Pasadena, California – The Tavlian Preschool and Kindergarten Administration and School
Board are pleased to announce that Director Garine Joukadarian has successfully completed her
Doctor of Education (EdD) on the 26 th of September 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.
