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NACCTEP STAFF
Who We Are
Julie Ferin, Executive Director
Julie Ferin brings more than 24 years of heart, hustle, and a deep commitment to the field of education. She began her career in the classroom as an elementary school teacher with the Kyrene School District, where she quickly discovered that while she loved teaching students, her true passion was supporting and preparing teachers. One student teacher placement was all it took to change her professional path for good.
Julie went on to build her career at Rio Salado College, where she currently serves as the Instructional Services Director within the Educator Preparation Program. In this role, she works alongside an incredible team to design meaningful curriculum, mentor and train adjunct faculty, coach program supervisors, and most importantly, help teacher candidates discover their purpose and confidence as future educators.
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Additionally, as the Executive Director of NACCTEP, Julie is a national advocate for community college-based teacher preparation. She is deeply committed to expanding access, strengthening pathways, and ensuring that educator preparation programs are practical, inclusive, and responsive to the real needs of schools and communities.
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Julie holds a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University and a Bachelor’s degree from Ottawa University. When she talks about educator preparation, it’s not just professional; it’s personal.
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Contact Julie: Julie.Ferin@riosalado.edu
Jennifer Gladis​, Executive Assistant
Jennifer Gladis was raised in Rocky River, Ohio and came to Arizona in 2007 for sunny weather and steady work. She has been with Rio Salado College’s Education department since arriving, first as an administrative assistant before becoming an outreach specialist for students in the Teacher-in-Residence program, and most recently as the Program Coordinator/Executive Assistant for NACCTEP. She earned her Bachelor of Liberal Studies from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, a Certificate in Creative Writing - Poetry from Mesa Community College, and is studying Slovene with a dream of one day retiring to Slovenia. Jennifer enjoys reading, writing, music, traveling, photography, and spending time with her kitty, Pluto.
Contact Jennifer at Jennifer.Gladis@riosalado.edu.
