Instructor at San Joaquin Valley College, Carlota “Tibi” Marin, Receives 2024 Golden Goggles Award for Innovative Work in Science Education

Visalia, Calif. (Oct. 24 2024) – The San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) campus in Visalia is excited to announce that Carlota “Tibi” Marin received Science Interactive’s Blended Learning Innovator of the Year award. This remarkable achievement recognizes Marin’s exceptional contributions to expanding the reach of science education and underscores her commitment to inspiring and engaging students.

Science Interactive’s Golden Goggles awards program recognizes innovative educators who are positively impacting student success and advancing science education. Nominations opened this summer, and Marin is one of only five educators selected to receive the honor. She stood out for her outstanding efforts in the category of Implementing Innovative Blended Learning Methods.

As a winner in this category, Marin is recognized for her use of different modalities, commitment to hands-on learning, and use of mental maps and AI to reach all students. Beyond that, her commitment to helping students on weekends, evenings, and being an ear for them exemplifies the true spirit of the Golden Goggles.

“Receiving this award is a great honor and a blessing as well,” said Marin. “I thank God first for the gift of teaching, and second the College for giving me the opportunity to be a leader in STEM education. This award means a lot to me as it showcases my efforts, my dedication and most of all my teaching ability to reach every student’s learning style, providing them with the tools they will need to be successful in the classroom and in their careers,” added Marin.

Sasha Peterson, CEO of Science Interactive, emphasized the significance of the award, saying, “In a world where education is evolving rapidly, the Golden Goggles award aims to highlight the educators who teach science in ways that embrace technology, creativity, and accessibility in order to transform the way students engage with science. This year’s recipients exemplify this and go above and beyond in their work to empower students with scientific literacy, inspire curiosity, and spark innovation. We’re proud to partner with them and honored to support their work in positively impacting student success.”

“I am extremely grateful to San Joaquin Valley College for believing in me to carry on the torch set by the Perry family when they started this college,” said Marin. “We believe education is important, and it is through education we can make positive changes in our communities. This award is not just mine; it is our award, and the support I received since I started teaching here has been tremendous,” added Marin. The empowerment, the recognitions for doing a great job, and seeing our students graduate from the programs I have prepared them for is the best gift they give back to us and the communities where they play an important role.”

Nominations for the 2025 program will open next summer. Honorees are announced every fall. Evaluations include multiple reviews by Science Interactive’s team of scientists and curriculum experts to assess the extent to which nominees positively impact student success.

For more information and to be notified when nominations open, visit: https://www.scienceinteractive.com/interactive-science-educators-award

About San Joaquin Valley College

San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) is an accredited private college that provides career-focused curriculum and instruction to its students. Founded in 1977, SJVC has multiple campuses throughout California – plus an online division – and offers accelerated Certificate, Associate and Bachelor of Science degree programs in business, medical, and technical career fields. A second-generation, family-run college, SJVC has awarded more than 83,000 certificates and degrees preparing professionally trained graduates for jobs in business, medical, and technical career fields.

San Joaquin Valley College is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 1080 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 500, Alameda, CA 94501, (510) 748-9001. The WSCUC is an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. Additional information about accreditation can be found at www.WSCUC.org.

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