to ensure that the lessons we teach are meaningful to all of our students.”

Sean Andersen graduated from Santa Rosa High School in Northern California and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Science: Liberal Studies with a minor in History from San Diego State University in May 2008. He is currently completing a Multiple Subject Credential program at San Diego State University, and student taught at Corky McMillin and Vista Square Elementary Schools, both in Chula Vista Elementary School District.

Sean has a diverse background of experience, having been a school tutor with Chula Vista Elementary School District and a teacher assistant with San Diego Unified; he was a youth camp counselor at Camp Cazadero Camp, and worked in sales at Discovery Channel Store and Adventure 16, Inc. (where he was Employee of the Month in November 2008). He even spent time as a laborer for a home construction firm and volunteered with the Reggae Rising Music Festival.

Sean is a member of the Greater San Diego Reading Association and Mathematics Association. Honors he has received include SDSU Dean’s List and Santa Rosa High School Foundation Scholarship.

Recommendations: “Mr. Andersen developed a rapport with the students that encouraged risk-taking and self-discovery. He approached new experiences with eagerness and was happy to take the initiative. Throughout the semester, Mr. Andersen clearly focused on student abilities, interests, and needs to create rich curriculum.” “Mr. Andersen’s success is due in great part to his positive attitude and willingness to reflect on his own teaching.” “The world needs more teachers like Sean!”