CSUB professor receives teaching award

Dr. Bre Evans-Santiago recognized as Professor of Education of the Year

By California State University, Bakersfield

June 16^th, 2022

A California State University, Bakersfield professor was recently recognized for her work in helping develop the next generation of educators.

Dr. Bre Evans-Santiago, assistant professor and chair of the Teacher Education Department, has received the Association of California School Administrators West Kern Charter’s Professor of Education of the Year award and was recognized during an awards ceremony last week.

“I’m very honored that the local education community recognizes how hard we work here, and I’m humbled because they are colleagues that I work with often,” she said. “It’s really gratifying because this is not a CSUB award. To receive an award out in the community shows that my love and service for education is being noticed outside of campus.”

Dr. Valerie Park — an adjunct professor at CSUB and director of curriculum, assessment, and instructional technology at the Panama Buena Vista School District — presented Dr. Evans-Santiago with the award not only for her work in the Teacher Education Department but also her efforts to promote equity, diversity and inclusion on campus and in the community.

During her six years at CSUB, Dr. Evans-Santiago has had several roles on campus in addition to her teaching duties, including serving as co-chair of the LGBTQ+ faculty and staff affinity group and adviser for the LGBTQ+ student group as well as being a member of the Black Faculty and Staff Association.

She is also the author of the book “Mistakes We Have Made: Implications for Social Justice Educators,” which was published in 2020.

“Dr. Evans-Santiago is a professor who puts all students first, whether the students are in the teacher credential program, the master's program, or in a TK-12 grade setting,” Dr. Park said. “She advocates for all students, especially our marginalized student groups, and she promotes equity in all she does. She is well-deserving of this honor.”

Dr. Evans-Santiago is glad that professors in teacher education are being recognized by the ACSA West Kern Charter through this award.

“It’s a beautiful opportunity that shows that teacher educators are making a difference and having an impact in the community,” she said. “For administrators to take the time to show appreciation and do it every year is really admirable.”

Dr. Evans-Santiago said the award has boosted her confidence and encourages her to continue with her work.

“It felt very affirming that I am walking the walk, affirming that I am making a difference and am a part of positive change in the community,” she said.

Dr. Evans-Santiago also hopes that receiving the award will encourage more schools to work with her, which she said would help strengthen CSUB’s partnerships with school districts and could lead to more student teachers being placed in local schools.