Welcome to the latest edition of Learning Connections — a magazine for the UW–Madison School of Education community. Our winter 2026 issue features our Dance Department, which offered the first academic dance program in the United States and will celebrate its centennial during the 2026-27 academic year. We’re also proud to highlight research aimed at uncovering how artificial intelligence can support educators in the classroom and a remarkable alumnus who is giving back after founding a successful video game development studio.
Moment in Time
Take a peek at a snapshot of life on campus this fall.
Message from the Dean
Dean Marcelle Haddix reflects on how this issue highlights the impact of our community.
News & Notes
A selection of noteworthy achievements across the School of Education.
Dancing for Over a Century
The nation’s first academic dance program celebrates 100 years.
The Future of AI in the Classroom
A researcher partners with a rural Wisconsin school district to study how artificial intelligence can support educators.
WIDA’s Next Chapter
A Q&A with executive director Jenni Torres about serving multilingual learners.
Taking Dance Education Back to School
UW Dance Exchange is bringing dance instruction into public schools.
Equipping Dance Artists for the Future
A new Master of Fine Arts program will prepare artists to innovate and lead in an evolving field.
Class notes
Check out what School of Education alumni from across the globe have been up to.
Art Student to Game Changer
Alumnus Brian Raffel's company creates blockbuster video games — and gives back.
Leaving Lasting Legacies
Norm and Barbara Berven make several School of Education scholarships possible.
Keep in touch!
If you have questions or comments about Learning Connections, email Todd Finkelmeyer at todd.finkelmeyer@wisc.edu, or call 608-890-1430.
The School of Education wants to hear from our alumni and friends. We also want to make sure you are hearing from us. If you have not received electronic updates, it may mean we don’t have your current e-mail address. Please visit the Wisconsin Alumni Association website to update your information. In addition, the WAA offers free e-mail accounts to all alumni.