A New Chapter in DC Public Schools
Kim Jackson, EdD '24, became the Interim Chancellor of the District of Columbia Public Schools in June. She found an alignment of purpose when choosing the Doctor of Education program at the Baker School—guided by the school's mission to prepare leaders who transform society, Jackson saw an immediate parallel to her own life's work.
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Meet the Baker School of Education's New Dean
Dean Aroutis Foster began his journey in Kingston, Jamaica, and most recently at the Drexel School of Education. Coming to Baker this summer, he is dedicated to bringing a vibrant, collaborative, and entrepreneurial energy to our work.
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| Future Teachers Explore Artificial Intelligence (AI) Through an Ethics and Equity Lens
A new AI-focused module in EDU 630 helps Baker teacher candidates examine the opportunities, risks, and ethical questions surrounding artificial intelligence in K–12 education.
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Finding Her Place in Policy: An Internship Helped Morgan K, MEd '27, Turn Passion into Impact
A Public Policy Fellow with Leaders for Educational Equity, her experience is proof that the right academic preparation, mentorship, and professional connections can help students transform career aspirations into tangible opportunities.
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| Revolutionizing Research for Social Change: Baker School of Education Hosts Summer Institute
For the first time, American University’s Spring Valley campus welcomed the Summer Institute in Research Methods, “Revolutionizing Research for Social Change.” Attendee Asia Sweets, EdD '28, said “There is knowledge in people’s stories, experiences, and voices, and those forms of knowledge deserve to be valued.”
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| Creating Anti-Racist Learners and Educators
Join Dr. Dani Parker Moore at this talk and interdisciplinary workshop offering a roadmap for creating educational spaces rooted in justice, equity, and collective liberation. Moore's new book is Let's Normalize Seeing Humanity First: An Anti-Racist Guide for Working with Parents and Families in Schools. Location: McKinley 101
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| Nonprofits Making a Difference Networking Reception
Alumni should consider volunteering to network with current students if they have experience in the following fields: Social Justice/Equity/Advocacy; Public Health & Wellness; Housing & Food Insecurity; Community Development; Think Tanks and Research Institutes; or Education. Location: Constitution Hall
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| SIEEJ 2027: Confronting Educational Censorship and Defending the Freedom to Learn
The Scholarly Institute on Education, Equity and Justice has launched its call for proposals for the February 18–20, 2027 event, examining censorship, book bans, curriculum restrictions, and other efforts limiting access to diverse ideas in education. Alumni, students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to apply by October 15, 2026.
Submit a Proposal
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| Black Male Educators Recruitment Luncheon
Baker partners with AU's chapter of PDK International for BMERL, bringing together educators, leaders, and aspiring teachers to inspire, recruit, and elevate Black men in education while celebrating their impact on students, schools, and communities. Location: AU Main Campus
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| Mosaic Collective Alumni Reunion (MCAR)
Join the MCAR Community Mixer Opening Social on Friday from 7-10 p.m. ($35, off-campus); Books & Brunch: Stories Known and Unknown Saturday from 1-3 p.m. ($20, Mary Graydon Student Center); and the MCAR Celebrate! Late Night on Saturday from 6-9 p.m. ($50, Constitution Hall).
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Professor Jennifer Steele spoke with WUSA9 about how recent school budget cuts in the Washington, DC, area may affect students and educators.
Senior Professorial Lecturer Tracy Spesia, inaugural president of the Washington, DC, chapter of the Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, was highlighted by AACTE for launching the new DC chapter, bringing together educator preparation leaders across the city.
EdD student Tamir Harper's leadership and vision for Philadelphia's public schools were featured in the Philadelphia Tribune.
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Noëlle Taylor, EdD '25, is playing a pivotal role in developing the American Baptist College Educator Pathway Initiative, assembling an expert committee of Baker School alumni, professors, and education leaders — including Dwan Jordon, EdD '25, who will lead the initiative toward its Fall 2027 launch as its program director for implementation.
The 2026 Dean's Stepped Up Awards included students Tamir Harper, EdD '27, Prakriti Nepal, MA '26, and Lucy-Jo Yoon, BA '28.
Congratulations to Elizabeth "Lizzie" Worden for being named the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education, Senior Professorial Lecturer Eugene Pringle for being named the director of the Doctor of Education program, and Professor Jennifer Steele for being named the director of the Master in Education program.
Professorial Lecturer Deepa Srikantaiah co-facilitated a day-long meeting of the Association of Maryland Mathematics Teacher Educators at the University of Maryland College Park.
Scholar-in-Residence Gabriel Asheru Benn celebrated the first day of classes with a cohort focused on financial literacy, AI upskilling, and business development at The Manifest Station, an afrofuturistic co-working space in Ward 7.
Top 2026 Faculty Award winners included Adjunct Professorial Lecturer kecia hayes for Award for Outstanding Service to Community, Adjunct Professorial Lecturer Danielle Forbes for Outstanding Teaching Excellence Award, and Senior Professorial Lecturer Antonio L. Ellis for the Impact Award.
Antonio L. Ellis has been appointed to the Editorial Board for Urban Education for the 2026–2029 term and has joined the Advisory Board for the Bronx School of Hip Hop.
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Identity-Affirming Arts Integration and Special Education: Inclusion through Belonging, by Baker faculty and alumni including Professor Alida Anderson and Antonio L. Ellis, introduces an identity-affirming arts approach to special education.
Antonio L. Ellis co-authored "Ableism by Design?" in Educational Policy, on AI, special education law, and equity.
Adjunct Professorial Lecturer Dia L. Jones authored a chapter in Ending Violence in PreK–16 Schools on the "invisible tax" facing Black students. The book was edited by Assistant Professor Kenjus Watson and Eugene Pringle.
Deepa Srikantaiah published "The Calculus of Difference: Pluralism and Integration through Education in India" in the Journal of Contemplative and Holistic Education.
Jasmine Rogers, EdD '23, co-authored "Using Texts as Megaphones" in The Reading Teacher.
Cassandra D. Edwards, EdD '25, wrote Finding Purpose Through Ordinary Moments: My Community Was My Classroom.
Adjunct Research Assistant Professor-in-Residence Lauren Shea co-published two articles on children's media and STEM literacy with Twin Cities PBS.
Associate Professor Emily Grossnickle Peterson co-authored a meta-analysis on spatial skills and science achievement.
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