What a year it has been! Since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020, we faced challenges that few could have envisioned. Despite 2020 being such a unique year, our School of Education has retained its sense of optimism — and a belief in big ideas.
As 2020 draws to a close, let’s take a few minutes to look back and reflect on how much we overcame and accomplished together. For more moments captured around campus, check out “Moments in Time 2020: A Year of Resilience.”
Lights… camera… lecture. Darcy Padilla, assistant professor in the School of Education’s Art Department, demonstrates to her intermediate photography class how to move and adjust studio lights. At the start of 2020, classes proceeded as normal. February 2020. Photo by Sarah Maughan.
Student volunteers in the Department of Kinesiology’s Adapted Fitness program work closely with a client at the Natatorium. While in-person workouts were typical up until March, the Adapted Fitness program, its clients, and students kept things running during the COVID-19 pandemic by quickly moving its offerings to remote delivery modes. March 2020. Photo by Sarah Maughan.
Professor Faisal Abdu’Allah in the Art Department helps a student with screen printing. March 2020. Photo by Sarah Maughan.
Bri’Anna Collins, a doctoral student in the Department of Educational Psychology’s School Psychology program, works from her porch after UW–Madison shifts to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She says, “Every single person plays an important role in keeping the general public safe and healthy. Together, we can and will get through this.” April 2020. Photo by Sarah Maughan.
Spring bursts onto the scene near the steps of an otherwise quiet Education Building. With campus closed through the rest of the spring semester, almost 1,000 School of Education faculty and staff began telecommuting, and more than 400 courses shifted from face-to-face to virtual modes of instruction. April 2020. Photo by Sarah Maughan.
In August, the School of Education unveils Impact 2030 and the Teacher Pledge, which provides funds to cover in-state tuition and fees, testing, and licensing costs for all teacher education students who “pledge” to teach at PK-12 schools in Wisconsin for three to four years. Student Kara Grajkowski takes the Teacher Pledge as she pursues dual certification in elementary and special education. August 2020. Photo by Sarah Maughan.
Be like Bucky — wear a mask! Bucky finds a quiet, physically distant spot to study on the terrace of the Education Building. August 2020. Photo by Bryce Richter.
School of Education Adviser Becky Smith helps undergraduates succeed in their studies by offering support, information about resources, and human connection. Since March, these appointments have been done virtually, a shift for her and the student services team that normally meets with students in-person. August 2020. Photo by Sarah Maughan.
And we’re back! Students return to campus and the Education Building for the fall semester with safety protocols in place. September 2020. Photo by Sarah Maughan.
An educational psychology class listens to a lecture by Elizabeth Hagermoser in the Education Building’s Wisconsin Idea Room, a space large enough to facilitate physical distancing during the fall semester. September 2020. Photo by Sarah Maughan.
Fall blooms around the School of Education. Pandemic or no pandemic, this time of year is always gorgeous on the UW–Madison campus! September 2020. Photo by Sarah Maughan.
A masked-up dance alumna Megan Schimke performs a solo. During the fall semester, Dance Department faculty, staff, and students were determined to make the most of the difficult situation for performers. In September, the department presented the “Alumni Festival Live Stream Event” on YouTube. September 2020. Photo by Maureen Janson Heintz.
Professor Baron Kelly coaches students acting scenes from “Romeo and Juliet” during his course, Theatre 541: Acting Shakespeare. Students have specially designed face coverings that keep everyone safe while allowing them to see each other’s facial expressions. October 2020. Photo by Sarah Maughan.
The Counseling Psychology Training Clinic team poses together after pivoting to offer their services remotely during the pandemic. Graduate student clinicians meet virtually with clients, while the clinic’s director, Stephanie Graham, and assistant director, Pa Her, observe the students’ work and provide feedback and support. October 2020. Photo by Sarah Maughan.
The pool may be empty, but this space is full of memories. Before the Natatorium’s demolition, Department of Kinesiology faculty, alumni, and friends attended a virtual farewell event for “The Nat” to share stories and photos, as well as a vision for the future. October 2020. Photo by Sarah Maughan.
“Black Men Write,” a group of School of Education scholars led by Assistant Professor Brian Burt from the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, meets virtually during the fall semester. Burt says, “The COVID-19 pandemic didn’t stop community building and support at the School of Education. We met each week for 13 weeks, totaling about 40 hours of academic writing.” December 2020. Photo by Brian Burt.
The year closes with a virtual Winter Commencement 2020 honoring our amazing graduates. What will next year bring? Though there are many unknowns, with vaccines on the way, we are hopeful to be able to connect in person again when it’s safe. For now at the School of Education, we’re as proud as ever of our Badger grads, even as we celebrate apart. December 2020. Photo by Sarah Maughan.
Happy holidays from all of us at the School of Education! See you next year. December 2020. Photo by Sarah Maughan.