Spring 2025

Greetings from the Chair

Tom Shields headshot Happy Spring! The transition from winter to spring seemed to happen very quickly this year. As I write this, the sunshine is brilliant and the birds are chirping. As you will see in this e-newsletter, the faculty and staff in Graduate Education are dedicated to creating future teachers and school leaders that contribute to their schools but also make an impact in society.

Much like the sudden changes in our weather, the policy changes in education at the federal level have come very swiftly. The Dear Colleague Letters sent out from the U.S. Department of Education have reversed or eliminated decades of progress and have dismantled established norms and policies that we have come to expect in federal education policy and oversight. (Education Counsel provides a comprehensive Education Actions Chart that details these changes and the impact.) Unfortunately, these changes have brought much anxiety and have put K-12 school systems on edge as they determine what to do next. Our faculty and staff have continued to listen and work with our local education partners as we all navigate these challenging times.

Despite all the challenges, our work continues. In this edition of the Graduate Education e-newsletter you will read and see pictures detailing the following stories:

  • Next Generation Leadership Academy (NGLA) had its largest class with participants from eight local jurisdictions. NGLA, one of the longest running regional leadership development programs for school leaders, will be celebrating 20 years next year!
  • Partners in the Arts (PIA), which will be celebrating 30 years, has an amazing line up of guest artists and speakers for the Joan Oates Institute, including 2019 MacArthur Fellow, Lynda Barry.
  • Teacher Licensure Completion program continues to have high retention rates in Title I schools after completion of the program.
  • A Data Walk on issues pertaining to children’s well-being in the metro-Richmond area was held with the assistance of local-nonprofit agencies.
  • Faculty continue to work on international partnerships and present and publish their research.

On behalf of all the faculty and staff of Graduate Education, we hope that radiant sunshine of spring will renew and awaken your spirit.

Best—
Tom
Tom Shields signature
Tom J. Shields, Ph.D.
Graduate Education Chair