Dr. Paula Hooper Featured on NPR

8/16/23 by Caitlin Dunlap Sikes

Dr. Paula Hooper, Assistant Professor of Instruction for MSED, was featured on WBEZ Chicago's NPR segment Reset. She was asked to weigh in on summer learning loss, also known as "summer slide." 

Posted in: Teacher Learning

You Belong Here: Building a Supportive Classroom Environment in a Post-Pandemic World

8/14/23 by Erin Swank

This unit is designed to cover the first five weeks of school for a 7th-grade English class.

Prepared by Alumna Erin Swank (M.S. Ed, Class of 2021).

Posted in: Lesson Plans

MSED Announces New English as a Second Language and Bilingual Education Endorsements

6/26/23 by Caitlin Dunlap Sikes

Northwestern University’s Master of Science in Education Program is thrilled to introduce two exciting new endorsements: English as a Second Language and Bilingual Education. Read to learn more!

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Empowering Parent Mentors: Alumna Xinyi Wu's Transformative Path from Master's Project to Project: VISION

6/15/23 by Xinyi Wu

Xinyi (Grace) Wu (M.S. Ed, Class of 2022) discusses how her master's project influenced her career trajectory.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Period Positivity Statement

5/24/23 by Erin Swank

Alumna Erin Swank (M.S. Ed, Class of 2021) created this Period Positivity Statement to display in her classroom. Please feel free to download this and hang it in your classroom!

Posted in celebration of Menstrual Hygiene Day.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Reflections of a Student Teacher

5/15/23 by Dhruvi Soni

MSED Student Dhruvi Soni reflects upon her student teaching experience at Elk Grove High School.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

A Gaggle of Geese: A Guide to Gallant Leaders

2/20/23 by Asima Bhatty

While leadership posters often boast a majestic picture of the bald eagle, the type of leadership that is more successful is not the watchful eye of a solitary eagle, rather the community of a gaggle of geese. Ironically, although many school mascots are an eagle, the type of school leadership that is truly effective has the spirit of a flock of flying geese.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

SEL is Critical for Success, So Why Are We So Critical About It?

2/7/23 by Asima Bhatty

The fact is that social emotional awareness and competence is not simply an inherent trait. It is knowledge that needs to be taught, acquired, and practiced to achieve success not only on an academic and professional basis, but also in our personal relationships. How can we expect students to learn to manage their emotions, be emotionally intelligent, and problem solve in an appropriate manner when we are not explicitly teaching these skills as a collective community?

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Practical Mindfulness: Awareness and Attention in Leadership

1/26/23 by James Davis Ed.M., MA

Life is hard. It is complicated, capricious, biased and fickle. At least that is how it can feel. It is also a beautiful and magnificent opportunity… often for those same reasons.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

School Safety Panel: Learn How Teachers Can Build a Culture of Safety

5/10/23 by Caitlin Dunlap Sikes

On May 4th, 2023, the Master of Science in Education Program held a panel discussion about violence prevention in schools. Three panelists from local school districts spoke about their approaches to safety and supporting students during and after crises. The panelists included Jadine Chou, Chief of Safety and Security for Chicago Public Schools, Mary Kalou, Assistant Superintendent for Maine Township School District, and Angelica Schab, Director of Family Services for East Maine School District. The conversation was moderated by Dr. Timothy Dohrer, Director of Teacher Leadership and former principal.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

You Get Paid What? A Middle School Math Equity Lesson

4/1/23 by Michelle Everly

 A middle school math lesson plan with a focus on equity.

Prepared by Alumna Michelle Everly (M.S. Ed, Class of 2022).

Posted in celebration of Math Awareness Month 2023.

Posted in: Lesson Plans

Designing a Middle School Classroom

3/15/23 by Claire Koster

Claire Koster (Alumna, B.S. Ed., Class of 2022) writes about how she designed her 7th Grade ELA classroom.

Posted in celebration of Middle Level Education Month, 2023.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Graduate Assistant Spotlight: Jiaming (James) Zhou

8/31/22 by Jiaming (James) Zhou

Meet Jiaming (James) Zhou, a new graduate assistant and educational studies candidate in the Master of Science in Education program.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Graduate Assistant Spotlight: Marissa Moss

8/24/22 by Marissa Moss

Meet Marissa Moss, a new graduate assistant and secondary education candidate in the MSEd program!

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Student Spotlight: Rana Becker

6/30/22 by Rana Becker

"I look forward to serving students in a classroom setting while instilling a love of learning. I also want to give students the knowledge and skills they need to be successful as they learn to navigate the world and shape our future." Meet Rana Becker, a secondary social studies candidate in the MSEd program. Rana previously worked as a coordinator and program administrator for a city-run space focused on teen arts, culture, and all-ages music. Read more about Rana's future goals as a social studies teacher.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

How Can We Empower Young Girls? An Interview with Asha Ntim

3/18/22 by Dhruvi Soni

In celebration of Women's History Month, we interviewed Asha Ntim, author of the Dark Brown Girl book series and founder of the Chrysalis Program. Read our interview to learn about Asha and her work empowering young girls to love themselves!

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Instructor Spotlight: Cheryl D. Watkins

3/4/22 by Cheryl D. Watkins

"Be open to varying perspectives, anchored in the thought that equity is the foundation, but that justice in education is the 'north star.'" Learn more about Cheryl D. Watkins, instructor in the Teacher Leadership program, and her advice to students. 

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Lesson Plan: Baldwin and Ellison

2/17/22 by Liz Shulman

"As an educator, it’s my responsibility to teach about systemic racism when I teach critical thinking in my classroom." MSEd Instructor and English Teacher Liz Shulman writes about the value of teaching Ellison and Baldwin together to facilitate important classroom discussions. 

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Master's Project Spotlight: Henry Lang

12/8/21 by Henry Lang

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."

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Student Spotlight: Katherine Miles

11/30/21 by Katherine Miles

"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.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Student Spotlight: Miles Meijer

11/16/21 by Miles Meijer

"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!

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Student Spotlight: Priyana Kumar

11/9/21 by Priyana Kumar

"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!

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Practical Empathy: False Consensus

10/13/22 by Jim Davis Ed.M., MA

True leaders create a vision, pick a direction, then align the motives and needs of their team toward a shared purpose. Alignment with another’s motives and needs takes empathy. In a previous article, we made the case that empathy is essential to effective leadership.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Leaders: Are you being disrespected?

8/19/22 by Jim Davis Ed.M., MA

Are you being disrespected? Maybe. But maybe not. Better to show patience and suss out the truth than assume malintent. Time to stay curious...

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Practical Empathy

6/15/22 by Jim Davis Ed.M., MA

Empathy is essential to strong leadership. It is similar to “perspective-taking” and has become nearly synonymous with “care”. A leader who lacks empathy, it is suggested, cannot lead well… at least not for long (McKee et al, 2017; Reiss, 2017).

Posted in: Teacher Learning

The Real Reason to Teach SEL Skills

5/5/22 by Timothy Dohrer

By teaching social and emotional skills, schools and families are building the skills necessary for success in school, work, and life. These are the building blocks upon which ALL other learning rests!

Posted in: Teacher Learning

If Columbus had SEL-ed in 1492 would we still be blue in 2022?

3/31/21 by Asima Bhatty

While we set sail some years ago towards a journey of understanding and implementing SEL (social emotional learning), we have more S-E-L (studying, educating and learning) of SEL to navigate and explore.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Objective Grace: A Practical Guide

3/24/21 by Jim Davis

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.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Leading Well Depends on the Wellness of the Leader

4/27/22 by James Davis, Ed.M., MA

Leadership depends on the wellness of the leader. Prioritizing wellness is not always easy, but it will always be worth it.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

What is Teacher Leadership?

4/15/22 by Timothy Dohrer

Quite often, I end up explaining teacher leadership through what it is NOT, rather than what it IS.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Staying Connected with Education News

1/12/22 by Timothy Dohrer

I am an avowed “education geek”. I love reading about any issue that impacts schools, teachers, students, and parents. I’ll even read drafts of legislation being proposed in the state capitol and I get all excited when a new 200 page report is issued by the Department of Education! Total. Education. Nerd.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

The Role of School Leaders in Sleep and Student Wellness

1/4/22 by Jim Davis Ed.M., MA

Have you ever felt “hangry” or experienced the legendary “runner’s high” after a good workout? A growing body of research aligns affect with physiological states.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

The Call for Compassionate Discipline

11/2/21 by Jim Davis Ed.M., MA

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

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Teachers Believe in SEL

10/1/21 by Timothy Dohrer

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?

Posted in: Teacher Learning

The Anti-Racist Professional Learning Community

8/11/21 by Virginia Nguyen and Stacy Yung

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.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Developing Teachers as Mentors in New Teacher Induction

4/29/21 by Timothy Dohrer

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.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Leading from the Front of the Classroom

3/31/21 by Timothy Dohrer

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.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Student Spotlight: Pilar Ricke Zegers

10/26/21 by Pilar Ricke Zegers

"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!

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Graduate Assistant Spotlight: Claire Sampson

10/19/21 by Claire Sampson

Meet Claire Sampson, a new Graduate Assistant and Secondary Education candidate in the MSEd program!

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Graduate Assistant Spotlight: Dhruvi Soni

10/13/21 by Dhruvi Soni

Meet Dhruvi Soni, a new graduate assistant and secondary economics candidate in the MSEd Program!

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Master's Project Spotlight: Karolyn Walch Cutler

10/6/21 by Karolyn Walch Cutler

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."

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Master's Project Spotlight: Nikki Whittern

9/22/21 by Nikki Whittern

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."

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Master's Project Spotlight: Kelsey Morton

8/4/21 by Kelsey Morton

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."

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Master's Project Spotlight: Sarah Purow-Ruderman

7/27/21 by Sarah Purow-Ruderman

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. 

Posted in: Teacher Learning

The Intersection of SEL and DEI in Our Schools

6/11/21 by Timothy Dohrer

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.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Why Summer Institutes? An Interview With Timothy Dohrer

5/7/21 by the MSEd Graduate Assistants

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.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Student Spotlight: Rosalie Shyu

3/3/21 by Rosalie Shyu

Learn about Rosalie, an MSEd student and future math teacher!

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Student Spotlight: Ali Lidbury

2/19/21 by Ali Lidbury

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!

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Student Spotlight: Michelle Ryoo

2/9/21 by Michelle Ryoo

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.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Student Spotlight: Michelle Foster Everly

1/22/21 by Michelle Foster Everly

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.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Zoom Along: Remote Teaching in the Iron Age

12/1/20 by Liz Shulman

MSEd Instructor Liz Shulman writes about teaching Ovid's "Four Ages" through a screen, reflecting on technology, physical space, self-consciousness, and connecting with students in our own Iron Age. 

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Student Spotlight: Stanton Cope

11/30/20 by Stanton Cope

Stanton is a current member of the MSEd community and a future English teacher.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Student Spotlight: Margaret (Maggie) Bader

11/16/20 by Maggie Bader

Maggie is a current member of the MSEd program and a future math teacher.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Graduate Assistant Spotlight: John Wylie

10/7/20 by John Wylie

Meet John Wylie, a new Graduate Assistant and Secondary Mathematics candidate in the MSEd program! 

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Graduate Assistant Spotlight: Rebecca Andrews

10/7/20 by Rebecca Andrews

Meet Rebecca Andrews, a new Graduate Assistant and Secondary History candidate in the MSEd program!

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Surviving and Thriving in a Remote World

10/2/20 by Timothy Dohrer

As we come to terms with our new "normal", read Dr. Tim Dohrer's thoughts on how we can all move beyond survival mode and find ways to experience the joy of learning and connecting.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

E-Learning for Children: A Plan for Families and Caregivers Part II

8/13/20 by Dr. Bahareh Sahebi and Dr. Mudita Rastogi

Part II of Dr. Bahareh Sahebi and Dr. Mudita Rastogi's distance learning series addresses typical caregivers’ concerns with managing remote learning while balancing other demands of daily life.  

Posted in: Teacher Learning

E-Learning for Children: A Plan for Families and Caregivers Part I

8/10/20 by Dr. Bahareh Sahebi and Dr. Mudita Rastogi

Adjunct Teaching Instructor in SESP Teacher Education Program at Northwestern University Dr. Bahareh Sahebi shares supportive strategies for a smoother transition to distance learning, and to help adults meet the needs of the children in their care.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Building a Culture of Trust and Shared Leadership

3/25/20 by Claire Bansberg

Read current Teacher Leader candidate Claire Bansberg's essay on the relationship between new teachers and their mentors! 

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Suggestions for Remote Learning

3/23/20 by Timothy Dohrer

MSEd Program Director Dr. Tim Dohrer shares some useful suggestions for remote learning!

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Mindfulness in the Classroom

2/14/20 by Sarah Crawford

See how Sarah Crawford, a current Teacher Leader candidate, has implemented mindfulness into her classroom!

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Student Spotlight: Putarut Suntharanund

1/8/20 by Putarut Suntharanund

Sunny is a current member of the MSEd program and a future science teacher.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Student Spotlight: Tianzhou Ye

12/13/19 by Tianzhou Ye

Tianzhou is a member of the MSEd Teacher Leader program and is a current Mandarin teacher (and previous Latin teacher) in Chicago.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Graduate Assistant Spotlight: Emily Salzman

12/5/19 by Emily Salzman

Meet Emily Salzman, a new Graduate Assistant and Secondary Mathematics candidate in the MSEd program.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Mindfulness in the High School Trenches: Lessons Learned from a Beginner

12/3/19 by Jeanine Brew

Read about Jeanine Brew's thoughts on mindfulness and her research on incorporating mindfulness activities into her own classroom!

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Graduate Assistant Blog - Tanya Trivedi

12/2/19 by Tanya Trivedi

What makes the MSEd community fascinating, are the different ways in which we all find our way here. Read about Graduate Assistant Tanya Trivedi's journey here! Tanya is a current member of the MSEd community and a future English and Economics teacher.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Graduate Assistant Spotlight: Andrew Hitzhusen

11/15/19 by Andrew Hitzhusen

In the first bio from the MSEd Graduate Assistants, Andrew Hitzhusen introduces himself as a Secondary History candidate in the MSEd program.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Spotlight: Annie Osenbaugh

2/14/19 by Timothy Dohrer

Annie Osenbaugh is a current member of the MSEd program and a future English teacher.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Spotlight: Ditra Backup

12/12/18 by Timothy Dohrer

Ditra is a current member of the MSEd program and a future history teacher.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Being Prepared to Develop a Unique Classroom Culture

11/29/18 by Timothy Dohrer

Dr. Timothy Dohrer shares resources to help teachers establish a positive classroom culture.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Spotlight: Bradley Smith

11/7/18 by Timothy Dohrer

Bradley Smith was part of the Accelerated Master of Science in Education program as an undergraduate and is now an MSEd student. Bradley is a future secondary math teacher.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Instructional Coaching - Comparing Methods to Find What’s Missing

8/21/18 by Sara Ivory

As instructional coaching grows in schools around the world, so do the varied approaches to coaching. While leading writers in the field agree on a few key elements, there are even more differences between the methods they propose.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Teacher Preparation and Leadership: A Discussion with Tim Dohrer

5/18/18 by Timothy Dohrer

MSEd Director Tim Dohrer joins the cast of the Chicago Coaching Podcast to discuss pre-service teachers and his impressive career in educational leadership.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Becoming a Teacher: An Overview of Recent Research and Best Practice on Teacher Induction, Professional Learning, and Coaching

12/5/17 by Timothy Dohrer

MSEd Director Tim Dohrer discusses the benefits of teacher mentorship.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

My First Great Mentor Teacher

4/17/17 by Timothy Dohrer

Dr. Tim Dohrer, our MSEd Program Director, reflects on his first great mentor and on the qualities that make a teaching mentor.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Student Spotlight: Amanda White

1/10/17 by Amanda White

Amanda White is a current Northwestern MSEd student and a future Spanish language teacher. 

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Three Podcasts About Teaching I’m Thankful For

12/5/16 by Timothy Dohrer

Tim Dohrer recommends several helpful and inspiring education-related podcasts.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

MSEd Alumnus Michael Kosko Named Finalist for the Escalante-Gradillas Prize for Best in Education

10/25/16 by MSEd students

MSEd alumnus Michael Kosko, a finalist for the $20,000 Escalante-Gradillas Prize for Best in Education, talks to MSEd students about his teaching practices and goals. 

Posted in: Praxis: A Student Journal

"Having Hard Conversations" by Jennifer Abrams

9/8/16 by Ryan Christopoulos

Ryan Christopoulos, a Northwestern Teacher Leadership student, reviews international consultant Jennifer Abrams's latest book, a step-by-step guide to mastering difficult conversations with colleagues and others, and explores the book's applications for educators.

Posted in: Book Report

"The Six Secrets of Change" Offers Straightforward Leadership Approach

8/23/16 by Ryan Christopoulos

In this book review, Ryan Christopoulos discusses Micheal Fullan's "The Six Secrets of Change" and reflects on the secrets of good leadership. 

Posted in: Book Report

"Good to Great" Explores Why and How Some Companies Make the Leap

8/19/16 by Ryan Christopoulos

Teacher Leadership student Ryan Christopoulos reviews Jim Collins' book "Good to Great" and applies business practices to teaching.

Posted in: Book Report

Lemonade Out of Lemons: Making the edTPA Work at Northwestern

6/3/16 by Timothy Dohrer

MSEd director Tim Dohrer discusses the pros and cons of the edTPA. 

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Alumni Spotlight: Elizabeth Smith

6/1/16 by Elizabeth Smith

Elizabeth Smith is a 2014 MSEd graduate in secondary mathematics.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

The Trials and Tribulations of Building a New School

5/23/16 by Timothy Dohrer

MSEd director Timothy Dohrer reviews Be the Change: Reinventing school for student success (2015) by Linda Darling-Hammond, Nicole Ramos-Beban, Rebecca Padnos Altamirano and Maria E. Hyler. Published by Teachers College Press.

Posted in: Book Report

Coaching Conference

5/4/16 by Alison Gordon

Register now for the NU Educational Coaching Network's second annual conference on Thursday, April 21, 2016. 

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Alumni Spotlight: Sara Fliehman Levinstein

4/29/16 by Sara Fliehman Levinstein

Sara Fliehman Levinstein is a 2009 MSEd graduate in Secondary English.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Building the Capacity for Peer Coaching within a High School Mathematics Department

4/1/16 by Scott Galson

Scott Galson, Northwestern Teacher Leadership student, discusses his experience with peer coaching as a high school mathematics teacher.

Posted in: Praxis: A Student Journal

Ever-Changing Leadership

3/11/16 by Theodore Golota

Theodore Golota, North Lawndale College Prep math teacher and student of Northwestern's Teacher Leadership program, discusses his working definition of leadership. 

Posted in: Praxis: A Student Journal

Student Spotlight: Alicia Khedari

1/28/16 by Alicia Khedari

Alicia Khedari is in her first year of the Master of Science in Education Program at Northwestern, coming to us from her hometown of Caracas, Venezuela.

Posted in: Praxis: A Student Journal

Charter School Debate: November 2015

1/26/16 by Timothy Dohrer

Tim Dohrer gives a brief overview of the charter school debate that took place this past November, and provides a link to a video of the debate for those who missed it.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Student Spotlight: Dan Voss

1/26/16 by MSEd Office Staff

A Q&A between Master of Science in Education Program office staff member and current student Dan Voss. 

Posted in: Praxis: A Student Journal

How to Build a Teacher

12/17/15 by Timothy Dohrer

MSEd director Tim Dohrer discusses teacher preparation and what he believes are the essential building blocks that create a great teacher. 

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Always Leave Them Wanting More

10/22/15 by Brad Wadle

Following his last post on lifelong learning, Brad Wadle discusses how to feed students' curiosity without stifling it.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Foundational Texts on Classroom Management

10/16/15 by Timothy Dohrer

Tim Dohrer reviews three books in his discussion on classroom management: Principles of Classroom Management, Beyond Discipline: From Compliance to Community, and Better Than Carrots or Sticks: Restorative Practices for Positive Classroom Management. 

Posted in: Book Report

What Does Lifelong Learning Mean in a K-12 Environment?

10/15/15 by Bradley Wadle

Bradley Wadle is the assistant director of the MSED Program. In this article, he ponders whether the dispositions necessary for lifelong learning need to be created in our students, or if those dispositions already exist and merely need to be preserved. 

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Leadership through Service: A Case Study of Teacher Leadership Constructed through a Socially Conscious Curriculum

7/8/15 by Patrick Duffey

Patrick Duffey is concluding his course work as an MSEd student in the Teacher Leadership Program. He is an eighth-grade nonfiction literacy teacher at Perspectives Middle Academy, a charter school in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood of Chicago. This article focuses on Patrick's practicum work where he collaboratively developed an interdisciplinary unit across the entire school focused on a single social justice issue with the intent of empowering autonomous student leadership.  

Posted in: Praxis: A Student Journal

Lead Differently

6/24/15 by Ryan Christopoulos

Ryan Christopoulos is currently an MSEd student in the Teacher Leadership Program. He is an 8th grade science teacher at Robert Frost Junior  High, part of Schaumburg School District 54. This article focuses on Ryan’s practicum work where he developed a collaborative teacher team around the school’s gifted population.

Posted in: Praxis: A Student Journal

Articles of Confederation Lesson

6/1/15 by Allie Niese

MSEd student Allie Niese designed this lesson on the Articles of Confederation for 12th-grade students in a US government or civics classroom. It is meant to be completed in one 50-minute class period.

Posted in: Lesson Plans

Lunar and Solar Eclipse Introductory Lesson

5/11/15 by Jonathan Ropiequet

MSEd student Jonathan Ropiequet created this lesson plan for third-grade students. The learning goals for this lesson are for students to learn to formulate questions based on a science topic, collect data based on observations of images and models, and report and display group findings to the class. 

Posted in: Lesson Plans

#BRINGCIVICSBACK

4/24/15 by Allie Niese

Current MSEd student Allie Niese recently attended the Illinois Civic Mission Coalition's Annual Convening. Here are some of her thoughts.

Posted in: Praxis: A Student Journal

Personal Artifact Lesson: Santo Domingo Jewelry

4/9/15 by Jonathan Ropiequet

Jonathan Ropiequet, current MSEd student, designed this lesson plan for third grade students as an opportunity to bring a piece of his own personal history into the classroom. Through this lesson, students are also exposed to technology, geography, history, reading, writing, and art together in a dynamic and entertaining way. 

Posted in: Lesson Plans

The Act of Teaching

2/6/15 by Timothy Dohrer

MSEd Director Timothy Dohrer pulls back the curtain for a glimpse into the act of teaching in his latest blog post. 

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Review: Instructional Coaching: A Partnership Approach to Improving Instruction

7/3/14 by Timothy Dohrer

Tim Dohrer reviews Jim Knight's book, Instructional Coaching: A Partnership Approach to Improving Instruction. 

Posted in: Book Report

The Experiment Was a Success

2/4/14 by Timothy Dohrer

A book review of Becoming Self-Directed Learners: Student & Faculty Memoirs of an Experimenting High School 40 Years Later by Bellanca, Paul, and Paul (editors). 

Posted in: Book Report

Book Review of Schooling America by Patricia Graham

12/5/13 by Timothy Dohrer

Tim Dohrer reviews Patricia Graham's Schooling America: How the Public Schools Meet the Nation’s Changing Needs. New York, NY: Oxford.

Posted in: Book Report

Book Review of Philosophy of Education (3rd Edition) by Nel Noddings

11/4/13 by Timothy Dohrer

Tim Dohrer reviews Nel Noddings' book, Philosophy of Education (3rd Edition). 

Posted in: Book Report

The Push and Pull of Cultural Differences: Presentation by Dr. Hazel Rose Markus

1/29/15 by Timothy Dohrer

Cultural differences are part of our daily lives, and researchers at Stanford University are trying to better understand how those differences interact and make us who we are. Leading those efforts is Dr. Hazel Markus, who spoke to 100 audience members on Friday, January 24, at Northwestern University’s McCormick Foundation Forum.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Leading from the Front of the Classroom

1/8/15 by Timothy Dohrer

Timothy Dohrer, director of the Master of Science in Education Program, recently attended the first Teach to Lead summit on teacher leadership. In his post, he explores the expanding definition of teacher leadership and its integral role in transforming schools. 

Posted in: Teacher Learning

The State of Teacher Education

11/14/14 by Timothy Dohrer

Recently, teacher preparation programs across the country have reported drops in their enrollment. As director of the Master of Science in Education Program, Timothy Dohrer tries to grapple with this emerging issue in his most recent essay.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Get to Know the edTPA: An Interview with Rebekah Stathakis

11/11/14 by Rebekah Stathakis and Charles Stone

At Northwestern University’s Master of Science in Education Program (MSEd), we are always striving to improve how we prepare teachers for success. Teacher candidate assessment is a fundamental part of that process. Earlier this fall, we talked with Rebekah Stathakis (BS02), Northwestern alumna and MSEd staff member, about a new assessment, the edTPA portfolio. 

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Why Do You Want to Be a Teacher?

11/6/14 by MSEd Program

This week, we asked our MSEd students one question: Why do you want to be a teacher? Here are some of their answers.

Posted in: Praxis: A Student Journal

Mindset and the Power of Perceived Utility

10/16/14 by Erik Parsons

On May 9, 2014, the Family Action Network hosted Carol Dweck, Lewis and Virginia Professor Psychology at Stanford University and one of the world's leading experts in the field of motivation, to speak on her research on risk-taking, challenge, and the growth mindset. Erik Parsons, an MSEd student in the gifted education program, wrote this review of the event. Stay tuned for upcoming events hosted by the Family Action Network and MSEd.

Posted in: Praxis: A Student Journal

Philosophy of Education: The Reason I Am a Teacher

9/23/14 by Timothy Dohrer

Earlier this year, ASCD put out this request: "In 200 words or less, tell us about a teacher who made a big difference in your life." Here is the response from the director of the Master of Science in Education Program, Timothy Dohrer.

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Never Rest: Closing Remarks for Graduation 2014

9/19/14 by Mike Stevenson

MSEd alumnus Mike Stevenson gave the closing remarks at this year's graduation ceremony on August 2, 2014. Here is his message to his fellow graduates.

Posted in: Praxis: A Student Journal

A Day in a School in Tanzania…

7/25/14 by Shao-Yun Guo

Shao-Yun Guo, a current MSED student, describes his experience at a primary school in Tanzania this past summer.

Posted in: Praxis: A Student Journal

The Power of Education

8/27/14 by Timothy Dohrer

This is a draft of the address Timothy Dohrer delivered at the Northwestern University School of Continuing Studies Convocation on June 21, 2013. As a graduate of the program himself (MA, English, 1995), it was an opportunity to congratulate the students for accomplishing this monumental undertaking and get them thinking about using their new skills and knowledge to give back to their community. There is power in education. The question is: how do we use it?

Posted in: Teacher Learning

Atomic Structure: Before, During, After Activities

8/26/14 by Eric Garay

Master of Science in Education student Eric Garay offers a lesson plan for a "people search" as a before-reading activity for a chemistry textbook chapter on atomic structure. He maintains that this activity encourages students to activate and make connections to any prior knowledge they may have on the topic. It also provides social and physical engagement.

Posted in: Lesson Plans

Book Review: The Flat World and Education by Linda Darling-Hammond

8/20/14 by Timothy Dohrer

Tim Dohrer, director of the Master of Science in Education Program at Northwestern University, reviews a book by Linda Darling-Hammond that concerns issues of equity and education.

Posted in: Book Report