Skip to main content

2021 Theory and Practice Blog

Master's Project Spotlight: Henry Lang

December 8, 2021

How can teachers support students with ADHD? Read about Henry Lang's (MSEd '21) Master's Project “'U the GOAT, u get it': The ELA Teacher’s Role in Supporting Learners Who Have ADHD."

Student Spotlight: Katherine Miles

November 30, 2021

"I am excited to teach and coach, but then I want to take everything I learn in my classroom to our government to advocate for our students and teachers." Meet Katherine Miles, a secondary social sciences candidate in the MSEd program. Read more about Katherine's goals as a future teacher, coach, and leader in education.

Student Spotlight: Miles Meijer

November 16, 2021

"I believe that language learning is a central foundation for building a future that is more empathetic, more understanding, and more equitable." Meet Miles Meijer, a Spanish K-12 Education candidate in the MSEd program. Miles previously worked in higher education in residential life. Read more about Miles's goals as a future Spanish teacher, and his experience in the MSEd program!

Student Spotlight: Priyana Kumar

November 9, 2021

"Teaching, to me, is not about getting students to worry about achieving a good grade, but to practice self-growth." Meet Priyana Kumar, a Secondary Math Education candidate in the MSEd program. Priyana previously graduated with a degree in Biomedical Engineering. Read more about Priyana's goals as a future math teacher and leader in STEM education, and her experience in the MSEd program!

The Call for Compassionate Discipline

November 2, 2021

Though the concepts might seem paradoxical, it is clear that both compassion and discipline are needed to get systems of education back on track.

Student Spotlight: Pilar Ricke Zegers

October 26, 2021

"As educators, we plant the seed but students make it grow." Meet Pilar Ricke Zegers, an Elementary Education candidate in the MSEd program. Originally from Chile, Pilar previously worked as an art teacher. Read more about Pilar's goals as an elementary educator and her experience starting this year in the MSEd program!

Master's Project Spotlight: Karolyn Walch Cutler

October 6, 2021

History teachers have the power to choose whose stories they wish to emphasize and which sources they want to invite into the classroom. Read about Karolyn Walch Cutler's (MSEd '21) Master's Project, "'I think everyone should stand up for people': Examining the Impact of Centering Marginalized Voices in a Middle School Social Studies Classroom."

Teachers Believe in SEL

October 1, 2021

A new study reports that more teaches than ever are implementing SEL programming and belive it can improve student lives and learning. But is belief enough?

Master's Project Spotlight: Nikki Whittern

September 22, 2021

If I allow students to choose between meaningful formative activities, how will this impact student learning? Read about Nikki Whittern's (MSEd '21) Master's Project "Looping through learning: Influence of choice on student learning through meaningful formative activities in the 11th grade science classroom."

The Anti-Racist Professional Learning Community

August 11, 2021

Teacher Leaders Virginia Nguyen and Stacy Yung share how to integrate anti-racist pedagogy into your Professional Learning Communities ahead of their two part online workshop on Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) culture, history, and resources in your classroom.

Master's Project Spotlight: Kelsey Morton

August 4, 2021

How can teachers make mindfulness activities more meaningful for first graders, and will doing so increase student participation in those activities? Read about Kelsey Morton's (MSEd '21) Master's Project "In the Minds of First Graders: Understandings of Mindfulness and Engagement in Calm Classroom Activities."

Master's Project Spotlight: Sarah Purow-Ruderman

July 27, 2021

For her Master's Project "Discussing & Questioning: Examining Possible Mechanics of Reading Enjoyment," Sarah Purow-Ruderman (MSEd '21) researched whether two popular classroom techniques would make students more interested in reading.

The Intersection of SEL and DEI in Our Schools

June 11, 2021

As we reconceptualize schools in the 2021-2022 school year, it is clear that equity and mental health need to be at the core of our reconceptualization. Read more from Timothy Dohrer, Director of Teacher Leadership.

Why Summer Institutes? An Interview With Timothy Dohrer

May 7, 2021

We sat down with Timothy Dohrer, Director of the Teacher Leadership Program, to learn more about Summer Institutes at Northwestern. Read our interview to find out what Tim wishes teachers knew about Summer Institutes, and why he loves participating every year.

Developing Teachers as Mentors in New Teacher Induction

April 29, 2021

New teacher induction has become more popular across the United States and is proving to be effective in reducing teacher turnover. Schools need to become better at training teachers as Mentors through high-quality professional learning and a focus on instructional coaching.

Leading from the Front of the Classroom

March 31, 2021

A few years ago, I was lucky to be invited to a summit on teacher leadership set up by the Department of Education and a number of educational organizations.

Objective Grace: A Practical Guide

March 24, 2021

Leaders – everyone within an organization, for that matter – will want to incorporate Objective Grace. It is connected to empathy. It is essential for complex problem solving. And once you get good at it, it makes day-to-day interactions feel a whole lot better.

Student Spotlight: Ali Lidbury

February 19, 2021

We are so excited to feature Ali Lidbury in this week's Student Spotlight! Ali comes to the MSEd program having previously studied musical theatre and has worked as an independent dance contractor and as a substitute teacher. As a career changer, Ali is excited to teach students Secondary History. Read on to find out more about Ali's journey!

Student Spotlight: Michelle Ryoo

February 9, 2021

Everyone, please give a virtual welcome to Michelle Ryoo! Michelle is in her second year of the MSEd program, studying to teach students Secondary Biology. Take a moment to read about Michelle's journey through the program and her goals as a STEM educator.

Student Spotlight: Michelle Foster Everly

January 21, 2021

We are so excited to feature another student spotlight, this time highlighting Michelle Foster Everly! Michelle started the MSEd program in the fall and is concentrating on teaching students Secondary Mathematics. Please welcome Michelle and read on to learn more about what brought Michelle to the MSEd program and all that she is looking to achieve within education and beyond.