Welcome to the latest issue of Learning Connections. As you peruse these pages, I hope they foster a sense of pride in your connection to our School of Education — and the exceptional work unfolding across our 10 departments and many units.
As I enter my final months as dean, this issue offers an opportunity to think about my time leading this extraordinary School. What stands out, as I reflect and look ahead, is the range of innovative efforts taking place. WIDA is celebrating two decades of leading vital efforts in the field of multilingual education. Our Career Center is increasing internships and developing new employer-student relationships. And we’ve launched a groundbreaking and donor-supported study abroad program tied to students’ majors.
A common thread linking so many of our efforts is an intense focus on the Wisconsin Idea — and our connection to communities both near and far. This issue of Learning Connections spotlights how our Occupational Therapy program is working closely with the Madison Schools on a teen parenting initiative. The magazine also showcases our partnership with Milwaukee Public Schools to boost the special education workforce in Wisconsin’s largest city. And it delves into how our faculty are launching a national center to bolster school-based mental health efforts, thanks to a $10.4 million grant.
All this important work is made possible because of our people — a talented, diverse, and dedicated group of faculty, staff, students, and alumni. In this edition, meet nine of our latest faculty hires and learn about Professor John Hitchcock’s installation that’s part of the National Gallery exhibition, “The Land Carries our Ancestors: Contemporary Art by Native Americans.” Also highlighted is Ain Grooms’ research on dismantling inequities in schools and Scott Crawford’s work examining a possible link between repeat hamstring injuries and altered brain activity.
This issue offers but a glimpse at the range of significant activities taking place across the arts, health, and education that define our one-of-a-kind School.
Thank you for all you do to make our School of Education one of the very best in the world.
— Diana Hess