Shaun-Adrian Chofla
Welcome!
Fun, you made it to my profile! Welcome!
I’m Dr. Shaun-Adrián Choflá (él/he, they), department chair and faculty member in the Child Development and Education Department here at Butte College. Shaun-Adrián is my first name. If you want to be formal, call me Dr. Choflá. Along the way, I’ve also picked up nicknames like Dr. Shoes, Dr. Chocolate, and Dr. Chocoflan, which you are welcome to use, too.
You might see the “Dr.” and the list of titles and assume I was a stellar student. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I struggled. That struggle is part of why I teach. I might not know your particular struggle, but I do know what it’s like to feel stuck—not knowing how to move forward, change, or make any progress at all.
How I got here: A mix of personal and professional experiences pointed me toward education, child and adult development, and mental health. First, I needed to understand myself. Later, I found I could help other people do the same. Whether I’m in a classroom, sitting down with a student (maybe that is you!), a therapy room, or a policy meeting, the work always involves transformation, belonging, and healing that a community can share.
Career-wise, I have spent nearly three decades in early learning, early intervention, and college teaching, with the thread of antibias education running through it all. I entered college with many questions about myself and my past. Over time, that curiosity shifted into a desire to help others on their journeys. I hold a doctorate in education and a master’s degree in human development, I am completing a master's degree in marriage and family therapy, and I am working toward licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and earning the Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credential.
Before joining Butte, I taught at Pacific Oaks College and The National Hispanic University, where I am Faculty Emeritus. I served as the Chairperson for First 5 Butte County Children and Families Commission, and on the planning and development committee of Butte County Office of Education's Center for Learning and Resilience, and I stay closely connected to early childhood policy and systems work through presentations and projects across Butte and Glenn counties. I also serve on the Accessibility Steering Committee here at the college.
Across my teaching career, I have received several awards for teaching and leadership. I share them with equal parts pride and humility, because a student who barely graduated high school going on to teach and be recognized for it says everything about the role education can play in a life:
- Teacher of the Year (2019), Butte College
- Chico Rotary Educator of the Year (2018), Butte College
- Teacher of the Year (2015), National Hispanic University
- Faculty Grand Marshal (2015), National Hispanic University
- Teacher of the Year (2014), National Hispanic University
- Faculty Grand Marshal (2014), National Hispanic University
However you found your way here, I am glad you did. I look forward to the opportunity to learn with and from you in a future course!
That is me below at commencement (graduation ceremony), holding my celebratory cowbell. I ring it for our graduates as they walk, and you might even catch me ringing it from the stands. That has been known to happen.
One day I will be ringing it for you.
