ABOUT US

IN THE BEGINNING

Who We Are

The California Teaching Fellows Foundation (CTFF) serves as an incubator and pipeline for producing knowledgeable, experienced, and diverse future teachers and leaders throughout the state of California. 

CTFF currently serves the six counties of Fresno, Kings, Madera, Merced, Sacramento, and Tulare.

How We Got Here

The Teaching Fellows program was created through the vision and hard work of caring faculty from Fresno State’s Kremen School of Education and Human Development who saw a need to provide pre-service work experience to undergraduate college students pursuing a career in education. On-site experience, ongoing professional development, and personalized tutoring were the original Teaching Fellows formula, and those same principles live on today. 

In 2006, CTFF officially became a 501c3 non-profit corporation. In the last 25 years, the program has evolved to include not only future teachers but also community members who all share the same principles of making an impact in the lives of youth. CTFF’s mission is currently at work along the CA 99 Highway. The impact can be seen as North as Sacramento County and as South as Kings County.

Though CTFF has grown and evolved over the last few decades, one thing remains unchanged - CTFF is here to provide the next generation of teachers and leaders who provide exceptional educational programs throughout the state of California. 

Now, several decades later, we are proud to be setting the standard for best practices in Expanded Learning programs and professional development.

1999


Teaching Fellows program at Fresno State was founded.

1999

2006


The California Teaching Fellows Foundation became a 501(C)3 Non-Profit Corporation

Present

Continuing to expand our footprint, enhance our services, support in combating the Teacher Shortage Crisis, and further impact both the students we serve and the college students we employ.

Present

OUR MISSION, VISION, & CORE VALUES

To inspire next-generation leaders with a passion for teaching and learning while impacting the lives of youth.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

California Teaching Fellows Foundation is powered by a board of outstanding education and business leaders in the region. The board brings experience, perspective, and a commitment to excellence as they dedicate themselves to the mission of the organization.
Donato Mireles, M.A.

Donato Mireles, M.A.

Chairperson
Sanger Unified School District
Math Teacher
David Yang

David Yang

Vice-Chairperson
Fresno City College
Mathematics Instructor
Carlos Cortes

Carlos Cortes

Secretary
Pacific Gas & Electric
Labor Relations Specialist
Rickie Dhillon, MBA

Rickie Dhillon, MBA

Treasurer
Kepler Neighborhood
Superintendent & CEO
Jerome Countee Jr., Ed.D.

Jerome Countee Jr., Ed.D.

Director

Educational Consultant
Kathy Stanton

Kathy Stanton

Director

Educational Consultant
Katy Madden

Katy Madden

Director

Retired Educator
Mark Salazar, M.B.A.

Mark Salazar, M.B.A.

Director
Fresno Police Department
Deputy Chief
© 2024 California Teaching Fellows Foundation