As we wrap up the 2021-2022 academic year, 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 year 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 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 the CSEP co-directors, many retirees, a new staff profile, TCH research celebration, U-high engineering program, EDI updates, and more.
We have many points of pride, including Teach Chicago Tomorrow going strong and the Illinois Tutoring Initiative placing tutors in the schools. We also have brought in nearly $3.5 million external dollars this year to support our research and teaching and development has raised just over $7.7 million to date. Most importantly, we welcome many new colleagues this semester including new leadership team members:
- Becky Beucher, Director of the Barbara and Larry Efaw Center for Educator Excellence
- Yojanna Cuenca-Carlino, Chair of the Department of Special Education
- Anthony Jones, Director of the Laboratory Schools
As we head to the end of the academic year, I hope you have plans that allow you to rest, relax, and recharge. 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 for the end of this year and the coming summer.
Sincerely,
James Wolfinger, Ph.D.
Dean and Professor
