THE BAIS EDITION
Newsletter for the SJSU Online B. A. Interdisciplinary Studies Educational & Community Leadership Program
Fall 2026
Newsletter for the SJSU Online B. A. Interdisciplinary Studies Educational & Community Leadership Program
Fall 2026
Fall 2026 Edition - Greetings B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies Community!
Learn about the personal experiences of some our faculty, fellow students, and BAIS alumni and stay up to date with BAIS events, opportunities, and resources.
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Fall 2026 Game Night!
Join us for our upcoming Online Game Night Friday, November 6th on Zoom from 7:00 - 8:30pm
This is a great opportunity to relax, blow off some steam, and laugh with Faculty, students, and alumni from our program. We will be playing versions of popular TV game shows with chances to win real prizes!
When: Friday, November 6th, 2026 on Zoom 7:00 - 8:30pm
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://sjsu.zoom.us/j/85138837641?pwd=RVocbPesrKjH2SHMgD1hFnNMw4Qc1W.1&jst=2
Harvard Educational Leadership Scholar Dr. Scott Shares Insights with EDLD 110 Students
Dr. Irvin Scott, Senior Lecturer and Faculty Co-chair of Harvard’s Master’s Degree in Education
Students in the Fall 2026 EDLD 110: Introduction to Educational & Community Leadership course recently welcomed Dr. Irvin Scott, senior lecturer and faculty co-chair of Harvard’s online master’s degree in education, for a special online guest session. Invited by course instructors Lucia Sanchez and Erin Scullion-Jones, the Harvard Graduate School of Education leader answered students’ questions about leadership, purpose, and personal growth.
Throughout the semester, students had been reading chapters from Dr. Scott’s book, Leading with Heart and Soul. His visit gave them an opportunity to connect the ideas from their readings to his experiences as an educational leader. Students arrived well prepared with thoughtful questions about finding and developing their own strengths, identifying the values that guide effective leadership, and building authentic relationships with the people they serve.
Students also asked Dr. Scott how leaders can balance professional goals with personal passions, responsibilities, and the demands of everyday life. His responses encouraged students to think carefully about their purpose, remain grounded in their values, and recognize that meaningful leadership requires continued reflection and self-awareness. He discussed the importance of understanding one’s strengths while remaining open to growth, feedback, and the perspectives of others. The conversation also invited students to consider how reflective practice can help leaders make thoughtful decisions and remain connected to the communities they serve.
Although there was not enough time to address every question students had prepared, the exchange provided a meaningful opportunity for learning and reflection. Students walked away with valuable advice and a deeper understanding of what it means to lead with intention, authenticity, and care.
Also attending the session were Program Coordinator Dr. John Jabagchourian and Lurie College of Education Dean Dr. Adrienne Redmond-Sanogo. Their participation underscored the importance of connecting students with accomplished leaders so that students can explore and carve out their own leadership pathways.
Dr. Scott joined the faculty of the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2016, where he focuses on educational leadership. He is a senior lecturer and faculty co-chair of Harvard’s online master’s degree in education. He teaches in the School Leadership Program and Doctor of Education Leadership Program, helping prepare educators and emerging leaders to create meaningful change on behalf of children and communities.
Dr. Scott’s career includes more than two decades working directly in education as an English teacher, choral director, principal, assistant superintendent, and chief academic officer. As Chief Academic Officer for Boston Public Schools, he oversaw academic programming and supported schools and regional superintendents across the district. His work has consistently reflected a commitment to educational equity, teacher leadership, and purposeful, values-driven leadership.
Nineteen students graduated Spring 2026 with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (BAIS), Educational & Community Leadership, continuing a growing tradition of achievement, community, and educational possibility. The spring commencement ceremony took place on the evening of May 22, celebrating the newest graduates of the fully online program.
With the addition of this graduating class, the program’s total number of degree completers has reached 137. Each graduate represents a significant personal and professional accomplishment, as well as the shared commitment of families, friends, faculty, staff, and communities who supported them along the way. Their success reflects the program’s mission to make higher education accessible to individuals who are already contributing to schools, organizations, and communities while preparing to expand their leadership.
Before commencement, the Lurie College of Education hosted a pre-graduation celebration for the graduates. The gathering provided a meaningful opportunity for classmates to meet one another in-person, connect with faculty and program leaders, and celebrate the relationships they built throughout their journey. The event offered a warm beginning to an evening that marked an important milestone.
During the ceremony, graduates proudly crossed the stage and shook hands with SJSU President Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson and Lurie College of Education Dean Dr. Adrienne Redmond-Sanogo. Program Coordinator Dr. John Jabagchourian and other Education Department chairs watched with pride from the stage as each graduate was recognized for their accomplishments.
Not only did the University celebrate graduates from our BAIS program, but it was also heartwarming to see past BAIS graduates walk across the stage once again as they achieved their Master’s degrees and teaching credentials.
For many graduates, the ceremony was more than a celebration; it was a reminder that persistence can transform goals into possibilities.
The Fall 2026 Graduation is set to be on Wednesday, December 16, 2026 at 7:00 PM. Please see the information below for important deadlines regarding the upcoming commencement ceremony.
September 28: Registration period for Commencement opens / Complimentary Ticket Claims Begin
October 20-21: GradFest
October 23: Deadline to Claim Complimentary Tickets (4)
October 26: Ticket sales begin. Graduating students may secure additional tickets for $20 each
November 20: Registration period for Commencement closes. This is the last day to sign up to attend your college's Commencement ceremony
December 11: Last day for additional guest tickets sales - in advance of Commencement
FACULTY JOURNEY
Senior Lecturer, Lurie College of Education
What do you teach?
EDEL 102 (Psychological Foundations of Education)
CHAD 164 (Contemporary Parenting)
CHAD 161 (Early Childhood Administration)
What do you enjoy about teaching?
I enjoy assisting students in making personal or relevant connections: Connections between themselves and content, between themselves and their experiences and/or future endeavors and between themselves and others. I love learning and gaining new perspectives.
How would you describe your teaching style?
I see teaching as a conversation or discussion--using a variety of resources to help convey an idea or concept and help students to use the ideas in application or to reflection to come to a new understanding. For me, learning is the goal--everyone can be successful.
What was your career journey? What experiences do you have outside of teaching?
I didn't figure out that I wanted to try teaching until after I finished my undergraduate degree in Liberal Studies at UCSB. A favorite professor told me that I should seek a path in education and off I went--to San Jose State to get my teaching credential a short time later. I grew up in the Bay Area and have taught all around --from East Side to East Bay. A lifelong learner, I returned to graduate work at SJSU two decades after getting my credential! I am an assistant teacher at a Parent Co-Op preschool. In addition, I am a parent and have held a variety of jobs in retail etc. I read "dichos," traditional Spanish proverbs, and helped in my children's classrooms and helped in others as parent cafe leader, reading tutor.
What is the most challenging part about teaching? What is the most rewarding part?
It's rewarding to see students grow and/or come to their own understandings and make personal connections through the class activities/readings etc. A challenge is when students aren't participating or engaging and we don't know what would help.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone trying to follow in your footsteps?
Teaching is a vocation and you may never know it's for you unless you try. It's okay to find out something isn't for you--that's learning too and no learning is ever wasted. (Advice that was shared with me). Also we all do better if everyone does better.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Michela Federico
What is you favorite movie?
Star Wars
What is you favorite book?
Born a Crime
What is you favorite type of food?
Italian
What are your hobbies?
Crafting, drawing and hiking withy family
What are the top 3 songs in your music playlist?
“As long as you love me” BSB
“Lucky” Jason Mraz
“BABY SAID” Maneskin
What are your personal goals?
Complete my studies and utilize my degree to advocate for effective teaching practices and student success within my community.
What's something you do for self-care and to de-stress?
Listening to music and indoor gardening with tropical plants.
What has been your favorite class so far and why?
EDLD 110 Intro to Leadership. Because it was a great invitation to look inward to examine my personal values, biases, and motivations for wanting to serve others.
Why is education important to you?
Because it equips me with important knowledge such as pedagogical methods and psychological understanding that I need to effectively guide and inspire students.
What study tips would you share with peers?
Ask questions and participate to discussions to grow your connections. Use the calendar so you don’t miss an assignment.
What are your struggles and how have you overcome them or are working on overcoming them?
Time management between being a mom, working full time and studying late at night. I don’t forget to give myself grace during this important journey.
What advice would you give to incoming students?
Don’t be afraid to connect with people. You can still create a support network filled with amazing people.
ALUMNI CHECK-IN
Chris Jordan Padua
When did you graduate?
Fall 2023
What was one memory from your experience in BAIS that stands out to you?
One endearing memory I'll have is making the mistake of not recording a project over Zoom. Sometimes it's internet, equipment error, or a human error but acknowledging mistakes and rolling through it is paramount to successfully persevering.
What BAIS class do you see really helping you today?
EDLD 110 Intro to Leadership! And any class with Dr. Malek really had this fun energy and great insight into things to be mindful of in a classroom or educational field. Making the classroom mindful and engaging is something I carry with me everywhere.
What are you up to today? What’s your next goal?
I am thrilled to say that I am currently a BreakThrough Academic Advisor for 7 & 8th graders at Bridges Academy and Hoover Middle School. I just started but being able to help guide students towards college and making the path there tangible.
What were some challenges you faced in your educational journey and how did you overcome them?
Those late night classes can really take a toll on you so I always encourage eating before hand or taking a power nap before if you can. Staying up late consistently can really wear you down much faster than you think.
What advice would you give to current students in the program?
Really invest as much as you can into your study and work area. Whether that's making sure you have a comfy chair since you'll be there for a while or making sure you can easily adapt your desk for whatever you need it to be. Also I HIGHLY recommend having a picture of your younger self or family to remind yourself of your purpose and who you don't want to disappoint.
ADVISING CORNER
Reminder
I'll be out of the office through November 6th, 2026
Financial Aid
Financial aid application guidance: https://www.sjsu.edu/faso/applying/how-to-apply.php.
Apply for SJSU Scholarships - please check the website as there are different scholarships and deadlines available
Transfer Lower-division Coursework
If you have lower-division courses, you need to transfer in, you can use the website Quottly to find transferable online courses that meet the missing requirements. You can also use Assist.org to look up specific courses and their articulation agreements. If you find a course at a community college, you are welcome to send it to your major advisor before you sign up to confirm it will meet the requirements
Stay caught up with your courses - Be sure that your Canvas notifications are reaching you to see instructors' routine announcements
To adjust your notification settings in canvas, see instructions here
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"Remember your why. What is your motivation for pursuing this degree? Share your why with your loved ones and others in your support system. Keep this motivation in mind, especially through the stressful times of the term." - Jamie Carranza
Make an appointment with Jamie Carranza: Spartan Connect Appointment Link
SPRING 2027 COURSE SCHEDULE & DESCRIPTION
Here is a look at the courses that are being offered in the BAIS program for Spring 2027.
EDLD 110 - Introduction to Educational and Community Leadership
This course is the first course students take when entering the program. Students can expect to define their aspirations and examine what educational and community-based professionals do to learn how to best support the community they serve. The final assignment is the Positionality Statement and Portfolios. It consist of drawing upon past assignments in the class as well as in theoretical concepts developed in the course readings and discussions to create a piece of multimedia outlining identity, social and racial justice, leadership, and potential ideas for further research. (Major core course)
EDLD 140 - Identity, Solidarity, and Social Justice Leadership
This course examines, assesses, and strengthens understandings of students' own, and others social identities; and helps build capacity for multiculturally-skilled leadership for social justice. For the major project you will present your Artifacts and Portfolio Culmination. (Major core course - Capstone course)
EDSP 150 - Communication, Leadership, and Social Justice
In this course students will develop a foundation for analysis of oral and written communication in the community to expand personal written and oral communication styles. For your major project you will work in groups to develop, practice, and improve group communication skills as well as apply practical research and organizational skills in preparing information. (Major core course)
EDSE 224 - Methods for Emergent Bilinguals with Disabilities
This course examines the unique considerations and approaches to working with culturally and linguistically diverse students with disabilities. For the major assignment you can expect to work in groups to create a lesson plan in the content area of reading/language arts, math, science, or social studies. (Inclusive Education Pathway or Elective)
EDSE 228A - Topics in Collaboration and Transition
In this course you will learn about strategies for effective communication and collaboration practices with members of the various teams that plan and serve students receiving special education services. Expect to work in teams throughout the semester as you develop your skills in collaboration and complete your Collaboration Experience Assignments. (Inclusive Education Pathway or Elective)
ChAD 100W - Writing Workshop
This course focuses on the development of a mature writing style and organization of persuasive and analytical prose. Expect your major assignment is an academic writing project, where you will learn powerful ways to write convincingly and credibly on a topic that is meaningful to you. (Major core course)
ChAD 101 - Research Methods in Developmental Science
This course studies data collection techniques and methods used in child and adolescent development research, including observation, interview, experiment, and survey. The major project requires taking an in-depth look at a topical issue in child and adolescent development and finding non-scholarly and scholarly sources that focus on the central issue of interest to write the Evaluating Sources Paper. (Major core course)
ChAD 102 - Development of Self in a Culturally Diverse Society
This course examines the influence of institutions and society on the psychosocial development of children and adolescents from culturally diverse backgrounds in the United States. Your major assignment will be the Social Movements Essay that will ask you to analyze a social movement using the concepts you have learned about in class. (Upper-division GE Area 4 Self, Society, & Equality)
ChAD 173 - Critical Issues in Infant/Toddler Development
This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of infant and toddler development. Through discussions of theories, research methods, and empirical findings, the class will cover development from prenatal stages through the end of infancy at three years. Your major assignment will be a research-based paper on some aspect of infant/toddler development or long-term effects of certain experiences during this period. (Early Childhood Education Pathway or Elective)
EDCO 1 - Career Readiness: Explore Major and Career Options
This course is designed to engage undergraduate students in major and career exploration activities to make thoughtful decisions about possible career goals. Studnets will utilize SJSU Career Center resources to gain knowledge about the job marketplace and career pathways. The major assignments include Your Mind Map & Reflection and the Informational Interview & Reflection. (1-Unit Elective)
EDCO 2 - Career Readiness: Build Experience
Students will identify their strengths, interests, and career goals while developing skills that support informed educational and career decisions. Through self-assessment, labor market insights, and skill-building strategies, students will explore both transferable and industry-specific competencies. For the major assignment students will design and implement a personalized plan to strengthen or build new skills. Students will be required to submit the final portfolio. (1-Unit Elective)
Spring A
Continuing Student Registration Re-opens - November 3, 2026
Instruction Begins - January 27, 2027
Deadline to Add or Drop Classes - January 31, 2027
Payment Deadline - February 3, 2027
Last Day of Instruction - March 17, 2027
Study/Conference Day - No Classes or Exams - March 18, 2027
Final Examinations - March 19-22, 2027
Final Examinations Make-Up Day - March 23, 2027
Spring B
Continuing Student Registration Re-opens - February 15, 2027
Instruction Begins - March 25, 2027
Deadline to Add or Drop Classes - March 30, 2027
Payment Deadline - April 1, 2027
Registration for Summer 2027 Opens - April 21, 2027
Last Day of Instruction - May 20, 2027
Study/Conference Day - No Classes or Exams - May 21, 2027
Final Examinations - May 24-25, 2027
Final Examinations Make-Up Day - May 26, 2027