SOE EdD News started in January 2024 and is a reflection of the four domains that serve as the backbone of our program - Systems Change, Personal Leadership, Policy + Research, and Social Justice + Anti-Racism. The newsletter is a source of monthly updates on the program, upcoming events, upcoming opportunities, and celebrations of EdD program community members for faculty, staff, students, and alumni. The newsletter aims to complement the EdD experience and to connect our community on a monthly basis. Thank you to all community members who have sent in submissions for the community.

As I prepare to graduate this semester, I want to express my deep gratitude to the American University Baker School EdD community for the support, challenge, and inspiration you have provided throughout this journey. This program has not only shaped my scholarship but has also strengthened my commitment to equity, leadership, and meaningful impact in education. It has been an honor to serve alongside such thoughtful colleagues and dedicated faculty. As I step into this next chapter, I am confident the program will continue to thrive, and I am excited to pass the torch to Adrienne Porter as the new graduate assistant. I know she will bring passion, excellence, and care to the role. Thank you all for being such an important part of my journey—this community will always hold a special place in my heart. Please continue to send in submissions for SOE EdD News to Cohort 11 member Adrienne Porter.

Love, Bianca Garcia

Congratulations to Quinn Merriweather! Quinn Merriweather is now the incoming chair of the AU Staff Council. As a strategic and visionary leader, Quin has also driven efforts to reimagine ethical hiring, onboarding, and professional development practices within student affairs. She is known for her innovative, big-picture thinking and for grounding her work in historical and systemic contexts to achieve meaningful, lasting change.

Congratulations to Dr. Kimberly Martin! Please join us at Politics and Prose at 5015 Connecticut Avenue NW Washington, DC 20008 on May 12, 2026 for a conversation between Dr. Lerone Martin and AU's very own, Dr. Kim Martin featuring Young King. The book is available for preorder! This event is free with first come, first serve seating at 7:00 p.m. - Dr. Lerone Martin will be in conversation with Dr. Kimberly Martin, who joined KIPP DC in January 2025 as a Deputy Chief of School Transformation. Dr. Kimberly Martin has focused on driving systemic change and enhancing educational outcomes across the network's schools. She is a native of Ohio and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in English and History from Case Western Reserve University, followed by a Master’s degree in Secondary Education from John Carroll University. Once in DC, she furthered her academic pursuits with an Executive Master’s in Leadership and a Certificate in Leadership Coaching, both from Georgetown University and she culminated her educational journey with a Doctorate in Education from American University. Prior to joining KIPP DC, Dr. Kimberly Martin held the position of Instructional Superintendent for DC Public Schools. With a career spanning over 18 years as a high school principal, she served as a principal in DC, Ohio, and Colorado. 

Congratulations, Dr. Bianca Garcia! Dr. Bianca Garcia, Cohort 8, has defended her dissertation DISRUPTING THE DEFICIT: CO-CONSTRUCTING COUNTER NARRATIVES TO REIMAGINE BLACK MEN TEACHER RECRUITMENT on March 17, 2026. 

Congratulations, Dr. Dareon Stacker! Dr. Dareon Stacker, Cohort 8, has defended her dissertation NAVIGATING POWER AND PRACTICE: FEEDBACK AND CRITICAL MENTORSHIP IN TEACHER PREPARATION WITHIN CHARTER SCHOOLS on March 20, 2026. 

Congratulations, Dr.Angela Nessler! Dr. Nessler, Cohort 8, has defended her dissertation Teaching U.S. History in Restrictive Policy Environments: Primary Sources and Honest History in Secondary Classrooms, on March 26, 2026.

Congratulations, Dr. Melanie Latson! Dr. Melanie Latson, Cohort 8, has defended her dissertation B.A.D. Teacher, Good Trouble: Re-Membering Fugitive Teacher Practices to Revive, Reclaim, and Reimagine Sustainability for Black Women Teacher–Activists within the State of Georgia on March 27, 2026. 

Congratulations, Dr. Rebecca Dreyfus! Dr. Rebecca Dreyfus, Cohort 8, has defended her dissertation B.A.D. Teacher, Good Trouble: Re-Membering Fugitive Teacher Practices to Revive, Reclaim, and Reimagine Sustainability for Black Women Teacher–Activists within the State of Georgia on March 27, 2026. 

Congratulations, Dr. Keisha Rattray! Dr.Keisha Rattray, Cohort 8, has defended her dissertation We Who Mother in the"Hold": Motherwork, Refusal, and Black Girl Be-Coming in Predominantly White Independent Schools on March 31, 2026.

Congratulations, Dr. Esther Ward! Dr.Esther Ward, Cohort 8, has defended her dissertation Expanding Access to the Speech-Language Pipeline: Empowering Black Undergraduates Through Targeted Career Exposure, on April 1, 2026. 

Congratulations, Dr. Dylan Hart Ravdin!  Dr. Dylan Hart Ravdin, Cohort 8, has defended his dissertation ON THE LOWER FREQUENCIES: BUILDING PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY AND AGENCY IN TEACHER-CENTERED COACHING RELATIONSHIPS on April 3, 2026. 

Congratulations, Dr. Michelle Barrera Triviño! Dr. Michelle Barrera Triviño, Cohort 8, has defended her dissertation Un Grito Pa’La Salud Mental de Nosotros: Addressing and Providing Awareness on the Well-Being Experiences of Immigration-Impacted Students in Higher Education on April 3, 2026. 

Congratulations, Dr. Laura Singer! Dr. Laura Singer, Cohort 8, has defended her dissertation Invisible in the Classroom: Teacher Preparation as Intervention in the Foster Care-to-Prison Pipeline on April 9, 2026. 

Congratulations, Dr. Krystal Lindsey! Dr. Laura Singer, Cohort 8, has defended her dissertation Invisible in the Classroom: Teacher Preparation as Intervention in the Foster Care-to-Prison Pipeline on April 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Congratulations, Dr. Derek Flake! Dr. Laura Singer, Cohort 8, will  dissertation Invisible in the Classroom: Teacher Preparation as Intervention in the Foster Care-to-Prison Pipeline on April 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Congratulations, Dr. Oumar Diallo! Dr. Oumar Diallo, Cohort 7, has defended his dissertation,  READING THE WORLD BEFORE TEACHING IT: A QUALITATIVE INQUIRY INTO THE INFLUENCE OF FREIREAN PROBLEM-POSING PEDAGOGY ON TEACHERS’ SELF-EFFICACY TO ENACT CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE TEACHING on April 24, 2026. 

Congratulations Dr. Decuir, Dr. Khan-Baker, and Dr. Locher! Dr. Decuir, Dr. Khan-Baker, and Dr. Locher co-presented at AERA this month. They have also co-authored a chapter together on our DoP Community of Practice.

The Done Dissertation Minute w/Dr. Goings - Building Your Relationship with Your Advisor to Start the Semester

If you feel like your dissertation progress is stalling because of a rocky or undefined relationship with your dissertation chair, the most important shift you can make is moving from the passenger seat to the driver’s seat. With the new semester starting now is a great time to begin proactively working with your chair to establish your goals for this semester. One way to organize  is using a "3-1-1 Strategy" for every meeting: start with 3 Wins (to show the progress and momentum you're building no matter how small the win), present 1 Challenge (to focus the discussion), and state 1 Specific Need (to get actionable help). Keep meetings tight (aim for 30 minutes) and always send a post-meeting email recap to document decisions and what your next steps are. By working with your advisor as a partner you both can establish a strong working relationship together. As a resource here is a video where I explain this concept and how to work with your advisor this semester.

Navigating the EdD Journey: Connect, Grow, and Thrive
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
6:00–7:00 PM EST

Join us for an evening of candid conversation, practical insights, and community connection. This session features a dynamic panel of student and alumni speakers covering topics that matter most to EdD scholar practitioners:

Building Community & Connections: An introduction to the new CPED Student & Alumni Network on LinkedIn - Here you can learn more about this developing space for online networking, community building, and professional development.

Charting Your Career Path: Real guidance on navigating your career as an EdD graduate - Learn how to engage faculty and the larger EdD community to make the most of your doctoral experience.

What I Wish I Had Known - Hear practical tips and hard-won wisdom on writing, staying organized, managing your time, and thriving in your EdD program.

After the panel, you'll have the opportunity to join a breakout session to get to connect further with students and alumni across CPED institutions. This event is free and open to all EdD students and alumni from CPED member institutions. Simply register using the link below and a Zoom link will be emailed to you on the day of the event. We look forward to connecting with you!

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/jjz3zzx4uVyyvhmMA

Proud to serve as your New Graduate Assistant!  Hello everyone! My name is Adrienne Renee Porter, and I am a proud member of Cohort 11. I am honored to share that I will be serving as one of the new graduate assistants for our program, and I am truly looking forward to supporting our community as we grow together. My professional background is in the education non-profit sector, where I focused on expanding learning opportunities for students through hands-on apprenticeships and mentorship programs that bridge the gap between school and the real world. In this new role, I am excited to lean into my experience with educational leadership to help enhance our program’s initiatives and collaborate more closely with all of you. In my spare time, I love getting lost in a good book, participating in community service initiatives, and enjoying quality time with my family.

Local Campaign Support Request - Two Cohort 3 alums, Dr. Caroline Decaire-Goldin (EdD '23) and Dr. Darin Simmons Jr. (EdD '24), are partnering to run a campaign for the Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) Board of Education (BOE). Caroline is a candidate for the District 2 seat, with Darin at the financial helm as the campaign's Treasurer. If you are interested in supporting with communications, events, canvassing, or fundraising, or just learning more about the experience of running a local campaign, email friendsofcdg@gmail.com or sign up via the website at carolineforpgcps.com.

2026 DC Educator Workforce Summit - Please save the date and plan to join us for the second year of this event! This year's convening will bring together leaders from Local Education Agencies (LEAs), Educator Preparation Providers (EPPs), teachers, school leaders, and workforce development partners to analyze the citywide educator landscape and explore inventive structures for educator preparation, development, and retention. Registration also includes a special invitation to the citywide Elevating Excellent Educators Awards Reception and Ceremony, where we will cap off the Summit by celebrating the DC Teacher of the Year and other outstanding educators and schools. 

Research Study Request by Amura Cameron at Old Dominion University - If you choose to be in the study, you will complete an online survey about the experiences of Black women in K–12 leadership roles. The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete and is open to Black women in K–12 leadership roles at the building level (assistant principals, principals) and central office level (supervisors, directors, coordinators, superintendents). You can skip questions that you do not want to answer or stop the survey at any time. The survey is anonymous, and no one will be able to link your answers back to you. Please do not include your name or other information that could be used to identify you in the survey responses. This project has been approved by the Old Dominion University (ODU) Social and Behavioral Exempt Committee. If you have questions or concerns about your rights as a research participant, you can contact the ODU faculty member overseeing this research, Dr. Steve Myran, at 757-684-6694 (Email: smyran@odu.edu). Upon completing the survey, you'll be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of three $50 gift
cards. Being in this study is optional. If you want to participate in this study, click the start the survey link. Thank you for considering this opportunity. Your voice matters, and your insights can help others better understand the realities of school leadership. 

Application Open for Just Education Policy 2026 - Applications for Just Education Policy 2026 are now open! Applications are due June 1; click here for more information and to apply. Just Education Policy (JEP) 2026 will be held September 28 - October 1, 2026 in Washington, DC. JEP helps developing scholars learn how, as a community, to conduct research that advances racial justice in education policy. Content will cover four large areas of focus: Contextualizing knowledge about racial equity and justice in education policy, Understanding modern efforts that challenge educational equity and justice, Engaging with racial equity and justice work as a public scholar, and Doing research work that centers racial justice. All eligible students and recent graduates are encouraged to apply, especially those who do not have access to this type of content in their home programs. Applications will be accepted from those who (A) will be active doctoral students as of September 2026 and have completed at least two years of coursework OR are recent graduates (who graduated in Spring 2026 or later) in postdoctoral positions, and (B) have demonstrated a commitment to conducting research in racial equity and justice in education policy. We will be particularly targeting admissions towards applicants who demonstrate a commitment to working on education policy. The researchers who contribute to education policy are diverse, including those in traditional education policy programs and those in other fields (e.g., history, economics, law, political science, social policy). If you have any questions about the application process, email Charlotte O'Keefe Stralka at charlotte.okeefe@berkeley.edu.

Research Study Participant Request - As part of her doctoral research, Assistant Director of Online Learning at the American University Washington College of Law, Kimberly King, is inviting eligible online students and graduates (21+) who have completed an in-person immersion/residency to participate in a brief anonymous survey (15–20 minutes) on belonging and online learning satisfaction. Participants may opt into a drawing for one of eight $25 Amazon gift cards via a separate link to maintain anonymity. Questions? Contact me at  kingk@american.edu. Link to Study:  Qualtrics Survey | Belonging, Satisfaction in Online Learning

Research Study at George Mason University - Tiffany Butler, Ph.D. Candidate, is exploring the pedagogical and identity dimensions of anti-racist science teaching that may improve the science educational experience for Black American students. To determine if you are a good candidate for this study, you will complete a short survey (7 minutes). The study includes one or two interviews conducted via Zoom; each interview will last one hour. Your total time commitment will either be 1 hour and 7 minutes or 2 hours and 7 minutes. To compensate you for your time, we will provide a $100 gift card for each interview in which you participate. To join the study, use this link to complete a short survey: https://forms.gle/oECdP2PkiL7Lkgoq9.This research has been reviewed and received an exempt determination by The George Mason University Institutional Review Board (“IRB”). You may talk to them at 703-993-4121 or irb@gmu.edu. Please use the IRB project number (#STUDY00000977) in any communication with the IRB. Your participation is greatly appreciated and will significantly contribute to efforts to improve education!

Free Online Tutoring for Students Facing Disrupted Educational Access - 1:1 virtual tutoring sessions are being offered to elementary-level students who are currently unable to attend school due to heightened enforcement activity. This initiative aims to ensure academic continuity and provide social-emotional support for families who may be navigating feelings of fear, uncertainty, or displacement. If you are aware of a student who could benefit from this support, please reach out to Komal Junejo (kj5906a@american.edu) for more information.

Jobs Posted on the Whova Community Board of 2025 CPED Convening Hosted by Drexel University #CPEDConvening2025

Liberation Ventures is hiring. For more information about Liberation Ventures, visit the website, read our brief concept note, or check out our overview deck with more details on our plans for the next few years.

EDU-652: Study Trip to Africa: Historical and Transatlantic Perspectives on Antiracist
This course examines the historical implications of slavery and racism and their influence on antiracist teaching in the United States. Existing efforts at decolonizing the curriculum will be incomplete without considering the damaging effects of colonialism on the African continent and slavery and racism toward Black people in the Americas. Through a transatlantic journey to Senegal, students will gain a deeper understanding of the legacy of racism and colonialism as a gateway to dismantling racist educational policies and prioritizing equitable educational outcomes for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in the US educational system. The course creates opportunities for students to visit historical sites and engage with education innovators in Senegal, reflect on and critique existing US educational policies and alternatives, and develop an action plan through a set of written recommendations. Course requires study trip to Senegal with approximately $4,000 in additional course fees to cover trip expenses. The course/trip will be led by Senior Professorial Lecturer Dr. Terence Ngwa. If you are interested in learning more about the course, please use the link below to express interest. EDU652InterestForm 

AERA Graduate Student Council - The AERA Graduate Student Council (GSC) Nominating Committee welcomes recommendations of well-qualified individuals as potential candidates to run for GSC office in the 2026 election. The GSC plans and coordinates activities that advance the professional interests of graduate students in the association, based on policies and procedures approved by the AERA Council. Submit your recommendations here.

Professional Editing - Jefferson Editing specializes in APA-style scholarship. Dr. Jennifer Jefferson, a former chief academic officer and writing center director, a current faculty member, and president of Jefferson Editing & Higher Ed Consulting, LLC is available for editorial services. Please view information about Jefferson Editing and testimonials from higher ed professionals here. 

Professional Editing - The Wolf & the Crow, we offer a range of editorial services, from dissertation editing to copywriting and copy editing—to everything in between. Contact Laura Hamlett Schlater, Ph.D., at The Wolf and the Crow for dissertation editiing and more.

Professional Editing - Heartful Editor reviews and provides guidance on theses, course papers, proposals and dissertations, academic journal articles, academic books and book chapters, conference presentations, grant applications, policy manuals, student-friendly dissertation guides, and more!

K-12 Education Data - Use these free tools to examine data on student achievement, school segregation, dual enrollment programs and other education topics. Most generate maps, charts and lists that journalists can incorporate into their news coverage. Read more information here.

AU Library Announcements - Please contact Hannah Park if you would like the library to purchase resources related to your research interests that the library doesn’t already have. We have some funding left in this current budget cycle, and Hannah Park would like to purchase materials that are relevant to people’s research needs. 

Ready to Lead? Ready to Serve? Ready to Make an Impact?
The Graduate Student Council is calling YOU! Whether you’re a Master’s (in-person or remote) or doctoral student, if you’re ready to lead, build community, and leave your mark, we want you! Email Tamir D. Harper at th7906a@american.edu to get involved!

Library Programming - The AU Library hosts a series of programs to learn more about their resources, using research-focused technology, and more.

EdD Writing Group - The writing group meets every Wednesday from 5:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m. EST on Zoom. The group is a co-constructed space for shared accountability, writing motivation, wellness supports, and for building meaningful relationships with fellow antiracist researchers and writers. Writing in community is an effective support for healing, productivity, and excellence. For additional details, please contact Dr. Amaarah DeCuir. Join here.

Greenberg Building Future Faculty Program - The GBFF program provides hands-on, practical preparation for all graduate students interested in strengthening their teaching in pursuit of academic careers. Participants in the program will have the opportunity to engage in teaching- and job market-related professional development Join fellow graduate students and faculty at AU for teaching and learning workshops and conferences that address important topics in the classroom and academia. Develop and refine key teaching artifacts under the guidance of experienced faculty. Gain insight and ongoing support from AU faculty and CTRL staff, fostering both professional growth and personal connections. Signal to current and future employers your commitment to teaching and professional development. For more information, reach out to program coordinator, Dr. Mac Crite. 

Doctoral Matching Program - American University's Doctoral Matching Program looks to match doctoral students from across AU schools and programs. Focusing on writing and research, the goal of the program is to promote inter-peer discussion about these topics; exchanging tips, feedback, or accountability in making progress on personal goals. Use the form and the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies will match students with each other and facilitate introductions.

Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Grants - The Administration for Children and Families has long supported rigorous dissertation research by advanced doctoral students addressing policy relevant issues. ACF is excited to announce that the Office of Planning, Research & Evaluation (OPRE) has forecasted funding opportunities for fiscal year 2025 for dissertation research on key topics of interest to ACF. Please visit grants.gov for the Child Care Dissertation Grants, Head Start Dissertation Grants, and Behavioral Interventions Scholars forecasts to view descriptions, estimated application due dates, and to subscribe to email notifications regarding these award opportunities. Please also visit the ACF website to view previously awarded projects under Child Care, Head Start, and Behavioral Interventions Scholars Grant Programs. ACF encourages regular visits to ACF’s Grants home page for information about applying. These forecasted award opportunities are contingent on available funds and the continued interest of the federal government.

Graduate Disabled Student Union - American University's graduate affinity organization for Disabled, Neurodivergent, Chronically Ill students, and allies is a new affinity, social, community building, and advocacy organization for graduate-level students on campus. All students are welcome, regardless of disability status. Initiatives can include supporting students through the accommodations process, networking with the undergrad Disabled Student Union, the Disability+ Faculty and Staff Association, and faculty in the CRGC who work in Disability Studies, social hours to build community, and more. Connect via Instagram or GroupMe. 

David Allen, Cohort 8, will defend his dissertation Maroon Educational Leadership: Toward a Liberatory Framework Across Black Diasporic Contexts, in the summer.

Please find the Summer 2026 Defense Calendar and Links to join HERE.

Publication #1: Literary Liberty and the Black Church: Addressing Book Bans in K-12 Classrooms in the United States Publisher: Race and Justice: An International Journal

Publication #2: Stuttering, advocacy, and resilience in early childhood Publisher: Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood

Publication #3: Forging Interdisciplinary Collaborations: Comprehensive Mental Health Programming Across P-16 Education Systems 

The American University School of Education’s Summer Institute on Education Equity and Justice (SIEEJ) proudly presents the inaugural volume in its Education Equity and Justice series with Emerald Publishing, titled Forging Interdisciplinary Collaborations, scheduled for publication on December 5, 2025. 

Publication #4: Petruzzi, L.J., Yokananth, R., Rosenthal, M., Hudson, E., Harper, L., Valdez, C.R., & Burgermaster, M. The Immigrant Paradox and Perinatal Mental Health Among Latinas in Central Texas. (2025). Journal of Primary Care and Community Health. 

Publication #5: Nakra, N.M., Petruzzi, L.J., Diller, A., Smithwick, J., Lee, L., Wilkinson, G., Collier, J. & Chang, S. (2025). A qualitative exploration of multilevel factors that support effective community health worker-social worker collaboration. BMC Health Services Research, 25(1248), 1-12. 

Publication #6: Corbett, J. (2026). Missing Voices: Increasingly Disproportionate Racial Representation on School Boards. Journal of Cases in Educational Leadership. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/15554589261420500