SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Honors Three Winners of UC Riverside Excellence in Education Alumni Awards

June 19, 2023

Credit Union serves as co-presenter of awards recognizing outstanding alumni of University of California, Riverside School of Education

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union serving school employees and their families, served as co-presenter of the Excellence in Education Alumni Awards at an event hosted on May 8 by the University of California, Riverside School of Education. Tiffany Diaz, membership development specialist at SchoolsFirst FCU, joined Dean Joi Spencer, Ph.D., of UCR School of Education, to honor three individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing equitable educational systems and practices in their work, in alignment with the School of Education’s mission.

The three awardees include a teacher credential alumnus on faculty at an elementary school, a credential alumnus on faculty at a secondary school (middle or high school), and a graduate program alumnus (MA or doctoral degree recipient). Recipients of this year’s awards include:

• Nallely Arteaga, Assistant Professor at California State University Dominguez Hills, earned a Ph.D. from UC Riverside with a specialization in Education, Society, and Culture. Arteaga says that, in her classrooms, she embraces teaching through pedagogies that are humanizing, critical, and culturally sustaining.
• Rachael Bedolla, third grade teacher and PBIS Tier 1 Coordinator at Cloverdale Elementary School in Moreno Valley, Calif., earned a multiple subject credential and M.Ed. from UC Riverside. Bedolla’s teaching philosophy emphasizes the need to support one another, celebrate differences, cheer each other on, and work towards the greater good for all.
• Lesly Monsalve, English teacher at Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Corona-Norco Unified School District, earned a single subject credential and M.Ed. from UC Riverside. Monsalve says she sees all students as coming from communities of greatness and capable of achieving success, even when they might not believe that about themselves.

“It is truly heartwarming to hear the stories of educators such as these three individuals, who have worked to cultivate a student-centered, inclusive and supportive learning environment within their schools and universities,” said Josh Smith, vice president, school and community relations for SchoolsFirst FCU. “We are proud to honor their inclusive approach to education, which supports the greater good of each community.”

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About SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union is the fifth largest credit union in the country. Serving school employees and their families, the organization is dedicated to providing World-Class Personal Service and improving the financial lives of its Members. Today they serve more than 1.3 million Members with a full range of financial products and services. SchoolsFirst FCU was founded in 1934, when 126 school employees pooled $1,200 and established a Member-owned cooperative to help improve each other's lives. In 2022, the Credit Union reported nearly $28 billion in assets and remains the largest credit union in California. For more information about SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, visit schoolsfirstfcu.org.

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