Learning Connections Winter 2022-23
This is the latest online edition of Learning Connections, a magazine for alumni and friends of the UW–Madison School of Education. The Winter 2022-23 issue puts the spotlight on Associate Professor Helen Lee, who leads the Art Department’s renowned Glass Lab. We also center the spotlight on some of our talented alumni of the Glass Lab. But as always, this issue also highlights important and innovative work being done across the arts, health, and education. A pdf of the print edition is available here. Check it out!
‘Nothing static’ about glass
Helen Lee builds on ‘exploratory spirit’ of the Glass Lab.
Message from the Dean
Dean Diana Hess reflects on the School of Education’s rich history — and a path to an even brighter future.
Next-gen glass
Alumni of UW–Madison’s Glass Lab — including Lauren Aria (above) — are on the leading edge, forging new directions in the field. Check out what a few alumni who have graduated in the last five years are up to.
Neon – it’s not just for making signs
In addition to the Glass Lab, UW–Madison is one of only a handful of schools in the U.S. that has a full-service facility for creating neon art.
Voices
UW–Madison held its 2022 winter commencement ceremony at the Kohl Center on Dec. 18. Before the big celebration, we reached out to some of our graduating students to learn more about their areas of study, most meaningful experiences, and plans for the future.
Voices
Aly Renee Amidei is one of 13 new faculty members who started with the School of Education this past fall. Hear from her in this Q&A she completed as we introduced her to our campus and School communities.
Voices
During a six-week stretch in the fall semester, the School of Education hosted 22 teachers from 12 different countries as part of the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement (Fulbright TEA) program. Read what they said about their visits.
The Wisconsin Idea in action
Check out how UW–Madison’s Field Day Lab partnered with teachers to build out its latest educational video game, Wake: Tales from the Aqualab.
Innovation
Now in its third year — and with the support of $44 million in gift funds — Impact 2030 is helping the School expand innovation, research, and creativity.
Innovation
Tanya Schlam authored a study on how mobile games, combined with medication and counseling, could help people cope with cigarette cravings. She says there’s untapped potential for mobile games to help people change behavior.
Innovation
The past decade has been replete with scientific findings about the harms of sitting for too long. “Stand Up and Move More” workshops have been held in 33 Wisconsin counties and are based on years of research by Kelli Koltyn.
Media Mentions
The School welcomed three new faculty members to campus at the start of the fall semester and we shared Q&As to introduce them to our community. Here, get to know Suzanne Eckes, who joined the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis as a professor.
News and notes
This past fall, 13 new faculty hires joined the School of Education for the start of the 2022-23 academic year — with seven different departments welcoming at least one new faculty member. They were introduced during the School’s annual Welcome Back Bash.
News and notes roundup
The University Resident Theatre Association (URTA) awarded Baron Kelly with an URTA Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Training.
Class Notes
Check out what School of Education alumni from across the globe have been up to.
Spotlight
A growing number of students from around campus are pursuing certificate programs offered by the School of Education in fields across the arts, health, and education, amplifying its impact.
Spotlight
Jerome Koch celebrates and honors his late wife and mother-in-law with a gift to create the Jean and Edna Lewis Teacher Education Scholarship.
Spotlight
Tony Award-winning actor and André De Shields paid a visit to his alma mater on Oct. 17 to see a new exhibit that honors him at Alumni Park. He stopped by the Education Building to meet with Dean Diana Hess and faculty in the arts.
Spotlight
Professor Robert Enright of the Department of Educational Psychology was awarded one of the highest honors in the field of psychology and is being lauded as a “game changer.”
Alumni breakout
David J. O’Connor is a recipient of a 2022 Forward Award from the Wisconsin Alumni Association. O’Connor trains educators about how to infuse their lessons with knowledge about First Nations’ histories, treaties, sovereignty, languages, and cultures.
Alumni breakout
Erika Dickerson-Despenza received a 2022 Forward Award from the Wisconsin Alumni Association. Dickerson-Despenza is an award-winning poet and playwright who calls attention to how communities can organize to liberate Black women and girls around the globe.
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.