Teacher Learning

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.

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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

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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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."

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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.

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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!

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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

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!

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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!

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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!

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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."

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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."

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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. 

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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.

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Student Spotlight: Rosalie Shyu

3/3/21 by Rosalie Shyu

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

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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.

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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. 

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Student Spotlight: Stanton Cope

11/30/20 by Stanton Cope

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

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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! 

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Suggestions for Remote Learning

3/23/20 by Timothy Dohrer

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

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Student Spotlight: Amanda White

1/10/17 by Amanda White

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

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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

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

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

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

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. 

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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.

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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

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

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. 

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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.

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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. 

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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

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

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