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2022 News

MSSEP students in regalia waving

Northwestern Confers Dual Master’s Degrees

December 28, 2022

The world’s first cohort of students to earn a dual master’s degree in applied economics and social and economic policy received their diplomas on Dec. 9, 2022, at Northwestern University’s McCormick Auditorium during a ceremony that highlighted the importance of cross-cultural understanding.

ELOC participants speaking

Exec Ed Coaching Certificate Earns Distinction

December 16, 2022

Northwestern University’s leadership coaching certificate for experienced professionals has been recognized by the non-profit Center for Credentialing and Education (CCE).

James Spillane signing a book

Spillane Starts Global Fellowship

December 8, 2022

Seven junior scholars from around the world will be attending the International Congress For School Effectiveness and Improvement Congress 2023 in Chile thanks in part to a new fellowship program made possible by Northwestern University professor James Spillane.

Dan Lewis standing with Civic Engagement Certificate Program students

Dan Lewis: “Where Do We Go From Here?”

December 7, 2022

Shadd Maruna’s introduction to graduate school was Dan A. Lewis’s “terrifying and electrifying” proseminar class, where students were expected to read a book a week. There was no lecture, no spoon feeding. Lewis demanded participation.

James Spillane

What if Parents Designed Education Systems?

November 28, 2022

A new report co-authored by Northwestern University professor James Spillane explores the benefits of building education systems that develop the “whole” child and use the same rigor and comprehensive care that a parent might invest in their own offspring.

Jue Wu

Researchers Develop Novel Way to Assess DEI Programs

November 28, 2022

A systematic planning tool called “change mapping” can help analyze whether complex diversity, equity, and inclusion programs or initiatives are working, according to new research by Northwestern University alumna Jue Wu (PhD21).

Corey Winchester

Don’t Underestimate the Art of Teaching

November 21, 2022

Lifting the requirements for certifications, licensures, and teacher preparation programs is a shortsighted and dangerous way to address the teacher shortage, educator Corey Winchester wrote in EdSurge.

Dan P. McAdams

McAdams’ New Book Puts The ‘Person’ Back into Personality

November 10, 2022

The latest book by Northwestern University’s Dan P. McAdams brings personality psychology alive by combining cutting edge research with the personal stories of more than two dozen celebrities, writers, entrepreneurs, and other notable figures.

Michelle Yin

New Grant Assesses Ending the Subminimum Wage

November 3, 2022

Northwestern University economist Michelle Yin has received a $4.29 million grant from the US Department of Education to assess a Virginia intervention designed to end the practice of paying less than the minimum wage to people with disabilities.

Dan P. McAdams with Michael Schill

Welcome to SESP, President Schill

November 1, 2022

Northwestern University President Michael Schill met with Interim Dean Dan P. McAdams, students, faculty, and staff and learned about several of SESP’s research initiatives and programs during his first visit to the School of Education and Social Policy.

Matt Easterday, Ken Powers, Diane Schanzenbach, Lilah Shapiro

Students Honor Top Faculty, Staff

October 31, 2022

Six members of Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy community were selected to the 2021-22 Associated Student Government Faculty and Administrator Honor Roll for their teaching, dedication, and care for students.

baby yawning in bed next to teddy bear

Schwandt’s Research Finds Pandemic ‘Baby Bump’

October 26, 2022

Working from home may have boosted fertility among college-educated women, according to a new National Bureau of Economic Research working paper co-authored by Northwestern University economist Hannes Schwandt.

2 children measuring liquid

Making Science More Meaningful

October 25, 2022

Northwestern University researchers and their partners received a $7.5 million grant to develop an innovative research-based science curriculum for elementary school classrooms, supported by professional learning resources for teachers.

SESP faculty group shot

SESP in the Media: October 2022

October 20, 2022

An ongoing, monthly roundup of appearances in the media by School of Education and Social Policy faculty, researchers, and our community.

University Hall with fall foliage

Apply Now for E4 Visiting Scholar Program

October 12, 2022

The E4 Early Career Visiting Scholar Program is currently seeking four early career pre-tenure researchers to conduct K-12 education research at Northwestern University's Center for Education Efficacy, Excellence, and Equity (E4) during the 2023-24 academic year.

Brian Reiser

Brian Reiser Appointed Orrington Lunt Professor

October 10, 2022

Northwestern University’s Brian Reiser, whose life work has helped make science education more relevant and meaningful for children, has been appointed the Orrington Lunt Professor of Education and Social Policy.

Simone Ispa-Landa

OpEd: The Pitfalls of School Metrics

October 6, 2022

One size-fits-all metrics don’t fairly measure what matters most in many schools – a student’s mental health, Northwestern University sociologist Simone Ispa-Landa argues in a recent opinion piece in the Washington Post.

Nichole Pinkard

Pinkard Appointed Alice Hamilton Professor

October 4, 2022

School of Education and Social Policy alumna Nichole Pinkard (PhD98), a leading thinker on the design of educational ecosystems, was appointed the inaugural Alice Hamilton Professor of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy.

Erica Young and Bill Healy

Belonging: A New Podcast for Teachers

September 27, 2022

When Georgia middle school teacher Erica Young approached a white colleague about her use of the phrase “cotton picking”, the conversation promised to be tense.

Hannes Schwandt

Schwandt Promoted to Associate Professor

September 14, 2022

Hannes Schwandt, an economist who studies the relationships between health, wealth, and overall well-being, has been promoted to associate professor of human development and social policy at the School of Education and Social Policy.

Lilah Shapiro

Shapiro Promoted to Associate Professor of Instruction

September 7, 2022

Northwestern University sociologist Lilah Shapiro, who is known for inspiring her students to think carefully and critically about their responsibilities in our complex world, has been promoted to associate professor of instruction at the School of Education and Social Policy.

Milan, Italy sunset

SESP Adds International Practicum Site

September 7, 2022

Undergraduates at Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy have a new option for their junior year practicum: Milan, Italy.

child smiling

Undergraduate Elementary Teaching Program Launched

September 6, 2022

Northwestern's School of Education and Social Policy (SESP) has opened a new pathway for aspiring teachers by creating a concentration in undergraduate elementary teaching that follows an interdisciplinary curriculum.

SESP faculty group shot

SESP in the Media: September 2022

September 1, 2022

An ongoing, monthly roundup of appearances in the media by School of Education and Social Policy faculty, researchers, and our community.

Lindsay Chase-Lansdale

Lindsay Chase-Lansdale: ‘A Builder, Connector, Mentor’

August 27, 2022

Northwestern University’s Lindsay Chase-Lansdale has profoundly shaped the field of developmental psychology and the people working in it, a panel of top scholars said during a recent celebration of her scholarship at Annenberg Hall.

Melanie Muskin and Andrew Stein

Muskin, Stein Win Honorable Mention in Essay Contest

August 26, 2022

Graduate students Melanie Muskin and Andrew Stein received honorable mention in the Society for Psychological Study of Social Issues essay contest, which challenged writers to address the legacy of white supremacy and Western dominance in psychology.

Terri Sabol

Sabol Promoted to Associate Professor

August 26, 2022

Psychologist Terri Sabol, who examines how classrooms, families and neighborhoods impact a child’s early development, has been promoted to associate professor of human development and social policy at Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy.

Michael Horn

Mike Horn Promoted to Full Professor

August 23, 2022

Michael Horn, whose research has modernized museums and introduced musical approaches to coding, has been promoted to full professor at Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy.

children in a classroom

What Happens When More Four-Year-Olds Attend Preschool?

August 23, 2022

Northwestern University researchers, in partnership with Chicago Public Schools, the Office of the Mayor of Chicago, and the Chicago Department of Family Support and Services, are studying how the recent expansion of universal prekindergarten in Chicago will impact students from lower income backgrounds.

SESP faculty group shot

SESP in the Media: August 2022

August 1, 2022

An ongoing, monthly roundup of appearances in the media by School of Education and Social Policy faculty, researchers, and our community.

Kimberly Scott

Scott to Lead Innovation and Program Development

July 26, 2022

Northwestern University’s Kimberly Scott was named associate dean for innovation and program development at the School of Education and Social Policy, Interim Dean Dan P. McAdams announced.

SESP faculty group shot

SESP in the Media: July 2022

July 22, 2022

An ongoing, monthly roundup of appearances in the media by School of Education and Social Policy faculty, researchers, and our community.

Samira Asseh

Recent Grad Dedicates a Year to Community Service

July 18, 2022

School of Education and Social Policy graduate Samira Asseh received a 2022–2023 Project Horseshoe Farm Fellowship, a rigorous and intensive year of volunteer service and learning in the community health field.

globe and MSLOC logo

MSLOC Receives STEM Designation

July 5, 2022

The Master's in Learning and Organizational Change program has been designated a new STEM training opportunity for international students by the US Department of Homeland Security.

Jessica Marshall

SESP Students, Alumni Win Spencer Fellowships

July 5, 2022

Northwestern University’s Jessica Marshall, a doctoral student in the learning sciences program, and two School of Education and Social Policy alumni were among the 35 scholars who received 2022 National Academy of Education/Spencer Dissertation Fellowships.

Morgan Hodges

Undergrads Win Fellowships, Fulbrights, and More

June 17, 2022

Morgan Hodges (BS22), who plans to pursue her master's in counseling, received the School of Education and Social Policy's Outstanding Leadership Award from the Northwestern Alumni Association. She was one of dozens of undergrads who earned accolades this year.

Julissa Muñiz

Graduate Students Honored for Leadership, Scholarship

June 17, 2022

Julissa Muñiz, who earned her PhD in Human Development and Social Policy, was named the School of Education and Social Policy's Outstanding Alumna, in part for founding the first graduate student organization for Latinx students, Comunidad Latinx.

Convocation 2022: ‘A Tender Time in Education’

June 15, 2022

Scholar Na’ilah Suad Nasir urged graduates to help build a “true multicultural democracy” by rethinking the status quo during the School of Education and Social Policy’s 2022 convocation celebration at Northwestern University’s Ryan Fieldhouse.

Jacob Kelter

Kelter Wins Presidential Fellowship

June 9, 2022

Jacob Kelter, who studies how the power of computer modeling and simulations can help solve some of society’s most complex problems, received the prestigious Presidential Fellowship at Northwestern University.

Dr. Naomi Blaushild holding a bottle of champagne aloft

Lifelong Learners Earn Doctorates

June 8, 2022

Eight Northwestern University graduate students recently reached the pinnacle of education, earning doctoral degrees in three of the School of Education and Social Policy's pioneering programs: Learning Sciences, Human Development and Social Policy, and Computer Science and Learning Sciences (CS + LS), a joint degree with the McCormick School of Engineering.

honors group shot

Meet SESP’s 2022 Senior Honors Students

June 6, 2022

Northwestern University School of Education and Social Policy honors students were recognized for rigorous and relevant scholarship by interim Dean Dan P. McAdams, Professor David Rapp, Assistant Dean Susan Olson and faculty members during a ceremony and poster presentation session.

Tabitha Bonilla

Bonilla Promoted to Associate Professor

June 6, 2022

Northwestern University’s Tabitha Bonilla, a political scientist who studies how communication influences public support for policies, has been promoted to associate professor of human development and social policy at the School of Education and Social Policy.

David Uttal

Uttal Wins Research Translation Award

May 25, 2022

David Uttal received the 2022 International Mind, Brain and Education Society’s translation award for his work strengthening the links between research and practice in both schools and informal contexts such as museums and community centers.

Mike Horn instructing students

The Future of Music: Making Beats With Code

May 24, 2022

A new book by Northwestern University professor Mike Horn offers a powerful new way to create music that can be linked with digital production tools of the future.

Sofia Bahena and Camila Morales

SESP Welcomes First Early Career Visiting Scholars

May 24, 2022

Scholars Sofia Bahena and Camila Morales have been named the inaugural early career visiting fellows at Northwestern University's Center for Education Efficacy, Excellence, and Equity (E4) during the 2022-23 academic year.

woman walking next to el train

Gift from Potocsnak Family Endows College Prep Program

May 16, 2022 – from Northwestern Now

The Potocsnak family has made a new multimillion-dollar gift to Northwestern in honor of President Morton Schapiro, who concludes his tenure in August after 13 years at the University.

SESP faculty group shot

SESP in the Media: May 2022

May 5, 2022

An ongoing, monthly roundup of appearances in the media by School of Education and Social Policy faculty, researchers, and our community.

Leigh Patel

SESP Equity Book Club: Leigh Patel

May 4, 2022

Author and professor Leigh Patel will discuss her latest book No Study Without Struggle: Confronting Settler Colonialism in Higher Education during the final SESP Equity Book Club Series event of the 2021-22 academic year.

Marcia Walker-McWilliams

Alumni Spotlight: Marcia McWalker-Williams

May 3, 2022

Northwestern University alumna Marcia Walker-McWilliams (BS06) is executive director of the Black Metropolis Research Consortium at the University of Chicago and the author of Reverend Addie Wyatt: Faith and the Fight for Labor, Gender, and Racial Equality. She is also a board member of the Digital Public Library of America.

SESP faculty group shot

SESP in the Media: April 2022

May 1, 2022

An ongoing, monthly roundup of appearances in the media by School of Education and Social Policy faculty, researchers, and our community.

Tamica Daniel

Alumni Spotlight: Tamica Daniel

April 29, 2022

Tamica Daniel (BS03) is a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice who works on civil rights issues in housing, lending, public accommodations, and education. She majored in social policy and minored in African American Studies at the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences.

Kirabo Jackson

Jackson Named Editor of Leading Economic Journal

April 27, 2022

Northwestern University professor Kirabo Jackson was appointed lead editor for the American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, one of the nation’s most respected scholarly economic journals.

Emily Salzman

Salzman Joins Knowles Cohort of Teaching Fellows

April 25, 2022

Northwestern University alumna Emily Salzman (MS21) a math teacher at Chicago’s Lane Tech College Prep High School, is the latest School of Education and Social Policy recipient of a five-year fellowship from the Knowles Science Teaching Foundation.

Dean E. Patrick Johnson, Nichole Pinkard, Erica Halverson, Reed Stevens and Dean David Figlio

Halverson: Using the Arts to Fix a Broken System

April 21, 2022

Alumna Erica Halverson’s new book “How the Arts Can Save Education” is, strangely enough, not about arts education. Instead, Halverson uses arts practices to fundamentally rethink how “learning” should be measured and to design learning environments and experiences that can serve all kids.

Professor emerita Carol Lee

Scholars at AERA Explore Equitable Education

April 18, 2022

Northwestern University’s Carol Lee will address one of the most hotly debated and contentious issues in education–how schools should teach–during the American Educational Research Association’s 2022 annual meeting from April 21 to 26 in San Diego.

Joan Trimuel Williams

How MSHE Powers Staff Advocacy

April 15, 2022

Joan Trimuel Williams (MS04) has always been inspired by service and advocacy. So when she’s not serving as director of compliance at Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine, she volunteers with the Northwestern University Staff Advisory Council (NUSAC) to support colleagues across the University.

Professor Cynthia Coburn

Faculty Contribute to New IES Report on Future of Ed Research

April 15, 2022

The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) should change its structures and policies to better meet changing priorities in education – including improving equity and the usefulness of research, according to a new report whose authors include several Northwestern University faculty members.

Shirin Vossoughi interacting with a student

Vossoughi Named One of Northwestern's Best Teachers

April 15, 2022

Shirin Vossoughi was honored with a Northwestern University Teaching Award for bringing justice-oriented, intergenerational, and collaborative teaching to a new level and for championing the “half-baked idea.”

 aerial view of a roundabout in Thailand

How to Give Kids 'Math Worth Doing'

April 6, 2022

When Jen Munson and her team launched an ambitious new website to support elementary school math teachers during the pandemic, they never dreamed they’d be reaching people from 65 countries on six continents.

Amelia Plunk

As Told To: Amelia Plunk

April 4, 2022

Amelia Plunk (MSED17) is a curriculum designer and professional Dungeon Master who designs and runs private adventures as part of the fantasy role playing game Dungeons and Dragons.

Na’ilah Suad Nasir

Convocation Features Spencer President Na’ilah Suad Nasir

March 30, 2022

Na’ilah Suad Nasir, president of the Chicago-based Spencer Foundation, will address more than 300 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral graduates during the 2022 School of Education and Social Policy Convocation ceremony.

Na'ilah Suad Nasir

Convocation Features Spencer President Na’ilah Suad Nasir

March 30, 2022

Na’ilah Suad Nasir, president of the Chicago-based Spencer Foundation, will address more than 300 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral graduates during the 2022 School of Education and Social Policy Convocation ceremony.

Erica Halverson

How the Arts Can Save Education

March 29, 2022

Northwestern alumna Erica Halverson (SoC97, PhD05), a leading thinker and researcher on arts education, will discuss the powerful way creative processes can revitalize schools at 4 p.m. on April 13 in Annenberg Hall’s first floor Cycle Center.

Veronica Burton tweet

Burton Declares for WNBA Draft

March 28, 2022

Three days after announcing her intention to enter the WNBA draft, Northwestern University’s Veronica Burton was named the best defensive player in the country by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association.

SESP faculty group shot

SESP in the Media: March 2022

March 27, 2022

An ongoing, monthly roundup of appearances in the media by School of Education and Social Policy faculty, researchers, and our community.

Sally Nuamah

Nuamah’s Paper Wins Second Award

March 20, 2022

Sally Nuamah received the Rodney Higgins Best Faculty Paper Award from the National Conference of Black Political Scientists for her work highlighting the link between the ‘adultification’ of Black girls and public support for their punishment.

Claudia Haase in front of a screen showing facial expressions

Why You Should Savor Fleeting Moments of Joy

March 10, 2022

Hold back on the bickering. New research co-authored by Northwestern University's Claudia Haase, suggests that couples who share sweet moments filled with humor and affection, and sync up biologically — two hearts beating as one — enjoy better health prospects and live longer than their more quarrelsome counterparts.

Connor Bain pointing

Meet SESP's Newest PhD's

March 10, 2022

Sixteen Northwestern University graduate students earned doctoral degrees in three of the School of Education and Social Policy's pioneering programs: Learning Sciences, Human Development and Social Policy, and Computer Science and Learning Sciences (CS + LS), a joint degree with the McCormick School of Engineering.

Miriam Sherin and Uri Wilensky

Two Faculty Members Elected to National Academy of Education

February 21, 2022

Northwestern University learning scientists Miriam Sherin and Uri Wilensky were among 17 exceptional scholars elected to the prestigious National Academy of Education for their outstanding work in education scholarship and research.

faculty group shot

SESP in the Media: February 2022

February 16, 2022

An ongoing, monthly roundup of appearances in the news media by School of Education and Social Policy faculty, researchers, and our community.

Kavita Kapadia Matsko

Are New Teachers Ready to Teach?

February 15, 2022

Kavita Kapadia Matsko’s research looking at three different ways to consider new teacher readiness for the classroom received the Journal of Teacher Education’s 2022 Article of the Year.

Paula Olszewski-Kubilius

Olszewski-Kubilius Wins Palmarium Award

February 14, 2022

Northwestern University’s Paula Olszewski-Kubilius has been awarded the Palmarium Award for her pioneering vision of talent development and leadership in the field of gifted education.

bow-tie wearing boy on tablet screen

Learn How to Teach Social and Emotional Learning Skills

January 13, 2022

Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy is launching a six-week certificate course to help teachers incorporate important social and emotional learning skills into the classroom.

Megan Bang and Carrie Tzou

Training Future K-5 Teachers in STEM

January 13, 2022

Professor Megan Bang and alumna Carrie Tzou (PhD08) received a $1.8 million National Science Foundation grant to better prepare aspiring elementary school teachers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Figlio, Hedges, Jackson, Spillane, Schanzenbach and Lee

Six Scholars Named as Nation’s Most Influential

January 7, 2022

Six Northwestern University School of Education and Social Policy faculty members were named to Education Week’s annual list of 200 influential academics in education policy. The scholars are among the top in their fields and were selected for moving academic research findings into the national conversation.

SESP faculty group shot

SESP in the Media: January 2022

January 3, 2022

An ongoing, monthly roundup of appearances in the news media by School of Education and Social Policy faculty, researchers, and our community.