Learning Connections Winter 2023-24
This is the Winter 2023-24 online edition of Learning Connections, a magazine for alumni, friends, faculty, and staff of the UW–Madison School of Education. This issue puts the spotlight on Dean Diana Hess’ legacy of growth, excellence, and innovation in leading the School of Education. Hess, who started her position in August 2015, is stepping down from her role as dean at the end of May 2024. 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!
‘The highlight of my career’
Dean Hess reflects on an era of excellence in leading the School of Education.
Message from the Dean
Diana Hess reflects on the range of innovative efforts taking place across our School of Education.
Hess’ lasting legacy
Diana Hess became dean of the School of Education in August 2015. Check out a sampling of some of her successful efforts, including the launch of the UW–Madison School of Education Wisconsin Teacher Pledge program.
What others are saying
Hear what leaders from within the School and across campus are saying about Diana Hess’ time as dean. Here, Hess poses with Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin in October 2022 prior to a dinner with the School’s Board of Visitors.
Voices
Prior to winter commencement, we reached out to a few of our amazing graduates to learn about their time at UW–Madison, their future plans, and more. Check out what they had to say.
Voices
The School of Education hosted 22 secondary-level educators from 17 countries this past fall as part of the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement program. Several shared thoughts about their experiences.
Innovation
A new partnership between the UW–Madison School of Education and Milwaukee Public Schools aims to combat a shortage of special education teachers. Kimber Wilkerson (left) and Beverly Trezek secured grant funding for the project.
Bright future
Researchers are helping a program for teen parents navigate major change.
Innovation
Research from Scott Crawford, an assistant professor with the School of Education’s Department of Kinesiology, aims to transform rehabilitation practices and decrease reinjury rates for athletes who struggle with hamstring injuries.
Innovation roundup
School of Education researchers this past fall were awarded a four-year, $10.4 million federal contract to launch a national center to expand and improve the country’s school-based mental health workforce.
Media mentions
Faculty and staff are routinely quoted or make their voices heard in newspapers, magazines, and online news media outlets. Similarly, these experts are often interviewed and showcased on a range of radio and television news reports.
News and notes
Ann M. Shanahan, who started this fall as a professor in the Department of Theatre and Drama and as the artistic director of University Theatre, embraces the power of theatre for making change in the world.
News and notes
Dismantling racial and other inequities in school leadership and computer science education is at the heart of two research projects led by School of Education faculty member Ain Grooms.
News and notes
The School of Education welcomed another talented and diverse cohort of new faculty members to campus for the start of the 2023 fall semester.
Class Notes
Check out what School of Education alumni from across the globe have been up to.
News and notes roundup
Videos from the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., this fall highlighted Professor John Hitchcock’s work, which was part of the exhibition, “The Land Carries Our Ancestors: Contemporary Art by Native Americans.”
Spotlight
From grant to global impact: WIDA celebrates two decades of work in multilingual education. WIDA is housed in the School of Education’s Wisconsin Center for Education Research (WCER).
Spotlight
The School of Education’s Career Center has made big changes over the past year to better support students. Above, the Career Center hosted a “career trek” to Electronic Theatre Controls in Middleton.
Spotlight
A generous gift from School of Education alumna Kathy Chazen (’74) and Larry Miller established the Chazen Miller Global Fund, bolstering the School’s innovative study abroad efforts.
Spotlight
This past fall UW–Madison’s Adapted Fitness program celebrated the grand opening of the spectacular new Conway Adapted Fitness facility, which was made possible by a gift from Virginia “Ginny” (‘78) and Mike (‘78) Conway.
Distinguished Alumni
To celebrate our alumni excellence across the arts, health, and education, the School of Education selected three trailblazing alumni to honor this past fall: Tania Isaac, Julie Côté, and Tony Evers.
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.