Shane Craven

Sonoma State Grad Year:

2009

Degree:

Human Development

What is your current position and/or the industry you work in?

Elementary Principal at Aspen Elementary School in the Conejo Valley Unified School District.

What were your campus involvements at SSU?

Sonoma State Rowing Club and volunteering at the Children's School.

Why did you choose to attend SSU?

I chose to attend Sonoma State University primarily because of its exceptional alignment with my academic and professional aspirations, particularly my passion for becoming an educator committed to social justice. The College of Education's mission and vision to prepare students to become leaders and advocates for social justice deeply resonated with me. I recognized SSU as the ideal environment to cultivate the necessary skills and perspective to be an impactful educator, one who works to create equitable learning environments. My pursuit of the Human Development major was instrumental in this decision. This program offered a holistic course selection that allowed for a comprehensive understanding of lifespan development and its social context. It also provided the opportunity to learn from a diverse group of professors whose varied expertise offered multiple lenses through which to examine human experience and societal challenges. SSU's small campus community was a significant draw. Growing up in Los Angeles, I was seeking an intimate setting that would foster stronger connections with peers and faculty, promoting personalized mentorship and collaborative learning. These practical experiences, combined with the rigorous coursework in Human Development and the social justice focus of the College of Education, created a clear pathway to achieving my goal of becoming a dedicated, socially conscious educator.

How has Sonoma State made an impact on your life today?

SSU fundamentally shaped my career and approach to leadership in education. My experience at SSU provided me with the skills and knowledge necessary to enter the field, prepared not only to teach but also to make a positive impact and work to remove systemic barriers that affect students.
SSU directly prepared me for my current role as a school administrator. Today, equity, inclusive practices, and advocating for historically marginalized students are at the forefront of my daily work, a commitment directly inspired by SSU's values. My student teaching experience with the College of Education taught me that leadership must be rooted in the ability to listen to the needs of others and act to address them with wisdom, collaboration, transparency, and innovation. These invaluable lessons have guided me through various positions in education and motivated me to pursue additional degrees and credentials.

What advice would you give to a current student or recent graduate?

My advice is to get involved and find a community that not only has shared interests but also can become a support system in your journey. This community can become a lifelong champion for you as you pursue your endeavors even after leaving SSU.