Veteran Migrant Education Program administrator Shantall Porchia was recently selected as interim director of the program. In her new role, she will lead the staff that supports migratory students and families across Tulare and Kings counties.

With more than 20 years of experience in public schools, Porchia has served as a California Mini-Corps student, elementary teacher, Title I resource teacher, district migrant resource teacher, and TCOE Migrant Education Program area administrator and program manager.

She began her career teaching in bilingual and structured English immersion programs for English language learners. To support migratory students, she has led efforts in identification and recruitment, provided technical assistance to school districts, coordinated supplemental services, managed data and compliance, delivered services directly for children in county labor camps, and worked closely with employers, communities, and school partners.

Porchia holds a bachelor’s degree in education from California State University, Fresno, and a master’s degree in educational administration and Clear Administrative Services Credential from National University. A fluent bilingual educator in English and Spanish, she is deeply committed to utilizing her life and professional experience to expand opportunities for migratory children.

Registration for the full-day Connected Schools Conference, scheduled for October 1, 2025, is now open.

This year, Roni Habib, author of Happy & Resilient, will serve as the keynote speaker. A former teacher and expert in emotional intelligence and well-being, Habib brings practical tools to help educators create more connected, inclusive communities.

Through Habib’s keynote message and various breakout sessions, which are co-facilitated by Tulare County students, attendees will learn how to foster connection, belonging, and well-being on their campuses. Among the breakout sessions are highlights of Tulare County programs – led by students – that are changing school cultures. These sessions will provide deeper learning through the strands of academics, culture and climate, leadership, and family and community engagement. 

To register for the Connected Schools Conference, visit https://tulare.k12oms.org/147-266554.

First awarded in 2006, the annual Tulare County College Night Scholarship was given to one graduating senior who has an outstanding academic record and a commitment to community service. The scholarship was envisioned by the TCOE College Night Committee as a $1,000 award, renewable for up to four consecutive years. This year, the Tulare County College Night Scholarship will be given to three outstanding graduating seniors – up from two students last year.

Tulare County graduating seniors are invited to submit applications for the College Night Scholarship by visiting tcoe.org/CollegeNight/Scholarship. The application opens on Monday, September 15. The deadline to apply is April 3, 2026.

The website includes information on the submission requirements, including an application, two written essays, two academic recommendations, and official transcripts. Finalists for the scholarship will be interviewed by the committee on May 6, 2026.

Editor: Robert Herman, Communications Director
Contributors: Nayirah Dosu, Jennifer Fisher, Jaime Burnitzki, Shantall Porchia, Paula Terrill

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