You never know where your I-L-L will be met with an I-N-I. Cecilia Vaughn-Guy, an on-campus student, and D. Bryant Ramirez, an online student, had never met. But despite living nearly 8,000 miles apart, they connected at the Academy of Human Resource Development conference in Bangkok.

Congratulations to Idalia Nuñez, associate professor @ciatillinois.bsky.social, on the publication of her new edited book, Theories, Models, and Practices of Literacy. More: https://blogs.illinois.edu/view/1526/142993132

We’re thrilled to share our 2025 Impact Report, Visionary, showcasing the important work within our strategic vision areas of research, teaching, public engagement, and stewarding resources. Explore the 2025 report for yourself now. https://impactreport.education.illinois.edu/2025/

Who’s ready for a merch drop? The College of Education pop-up store is officially live! We’ve brought back some of your favorites, along with new designs and new products! This is a LIMITED TIME pop-up, so order before December 2. Order: https://dixon-graphics.com/educationillinois/

Easing the learning curve for those with Type 1 Diabetes For World Diabetes Day, we’re highlighting new research by Associate Professor Cynthia D’Angelo, the PI of an NSF-funded study that aims to help people navigate the complex information needed to manage their disease.

We're working to make teaching math easier 👩‍🏫 Our Issues and Trends in Mathematics Education class visited University Primary School to conduct observations. They witnessed firsthand how teachers promote creativity, agency, and enthusiasm for math by engaging students in problem solving.

Sourabh Garg, a @ciatillinois.bsky.social Ph.D. student, presented a paper at the Psychology of Mathematics Education Conference. It is part of an NSF-funded project, “Engaging teachers in integrating human-centered design for geometry problem-based instruction.”

Asif Wilson, assistant professor @ciatillinois.bsky.social, has published an article in the Journal of Professional Development Education. It explores the experiences of social studies teachers who participated in professional development on the school-prison nexus and justice-centered praxes.

Unmatched Fall vibes on campus right now 🍁🧡

Christina Swanson, an @epsyatillinois.bsky.social alumna, made one small change with her students. She decided to focus on connection rather than evaluation. Now, her students feel more confident, empowered, and validated, while Swanson feels a renewed sense of purpose and agency.

Five researchers from the College of Education have published a new article in the American Journal of Evaluation focusing on designing culturally responsive and values-engaged evaluations for school-based equity programs. More:

Good luck to EPOL Assistant Professor Chang-kyu Kwon as he delivers the keynote address at the 2025 Taipei International Forum on Employment for Persons with Disabilities × International Conference on Human Resource Development. The conference is this week in Taipei, Taiwan.

We take Halloween pretty seriously around here... Have a spooky day! 🎃

Tamara Bertrand Jones clearly remembers the moment that inspired her doctoral work in evaluation and assessment: it was when she read an article by Stafford Hood. Now Bertrand Jones follows in his footsteps as the director of the Center for Culturally Responsive Evaluation and Assessment (CREA).

Grad Students! Consider submitting to and presenting at our College's Graduate Student Conference in March here at @educationillinois.bsky.social! education.illinois.edu/student-reso...

Let’s fight the flu 💪 Students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend our Flu Shot Clinic on Monday, November 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the north lobby. Bring your i-card (faculty and staff bring proof of insurance, too) and get your shot. No registration required!

The early decision deadline to apply to Illinois is coming up on Saturday, November 1. Don't worry if you're not ready to apply quite yet, the regular decision deadline isn't until January 😊 Get started on your app: https://www.admissions.illinois.edu/Home/myillini-apply

Linda Herrera, professor EPOL, will discuss her new book "Education 2.0: Chronicles of Technological and Cultural Change in Egypt" on November 12 at 4 p.m. in room 223 in Gregory Hall. More:

Today, we celebrated the two newest campus-recognized centers, the Center for Culturally Responsive Evaluation and Assessment (CREA) and the Center for Research and Innovation in Technology-Enhanced Learning (ITEL). Thank you to everyone who attended!

Since 2022, Illinois state law has required new learning standards for social science education. @ciatillinois.bsky.social Assistant Professor Asif Wilson’s Social Studies Network is working with the state on developing professional training to ensure teachers are prepared to teach the new content.

Mike Pierce admits that he only started taking classes in prison because it was a place to hang out with people he knew. But @ejpatil.bsky.social classes ignited a passion for learning. Now, he's pursuing his master's degree in Trauma-Informed Practice and Pedagogy.

Congratulations to EPOL associate professor Mirelsie Velázquez on being named a Conrad Humanities Scholar. The Conrad Humanities Scholars Award recognizes promising mid-career scholars and provides financial support for continued achievement, research, and scholarship in the humanities More:

Some say that you can't teach character. Scholars from the College of Education and We CU are setting out to prove them wrong. A new grant will lay the foundation for Illinois students to "Live Like Alma" through a new civic character education initiative specific to the university.

The Center for Research and Innovation in Technology-Enhanced Learning (ITEL) aims to significantly enhance learning in schools and other venues through technology. Read more about how ITEL will become an interdisciplinary hub for the integration of technology into educational contexts:

Michele Schutz, assistant professor Special Education, will be a featured speaker at the @hollandbloorview.ca Global Guest Speaker Series. Her presentation is titled "Collaborative, Community-Engaged, and Cross-System Transitions to Work for Youth with Disabilities."

Congratulations to Sammer Jones, Ph.D. '16 EPOL, on receiving the Chancellor's Staff Excellence Award. Jones, the director of Global Relations, manages strategic partnerships, international agreements, and collaborations across academic, research, and administrative sectors https://bit.ly/4787FDY

You're invited to learn more about the Center for Culturally Responsive Evaluation and Assessment (CREA) and the Center for Research and Innovation in Technology-Enhanced Learning (ITEL). Please register to attend by October 15: https://bit.ly/4nZkSWM

Join Education Policy, Organization & Leadership for a book talk and career recognition for Walter Feinberg. The talk will include discussions of two of Feinberg's recent books and a panel discussion featuring James D. Anderson. Register TODAY to attend. https://bit.ly/48WyXzC

Funded! Congratulations to Cynthia D'Angelo, associate professor @epsyatillinois.bsky.social, on receiving NSF funding for her new study on the learning challenges and complicated STEM concepts that type-1 people with diabetes must face to manage their care. More: https://bit.ly/48nTtcq

We know that when searching for a school, costs are a concern. Luckily, there are over 100 scholarships to help students pursue their degrees. And don't forget about Illinois Promise, which offers 4️⃣ years of tuition, fees, housing, and more to those who qualify More: https://bit.ly/3IDNohz

Published: Gabriel Rodriguez, assistant professor EPOL, was recently published in AERA Open. His article examines racially minoritized youth's activism at a suburban high school in Iowa. More: https://blogs.illinois.edu/view/1526/597056302

Can't wait another second to be an Illini? You can apply to Illinois early action by November 1. That means you'll find out if you're an Illini early. Get started today: https://www.admissions.illinois.edu/myillini-apply

Congratulations to EPOL Ed.M. student Logan Pender on being named a delegate representing the DMUN Foundation at the Social Forum of the United Nations Human Rights Council. More: https://blogs.illinois.edu/view/1526/1879441317

University Primary School is hosting an open house for prospective families on October 7. Stop in to learn about Uni Primary's Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum and tour the school. More info: https://uniprimary.illinois.edu/

You're Invited ✉️ Join us on October 23 from 12:30 to 3 p.m. for a celebration of our Campus-Recognized Centers: 🔸 Center for Culturally Responsive Evaluation and Assessment (CREA) 🔹 Center for Research and Innovation in Technology-Enhanced Learning (ITEL) RSVP by 10/15: https://bit.ly/4o04CVf

Congratulations to @epsyatillinois.bsky.social Nidia Ruedas-Gracia on being published in Sleep Health Journal. Ruedas-Gracia is part of a team studying the effects of discrimination on asian-american college students' sleep patterns. More: https://blogs.illinois.edu/view/1526/1147864642

Congratulations to our eight faculty members who have earned promotions and tenure for the 2025-26 school year. We're glad to have you here as you continue your research and teaching missions. https://blogs.illinois.edu/view/1526/1784104733

The waitlist for college classes in Illinois prisons is almost 2000 names long. For Rebecca Ginsburg, director of the Education Justice Project, this shows that further investment is needed to help incarcerated students set themselves up for life outside of prison.

"This lecture will be livestreamed for audiences online at education.illinois.edu/live"

Feelin' that True Illini Spirit 🧡💙

We hope to see you at the Goldstick Family Lectures in the Study of Communication Disorders tomorrow at 4 p.m. at the University of Illinois Philanthropy Center, 303 St. Mary's Road in Champaign. Event Info: https://bit.ly/4nmm9al

Always great to spend time with legends. Thanks to Bill Cope for his presentation, and to Deans Susan Fowler, Mary Kalantzis, James D. Anderson, and Chrystalla Mouza for their participation in our panel.

Congratulations to @epsyatillinois.bsky.social Cherie Avent on receiving the Marcia Guttentag Promising New Evaluator Award from @amevalassociation.bsky.social.

We hope to see you tomorrow for our book talk and legends panel in room 2 at 12:15 p.m. A short reception will follow. All are welcome. More: https://education.illinois.edu/about/events/event/2025/09/23/default-calendar/arguments-for-learning-book-talk-and-legends-panel-discussion

Next week's Goldstick Family Lecture will be the first without either of the namesake founders. However, the mission that Philip and Beverly Goldstick envisioned continues with a three-pronged effort to help children with communication disorders lead independent and meaningful lives.

Educational Psychology's Melissa Goodnight's new book, Cases Integrating Ethnography and Evaluation, will be released on Sept. 25. It examines connections between ethnography and evaluation in education, wrestling with pressing justice and equity issues in today's society. https://bit.ly/4gv4aMj

Join us on October 8th at 12:15 p.m. for the first installment of this year's Dean's Distinguished Speakers Series featuring Dr. Panayiota Kendeou. She will speak on this year's theme, Boldly Education: Leading the Future of Education. More Info: https://bit.ly/4mkqXLQ

The School of Architecture is hosting an exhibit about the 2013 Chicago school closures in the atrium of Temple Hoyne Buell Hall that features a building-sized map and an interactive teacher's desk created by Asif Wilson. RSVP for a screening of Beyond Closure: https://bit.ly/46ombHv

Angel Vélez, Ph.D. '21 EPOL, has been named to a vacant seat on the Chicago School Board by Mayor Brandon Johnson. Vélez will serve District 9A, which covers parts of Chicago's south side. More:

The College of Education is proud to announce nine leadership appointments for the 2025-26 school year: 🔸Robb Lindgren: Associate Dean for Research 🔹Lorenzo Baber: Head, Education Policy, Organization & Research 🔸Joshua Danish: Head, Curriculum & Instruction at Illinois