PASADENA—The Tavlian Preschool and Kindergarten Administration and School Board announced that Director Garine Joukadarian has successfully completed her Doctor of Education on September 26 from Trident University. This significant achievement marks a milestone not only in her career but also for the entire school community, highlighting a commitment to the highest levels of academic achievement.
“As our schools continue to strive for excellence in education, Dr. Joukadarian’s new qualifications will undoubtedly contribute to Tavlian Preschool and Kindergarten’s mission of providing a stellar early childhood education program and preparing students for success,” stated Tavlian School Board Member Laura Gaboudian. “The completion of this degree is a true testament to her dedication to the Armenian community.”
Dr. Joukadarian’s research focuses on enhancing educational practices to preserve Western Armenian. Her manuscript, titled “Educating Students using an Endangered Language: A Descriptive Case Study into Western Armenian Language Instruction,” investigates the experiences of language instructors teaching Western Armenian in a private Armenian school system in Southern California. It highlights a gap in understanding how educators support students using an endangered language, particularly in light of the historical context of the Armenian Genocide and its impact on language preservation.
The study addresses two key research questions: the educators’ perceptions of teaching Western Armenian and the support they receive in this process. Key findings identify themes such as the importance of cultural connection, student engagement, technology integration, curriculum updates, and challenges with limited vocabulary.
“I am incredibly honored to have reached this milestone,” stated Dr. Joukadarian. “My journey has been fueled by my passion for the Armenian language and my desire to make a meaningful impact on our students’ lives. I look forward to applying what I’ve learned to strengthen our school and ensure it continues to thrive.”
Since its inception, Levon and Hasmig Tavlian Preschool and Kindergarten has flourished throughout the decades and served generations of Armenian Americans with the highest quality education. The school opened its doors in 1992 with just four students. Currently, it serves 70 students with 18 dedicated faculty and staff. Tavlian Preschool and Kindergarten is licensed by the State of California and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and offers an all-day developmentally appropriate program for children ages two through five.
In recent years and under Director Joukadarian’s leadership, Tavlian Preschool & Kindergarten has seen significant growth in enrollment and academic success. The school’s unwavering dedication to its students and their families has inspired a culture of continued improvement.
