Student Organizations Spotlight: Leading with Purpose and Community

By Sofia Del Fine
October 14, 2025

The UC Irvine School of Education is home to vibrant, student-led organizations that empower future educators, advocate for equity, and create inclusive spaces for growth and connection. Here's a look at four standout groups shaping our community — and how you can get involved.

Teachers of Tomorrow (ToT)

For anyone exploring a career in education

ToT provides a welcoming space for students interested in teaching, school leadership, and educational pathways. Through meetings, socials, and volunteer events, ToT connects peers and offers real insight into life as an educator.

• Meetings: Every other week (Weeks 1, 3, 5, 7, 9) Humanities Hall 105
• Socials: Alternating weeks (2, 4, 6, 8,10)
• Follow: @totatuci on Instagram for updates
• Next Goal: Fundraising to sponsor students for the Road to Teaching Conference this November.

"Showing up is all it takes to join our growing community of future educators!”

Bilingual Teacher Student Association (BTSA)

Celebrating 10 years of bilingual education leadership

BTSA builds community among bilingual teaching students and champions the power of dual immersion education. Many alumni now lead bilingual classrooms across California.

• President: Fabiel Ayala Saavedra
• Faculty Advisor: Prof. Susan Guilfoyle
• Next Event: Sugar skull table at UCI's Día de los Muertos celebration
• Support Needed: Fundraising to sustain events and student opportunities. Faculty and students encouraged to contribute!

​“BTSA is a small family that uplifts and celebrates one another.”
    — Fabiel Ayala Saavedra, President

The People's Coalition (TPC)

Grassroots activism for equity & inclusion

TPC unites Ph.D., Master’s, and undergraduate students around social justice, advocacy, and community care. Their work centers on healing, mentorship, and belonging across the School of Education.

• Activities: Documentary screenings, wellness events, mentorship programs, finals week treats
• Now Recruiting: Mentors (PhD/MAT) & mentees (Undergrads) for their Mentorship Program
• Follow: @thepeoplescoalitionuci

“TPC helped me connect deeply with this community and grow as a leader.”
    — David Cai, Undergraduate Ambassador

DECADE (Diverse Educational Community and Doctoral Experience)

Empowering graduate students through inclusion and mentorship

DECADE supports Ph.D. students with mentorship, professional development, and advocacy, ensuring success for students from all backgrounds.

• Graduate Representatives: Santiago Ojeda Ramirez, Patricia Fuentes Acevedo, Aakriti Bisht, Heidi Hines, Kelsyann Cervera, and Pritha Sengupta
• Recent Highlights:
  • Dr. Kylie Peppler: 2025 DECADE Mentor & Equity Advisor Award
  • Santiago Ojeda-Ramirez: Spencer Dissertation Award
  • Patricia Fuentes Acevedo: Family Math Researchers Fellowship
  • Dr. Asli Sezen-Barrie: Welcomed as new DECADE Mentor
• Events: Writing retreats, Feminist Art Night, peer-led work sessions
• Get Involved: Become a mentor or mentee, attend events, contribute to DECADE resources, or help organize future programming.
• Subscribe to the DECADE listserv to find out more about DECADE events, programs, and initiatives

​DECADE continues to champion community, belonging, and balance for all graduate students in the School of Education.

Association of Doctoral Students in Education (ADSE)

Advocating for Ph.D. student voice, community, and leadership​

ADSE represents and supports Ph.D. students through advocacy, leadership opportunities, and events that foster connection and community across cohorts.

• Graduate Leadership: President: Guadalupe Rosas, Vice President: Julie Salazar
• Recent Representatives: Mariana Gomez, Santiago Ojeda Ramirez, Kayla Harris

Recent Highlights:

• Hosted cross-cohort events and professional development workshops
• Supported student recruitment efforts
• Represented Ph.D. student voice on School of Education committees

Events:

• Professional development sessions, peer networking events, recruitment support, fall elections

Get Involved:

• All Ph.D. students are ADSE members. Interested in leadership? Run for a junior position during fall elections (two-year term). You can also attend events year-round to connect with peers and learn more. For questions or to get involved, contact President Guadalupe Rosas ([email protected]) or VP Julie Salazar ([email protected]).

​“The role of professional development representative through ADSE allowed me to gain valuable networking, communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. I most enjoyed supporting my peers in different areas, including mental and financial well-being.”
    — Mariana Gomez, Former Professional Development Senior        Representative (2023–2025)