As we wrap up the Fall 2021 semester, I want to offer my deepest gratitude for the excellent work of our faculty, staff, and faculty associates throughout the College and the Lab Schools. The return to campus this semester brought about many great challenges and I am immensely proud of how everyone adapted and how colleagues came together to offer a great education to our many students.
It is exciting to participate in and hear about the great work that is happening around our college. In my college-wide emails this semester, it has been an honor to share so many stories recognizing our colleagues, alumni, and students. In this issue of the Edbird Edition, you can read about a research and book collaboration between a lab school faculty associate and School of Teaching and Learning faculty, student civic engagement, faculty profiles, EDI efforts, and more.
In addition, we are proud that the first Teach Chicago Tomorrow cohort is nearly finished with their first semester at Truman Community College. As we look forward to the next school year, we anticipate that the program will grow significantly as one hundred Chicago Public School students have already applied. The $25 million Illinois Tutoring Initiative launched this semester with the ISU team in the final stages of preparation to begin tutoring and research next semester. The college is also conducting 11 searches for eight faculty positions and three leadership positions.
As we head to a much-needed holiday break, I hope that you can rest and recharge as we prepare for spring semester. On behalf of the leadership team, thank you for all that you do each day to impact our students and the field of education. I wish you all the best as you gather with friends and family for the holidays and prepare for the next semester.
Sincerely,
James Wolfinger, Ph.D.
Dean and Professor
