PART I: Personal Information and Demographic Data / Información personal y datos demográficos
Applicant Full Name / Nombre completo:
Karina Castro-Gonzalez
Applicant Title / Título:
Math and Science Resource Manager
Institution or System / Institución o Sistema:
John Jay College
Address for Official Correspondence / Dirección oficial donde recibe su correspondencia:
524 West 59th Street Room 01.94NB New York, New York 10019
E-mail / Correo electrónico:
kcastro-gonzalez@jjay.cuny.edu
Mobile Phone / Número de celular:
631-948-4219
Work Phone / Número del trabajo:
646-557-4595
Track of interest / Área de interés:
English track
Which platform do you prefer the Academy to be offered on? / ¿En qué plataforma prefiere que se ofrezca la Academia?
Cualquiera de las dos / Either one
Languages / Idiomas:
English
Have teach an online course in the past three years / ¿Ha enseñado un curso en línea en los pasados tres años?:
No
Have taken an online course in the past three years / ¿Ha tomado un curso en línea en los pasados tres años?:
Yes
Have you been in charge of an instructional technology initiative / ¿Ha liderado alguna iniciativa de tecnología instruccional?:
Yes
Have you been in charge of a distance education initiative / ¿Ha liderado alguna iniciativa de educación a distancia?:
Yes
Years of experience in Higher Education / Años de experiencia en educación superior:
11-15 years
Gender / Género:
Female
Age Range / Edad:
31 to 40
Are you Hispanic / ¿Es usted hispano?:
Yes
Race Category / Raza:
Other
PART II: Education / Educación
Highest Earned Degree / Grado más alto de educación obtenido:
Masters Degree
College/University / Colegio/Universidad:
CUNY School of Professional Studies
Field/Major / Campo de estudio/Especialidad:
Businness Management and Leadership
Other Degrees Earned / Otros grados obtenidos:
PART III: Experience / Experiencia:
Present Responsibilities (up to 150 words) / Resumen de responsabilidades (máximo de 150 palabras) *
As manager of the Math and Science Resource Center, I oversee the Center’s daily
operations and manage a staff of approximately 40 employees: inclusive of 1 full-time administrator, two part-time coordinators, tutors, and Federal Work Study receptionists. In my role, I also research, design, and implement our tutor training program informed by relevant theory, and best practices. I also develop, implement, and maintain center policies and procedures. I also recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate tutoring staff. I also work collaboratively with center stakeholders to identify, design, and address interventions for academically vulnerable students.
Academic and Professional Distinctions and Honors (up tp 150 words) / Reconocimientos y premios académicos y profesionales (máximo de 150 palabras)
N/A
Civil and Community Activities (up to 150 words) / Actividades civiles y comunitarias (máximo de 150 palabras)
[296]
Professional Goals (up to 150 words) / Metas profesionales (máximo de 150 palabras):
Provide academic support services such as tutoring to strengthen comprehensive learning, enhance, retention, and promote student success. I also would like to provide quality programs and services that develop students' knowledge, skills, and abilities to prepare them to serve society and address the challenges of their careers. Additionally, I want to explore innovative ways to collaborate with faculty and staff to optimize academic support that’s promotes student confidence and success. I also want to continue my commitment to education by continuing to develop my own skills and arsenal of knowledge to a greater innovator in supporting students succeed.
Please explain what you expect to gain by participating in the H-LTLA (up to 150 words) / Explique lo que espera adquirir al participar en la H-LTLA (máximo de 150 palabras):
Through the HETS Learning Technologies Leadership Academy I am seeking to gain
information and knowledge to harness the opportunities learning technologies provide in and out the classroom to support student success. I also want to access and understand cutting edge educational technologies that support student employees to develop not only their academic abilities but transferable skills as future professionals they will become. Through HETS I will use innovative technology to help students overcome barriers to college success and completion. Upon completion of the H-LTLA, I will be exposed to new possibilities for the growth of educational opportunities and growth of student learners.
PART IV: Professional References / Referencias profesionales:
Professional Reference #1 (Include name, title, institution, phone, and email) / Referencia profesional #1 (incluya nombre, título, institución, número de teléfono, y correo electrónico):
Dr. Bryce Tolbert
Director of Academic Support and Learning Technologies
Department of Academic Engagement and Retention
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
btolbert@jjay.cuny.edu
914-879-7348
Professional Reference #2 (Include name, title, institution, phone, and email) / Referencia profesional #2 (incluya nombre, título, institución, número de teléfono, y correo electrónico)
Sumaya Villanueva, PhD
Assistant Provost for Academic Engagement
Student Academic Engagement & Retention (SAER)
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
svillanueva@jjay.cuny.edu
201-618-6650
Professional Reference #3 (Include name, title, institution, phone, and email) / Referencia profesional #3 (incluya nombre, título, institución, número de teléfono, y correo electrónico)
Briana Gerena, M.A.
STEM Acceleration Specialist
Student Academic Success Programs
John Jay College
bgerena@jjay.cuny.edu
347-288-5850
Upload a letter from a president, chancellor, or administrator stating the nominee’s qualifications for the program, leadership strengths, and development opportunities. NOTE: If at the moment of sending the application you don’t have a signed nomination letter, please upload a document with the evidence that it is being processed (for example: a print screen of an email requesting the letter) along with the contact information of the person in charge of completing it. (Accepted format: pdf) / Someta una carta de un presidente, decano o administrador que indique las cualificaciones del candidato para el programa, sus fortalezas de liderazgo y oportunidades de desarrollo. NOTA: Si al momento de enviar la solicitud no tiene una carta de nominación firmada, por favor suba un documento con la constancia de que se está tramitando (por ejemplo: una pantalla impresa de un correo electrónico solicitando la carta) junto con la información de contacto de la persona encargada de completarlo. (Formato aceptado: PDF)
PART V: Initiative and Mentor / Iniciativa y mentor
A letter describing a project that you will consider implementing at your campus or organization with the name of the Mentor of your preference. Your Mentor can be different from your references and should be a staff with experience in the area selected. The Mentor information will be submitted with the signature to confirm the availability to guide the implementation of your campus initiative. NOTE: If at the moment of sending the application you don’t have the signature of your Mentor on the project letter, please upload a document with the evidence (for example: a print screen of an email requesting the signature of your Mentor) that it is being processed along with the contact information of the Mentor. (Accepted format: pdf)* / Una carta que describa un proyecto que considerará implementar en su campus u organización con el nombre del mentor de su preferencia. Su mentor puede ser diferente a sus referencias y debe ser una persona con experiencia en el área seleccionada. La información del mentor se enviará con la firma para confirmar la disponibilidad para guiar la implementación de su iniciativa. NOTA: Si al momento de enviar la solicitud no tiene la firma de su mentor en la carta del proyecto, por favor cargue un documento con la evidencia (por ejemplo: una pantalla impresa de un correo electrónico solicitando la firma de su mentor) que se está procesando junto con la información de contacto del mentor (Formato aceptado: PDF)
PART VI: Statement of Purpose (no more than 300 words each question) Statement of Purpose (no more than 300 words each question) / Declaración de Intención (máximo de 300 palabras para cada pregunta)
1. From your perspective, what are the top three issues facing higher education today? Why? (no more than 300 words) / Desde su perspectiva, ¿cuáles son los tres principales problemas que enfrenta la educación superior hoy día? ¿Por qué? (máximo de 300 palabras)
1. Access, Equity, and Inclusion: There are persistent disparities in access and outcomes for marginalized groups, including racial and ethnic minorities, low- income students, first-generation students, and students with disabilities. Universities and colleges are increasingly being called upon to address systemic inequities, promote diversity in faculty and student populations, and create inclusive learning environments. Certain groups, such as low-income students, first-generation students, students of color, and students with disabilities, may face
barriers to accessing higher education. These barriers can include inadequate
preparation in K-12 education, lack of financial resources, and systemic
inequalities in the admissions process.
2. Technology Integration: While technology can enhance learning opportunities, it
also presents challenges such as not understanding how to use the technology tools
(Importance of training), unequal access to technology/ internet connectivity, and
cost associated with innovative technology. Also, the rapid pace of technological
change can make it difficult for institutions to keep up with evolving educational
tools and platforms.
3. Academic Rigor and workload: Higher education often demands rigorous
coursework, heavy workloads, and intense academic competition. Students may
struggle to balance their academic responsibilities with other commitments, such
as part-time jobs, extracurricular activities, and personal obligations. Students
often struggle with Time-management, anxiety, stress, and overall impact on their
physical and mental health.
2. What are your own institution’s priorities and challenges with regard to leveraging instructional technology and distance education for the benefit of the entire organization? (no more than 300 words) / ¿Cuáles son las prioridades y los retos de su institución con respecto al aprovechamiento de la tecnología educativa y la educación a distancia en beneficio de toda la organización? (máximo de 300 palabras)
Even before the Pandemic, there were populations of John Jay students who were
technologically insecure. Due to this the strategic plan has dedicated items devoted to
increasing digital literacy for all students. Conversely, due to the increase of platforms
and apps to support virtual learning, there is an overwhelming focus to remaining
connected at all times. Therefore, it would be beneficial to streamline software and
instruction to ensure students in need can access and other stakeholders can prioritize
technology to best support students’ success.
3. If have the influence to instill change at your Institution, was one thing you could change, what would that be; and what is the unique aspect of your institution you would like to keep? (no more than 300 words) / Si pudiera influir para lograr algún cambio en su institución, ¿cuál sería? y ¿cuál es el aspecto único de su institución que le gustaría mantener? (máximo de 300 palabras)
The type of change needed in higher education encompasses various aspects to address
the evolving needs of students, society, and the workforce. A key area I would like to see
change would be in our Adaptation of curriculum and utilization of innovative teaching
methods. Adapting and evolving curricula to ensure relevance to the rapidly changing job
market and technological advancements. Embracing innovative teaching methods and
educational technologies can enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. This
may include flipped classrooms, blended learning models, online courses, interactive
simulations, and experimental learning, and service learning.
Overall, fostering a culture of adaptation, and innovation is essential to ensure that higher
education remains relevant and accessible in the 21st century. Collaboration among
educators, policymakers, employers, and other stakeholders is crucial to driving
meaningful change in the higher education landscape.
One thing I believe done well at our institution is empowering and uplifting the students’
voice and giving them ownership of their experience at John Jay. Students at john Jay
have various support to succeed at John Jay and achieve their goals. There are many
opportunities for students’ success through various initiatives, special programs, and
academic support. All these services and opportunities are very intentional in supporting
student growth and success at John Jay and beyond.
Math and Science Resource Manager