Dr. Dana Nickson, assistant professor of education equity and justice in Leadership, Policy and Politics, is rewriting the story of Black families’ educational agency — one rooted in place, power, and intergenerational resilience.
In our latest alumni spotlight, Dr. Ben Gauyan (EdD, ’09) shares what excites him about leading Walla Walla Public Schools, the throughline of his leadership journey, and how his L4L experience continues to shape his approach. From staying grounded by centering students to finding joy in family, music and sports, Dr. Gauyan offers thoughtful reflections on leadership and balance.
Dr. Emily Holm Tobin (Ph.D., '24, Learning Sciences and Human Development) is uncovering the surprising ways families learn and grow together in museums, zoos, and other informal spaces. With a unique background in history, archaeology and museum studies, she’s bringing fresh insights to early learning, showing how everyday family outings can nurture connection, curiosity and compassion.
Dr. Sarah Jaewon Lee, assistant professor of Learning Sciences and Human Development, is reimagining how schools and communities support immigrant and multilingual students. Drawing from her experiences growing up in a Korean immigrant household, she designs innovative technology-enhanced learning that centers student identities and voices. Her work blends research, technology and community partnership to create inclusive, joyful spaces where every child can learn, play and thrive.
Dr. Becky Clifford, a graduate of UW’s Leadership for Learning (L4L) program, has been named superintendent of the South Whidbey School District. With over 20 years in public education and a strong focus on equity, inclusion, and special education, Dr. Clifford brings compassionate, community-centered leadership to her new role. Read the full Q&A to learn more about her leadership journey, reflections on her time in Anacortes, and the impact of her L4L experience.
The ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ has selected Launch as the early learning provider and UW partner for the Rainier Valley Early Learning Campus (RVELC).
Mary-Elizabeth Merrill's journey from battling severe dyslexia to building a successful catering business, and raising seven children out of which four are neurodivergent, to founding Einstein Advocates & returning to higher education as a mother to equip herself with the right tools to understand how children learn and grow. Her life trajectory is a perfect example of passion, purpose & progress.
The ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ made a powerful mark at the 2025 AERA Annual Meeting in Denver! From thought-provoking research presentations to a lively community celebration hosted by Dean Mia Tuan, it was a week of scholarship, connection and inspiration. Click through to explore photos and highlights from this unforgettable gathering.
From escaping a war-torn Vietnam as a young girl to leading a nonprofit that has empowered hundreds of students, Aimee Do's journey is one of resilience, purpose, and passion. As President of the Vietnam Education Fund, she has dedicated her life to education, equity, and community service — both in the U.S. and abroad. Her support of the Diversify the Educator Workforce initiative stems from deeply personal roots and a powerful belief in the role teachers play in shaping lives. Read Aimee’s inspiring story, her reflections on diversity in education, and the legacy she's building through service.
From her earliest days in the classroom to her current role shaping the next generation of school psychologists, Dr. Kawena Begay (M.Ed., Ph.D., ‘16, School Psychology) has always been driven by a simple yet powerful mission: to create inclusive spaces where every student can thrive. Her journey, from a first-grade teacher on the Navajo Reservation to a tenure-track professor at the ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ Tacoma, reflects her deep commitment to equity, culturally responsive practices and amplifying marginalized voices in education. Read more about Dr. Begay’s journey.