Homepage News /education/ en The Butterfly Effect /education/2025/05/29/butterfly-effect <span>The Butterfly Effect</span> <span><span>Hannah Fletcher</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-05-29T13:12:40-06:00" title="Thursday, May 29, 2025 - 13:12">Thu, 05/29/2025 - 13:12</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/education/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/2025-05/Peggy-in-Mexico.jpeg?h=62f136ca&amp;itok=u25VVkwZ" width="1200" height="800" alt="Peggy Campbell-Rush in Mexico"> </div> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-categories" itemprop="about"> <span class="visually-hidden">Categories:</span> <div class="ucb-article-category-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-folder-open"></i> </div> <a href="/education/taxonomy/term/518"> Alumni &amp; Donor News </a> </div> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="ucb-article-text" itemprop="articleBody"> <div><p class="lead"><em><span><strong>How one education alumna is spreading her wings and sharing her passion for nature one butterfly at a time</strong></span></em></p> <div class="align-center image_style-wide_image_style"> <div class="imageMediaStyle wide_image_style"> <img loading="lazy" src="/education/sites/default/files/styles/wide_image_style/public/2025-05/IMG_2529.jpg?h=46ca9829&amp;itok=P8rLdywq" width="1500" height="563" alt="Butterfly sanctuary"> </div> </div> <p class="lead"><span>In the rugged mountains of central Mexico, Peggy Campbell-Rush boarded an open pickup truck, rode on horseback, and hiked with a small group led by an internationally known conservationist to reach the awe-inspiring butterfly sanctuary. There, the air shimmered with millions of monarchs, delicate yet determined, filling the trees and sky. Some brushed against her. Others clung to branches like leaves. She had waited a lifetime for this moment.</span></p><p><span>“You're just walking through the forest, and then you come across it—it’s incredible,” she said. “They are everywhere.”</span></p><p><span>Each year, millions of monarchs make the epic 1,000-5,000-mile journey from as far North as Canada to overwinter in one of only five sanctuaries in North America. Many take off again in spring to return home.</span></p><h2><span><strong>Trip of lifetime</strong></span></h2> <div class="align-right image_style-medium_750px_50_display_size_"> <div class="imageMediaStyle medium_750px_50_display_size_"> <img loading="lazy" src="/education/sites/default/files/styles/medium_750px_50_display_size_/public/2025-05/Peggy-in-Mexico.jpeg?itok=J5anYTBS" width="750" height="563" alt="Peggy Campbell-Rush in Mexico"> </div> </div> <p><span>In February, Campbell-Rush received a coveted “Wish of a Lifetime” grant, designed to “spark hope and joy in the hearts of older adults,” to witness the monarch migration.</span></p><p><span>To her, monarchs are more than insects— they symbolize transformation, tenacity and the magic of nature.</span></p><div class="ucb-box ucb-box-title-hidden ucb-box-alignment-right ucb-box-style-fill ucb-box-theme-white"><div class="ucb-box-inner"><div class="ucb-box-title">&nbsp;</div><div class="ucb-box-content"><p class="lead"><i class="fa-solid fa-quote-left fa-3x fa-pull-left ucb-icon-color-gold">&nbsp;</i><span>It’s amazing to me that these butterflies, weighing less than an ounce, fly 3,000 miles and arrive in Mexico unscathed. It’s just a miracle</span>.<span>" — <strong>Peggy Rush-Campbell</strong></span></p></div></div></div><p><span>With 50 years of experiences in education, the CU Boulder alumna (MEdu'81) has spent decades raising butterflies and teaching about their conservation. Researchers estimate the population of monarchs in Mexico has decreased by around 80% since the 1990s, according to the the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.</span></p><p><span>Campbell-Rush’s love for the orange-and-black creatures and their conservation began early. Her education began at home in New Jersey, where her mother, a physical education teacher and coach, filled their yard with bird feeders and butterfly gardens. Campbell-Rush spent summers chasing monarchs with a net, careful not to harm them. It sparked a lifelong curiosity about their life cycles and migration.</span></p><p><span>“It’s amazing to me that these butterflies, weighing less than an ounce, fly 3,000 miles and arrive in Mexico unscathed,” she said. “It’s just a miracle.”</span></p><h2><span>Spreading her wings</span></h2><p><span>Like the monarchs, Campbell-Rush’s&nbsp;life and career have covered a lot of ground. She began teaching kindergarten in New Jersey in the 1970s before moving to Boulder, where she worked in restaurants while pursuing her master’s in education.</span></p><p><span>Her restaurant colleagues introduced her to Semester at Sea, and instead of returning to the classroom, she circled the globe by ship in 1983, returning years later as a senior administrator for the program.</span></p><p><span>“Once you travel, you just can’t stop,” she said. “If you get the opportunity, you have to do it.”</span></p><p><span>Beyond her voyages, she taught in London, launched school gardens, raised butterflies with students, and taught lessons with nature as co-teacher.</span></p><div class="ucb-box ucb-box-title-center ucb-box-alignment-right ucb-box-style-fill ucb-box-theme-lightgray"><div class="ucb-box-inner"><div class="ucb-box-title"><span>&nbsp;</span><i class="fa-solid fa-leaf">&nbsp;</i><span>&nbsp;Three ways to support the monarch butterfly</span></div><div class="ucb-box-content"><ol><li><span><strong>Plant milkweed</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>native nectar plants</strong>, for caterpillars and mature butterflies, respectively.</span><br>&nbsp;</li><li><span><strong>Garden wisely and avoid pesticides&nbsp;</strong>which harm intended and unintended insects.</span><br>&nbsp;</li><li><p><span><strong>Follow Peggy’s lead, spread the word</strong> about the importance of monarch butterflies and their conservation.</span></p><p class="small-text"><span>Source: </span><a href="https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2024-12/monarch-fly-into-action-factsheet.pdf " rel="nofollow"><span>https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2024-12/monarch-fly-into-action-factsheet.pdf&nbsp;</span></a><span>&nbsp;</span></p></li></ol></div></div></div><p><span>As a teacher, administrator, professional development leader, and author of seven books, Campbell-Rush continues to mentor new educators with warmth and wisdom.</span></p><p><span>“The first thing I tell new teachers is: ‘Thank you for being a teacher,’” she said. “I also recommend they get three mentors: one mentor that will help with all big questions and another mentor that maybe is in the school already who can give you the behind-the-scenes information.</span></p><p><span>“The third mentor is you, because you could go to all the professional development, but you have to consider if it’s something that fits you and your classroom.”</span></p><p><span>Recently, she was selected as a Fulbright Education Specialist, helping develop civil rights curriculum tied to South Africa’s post-apartheid era and the U.S. Amistad Act.</span></p><p><span>As well-traveled and accomplished as she is, Campbell-Rush’s sojourn to the butterfly sanctuary in Mexico was, indeed, a trip of a lifetime. One condition of her grant is to pay it forward.</span></p><h2><span>Emerging from the chrysalis</span></h2><p><span>Now, Campbell-Rush lives surrounded by milkweed and memories. This spring, she cared for 74 caterpillars. She also hosts events and inspires neighborhood kids to give milkweed as birthday gifts. She stays connect with former students, mentors new teachers, and visits schools to teach about monarchs’ conservation and resilience.</span></p><p><span>Resilience means much to Campbell-Rush, a stage 3 breast cancer survivor who taught bald, wearing a custom cap that read “No Hair Day,” a spin on “Bad Hair Day.” The illness taught her to receive help as graciously as she gives it.</span></p><p><span>“As women, we’re often givers, and I found it hard to be a receiver,” she said. “But people get as much from giving as you do from receiving. That’s wonderful.”</span></p><p><span>Just as monarchs return each spring to the gardens where they were raised, Campbell-Rush continues to receive so much inspiration from them as she marvels at nature’s delicate balance. She hopes others will too.</span></p><p><span>“As a teacher, I did all kinds of things to bring nature to the kids,” she said. “They get that wide-eyed look, and you just wait for that. It's so satisfying. Hopefully, in their lives, they're conservationists, who respect wildlife and the world around us.”</span></p> <div class="imageMediaStyle large_image_style"> <img loading="lazy" src="/education/sites/default/files/styles/large_image_style/public/2025-05/RPDS%20Butterfly%202.png?itok=IDVJ2jNL" width="1500" height="990" alt="Peggy Rush-Campbell with kids"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Thu, 29 May 2025 19:12:40 +0000 Hannah Fletcher 6016 at /education Best Should Teach honors outstanding educators at CU Boulder and in local schools /education/2025/05/15/best-should-teach-honors-outstanding-educators-cu-boulder-and-local-schools <span>Best Should Teach honors outstanding educators at CU Boulder and in local schools</span> <span><span>Hannah Fletcher</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-05-15T15:25:55-06:00" title="Thursday, May 15, 2025 - 15:25">Thu, 05/15/2025 - 15:25</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/education/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/2025-05/BST-2025-24%20copy.jpeg?h=06448889&amp;itok=5S-Urk9H" width="1200" height="800" alt="Best Should Teach 2025 awardees"> </div> </div> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="ucb-article-text" itemprop="articleBody"> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle large_image_style"> <img loading="lazy" src="/education/sites/default/files/styles/large_image_style/public/2025-05/BST-2025-24%20copy.jpeg?itok=qFMhBu_I" width="1500" height="1009" alt="Best Should Teach 2025 awardees"> </div> <p>As a kick-off for teacher appreciation week, CU Boulder’s 2025 Best Should Teach Awards Ceremony celebrated exceptional educators—including K-12 teachers, graduate student instructors, and CU Boulder faculty—and their profound impact on learners on May 1.</p><p>The event featured keynote speaker, Alphonse Keasley, former Associate Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Community Engagement at CU Boulder, who discussed ways to support students and educators in challenging times, and he honored the foresight of educators like Lindley Stiles, who established the Best Should Teach Initiative in 1996 to celebrate excellence in teaching.</p><p>Stiles’ inspiring motto is inscribed on the Lucile Berkeley Buchanan Building: “To those who come, I leave the flame! Hold it as high as you can reach. If a better world is your aim, all must agree: The Best Should Teach.” - Lindley Stiles</p><p>The Best Should Teach Awards Ceremony honors K-20 educators who make a meaningful and lasting impact on students’ lives. Co-hosted by the Center for Teaching and Learning, the School of Education, and the College of Arts and Sciences, the program recognized outstanding CU Boulder faculty, K–12 teachers from some of the School of Education’s partner school districts, and graduate student instructors who exemplify excellence in teaching and inspire through their passion, dedication, and leadership.</p><p>CU Boulder students from all colleges and schools were invited to submit nominations, and the 2024-2025 CU Boulder Faculty Gold Award Recipients include:</p><ul><li>Kelvin Bates, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering</li><li>Jolene Fisher, Associate Professor, Advertising, Public Relations, and Design</li><li>Peter Hunt, Professor, Classics</li><li>Warren Sconiers, Associate Teaching Professor, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology</li><li>Benjamin Shear, Assistant Professor of Research and Evaluation Methodology in the School of Education</li><li>Harry Mohr Starn, Jr., Teaching Professor &amp; Director of the Personal Financial Planner Program in Leeds</li><li>Joshua Strayhorn, Associate Professor, Political Science</li></ul><p>The 2024-2025 K-12 Gold Award Recipients from partner school districts include:</p><ul><li>Maurie Marcil, Whittier International Elementary School</li><li>Ashley Beaudoin, Longmont High School</li></ul><p>Additionally, more than 45 outstanding graduate students who serve the Center for Teaching and Learning as Lead Graduate Teachers were honored with Silver Awards. &nbsp;</p><p><span>To learn more about the Best Should Teach initiative, visit </span><a href="/center/teaching-learning/teaching-resources/grants-awards/best-should-teach" rel="nofollow"><span>/center/teaching-learning/teaching-resources/grants-awards/best-should-teach</span></a>.</p><p><a class="ucb-link-button ucb-link-button-gold ucb-link-button-default ucb-link-button-regular" href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/LsYSMg4qbxxudxeo8" rel="nofollow"><span class="ucb-link-button-contents">View Photo Album</span></a></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div>As a kick-off for teacher appreciation week, CU Boulder’s 2025 Best Should Teach Awards Ceremony celebrated exceptional educators—including K-12 teachers, graduate student instructors, and CU Boulder faculty—and their profound impact on learners on May 1.</div> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Thu, 15 May 2025 21:25:55 +0000 Hannah Fletcher 6008 at /education New School of Education advisory council to work collectively in service to the state /education/2025/05/13/new-school-education-advisory-council-work-collectively-service-state <span>New School of Education advisory council to work collectively in service to the state</span> <span><span>Hannah Fletcher</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-05-13T14:03:00-06:00" title="Tuesday, May 13, 2025 - 14:03">Tue, 05/13/2025 - 14:03</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/education/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/2025-05/f57dac11-a897-4951-b15d-2ecbc9cc547a.jpg?h=c9f93661&amp;itok=rPkdJ6lt" width="1200" height="800" alt="SOE advisory council"> </div> </div> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="ucb-article-text" itemprop="articleBody"> <div><p class="lead"><strong>Focused on collaboration, innovation and action, the CU Boulder School of Education launches new External Advisory Council</strong> &nbsp;</p> <div class="align-right image_style-medium_750px_50_display_size_"> <div class="imageMediaStyle medium_750px_50_display_size_"> <img loading="lazy" src="/education/sites/default/files/styles/medium_750px_50_display_size_/public/2025-05/external-advisory-council-mtg_0.JPG?itok=6zDPG50E" width="750" height="865" alt="advisory council meeting"> </div> </div> <p>In April, the CU Boulder School of Education launched a new advisory body to work with school leadership to further its collective mission to support the next generation of educators and community leaders, continue to produce impactful research and deepen community partnerships that serve the state.</p><p>The goals of the <a href="/education/about/external-advisory-council" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="696fc5de-36e5-4621-a776-94fa7767db11" data-entity-substitution="canonical" rel="nofollow" title="External Advisory Council">External Advisory Council</a> include: advising the dean and leadership team on school priorities; strengthening partnerships to deepen community impact in the state and beyond; supporting resource development through advocacy and fundraising; enhancing education, outreach, and research programs; and promoting the school's partnership efforts through public relations and community impact stories.</p><div class="ucb-box ucb-box-title-hidden ucb-box-alignment-right ucb-box-style-fill ucb-box-theme-white"><div class="ucb-box-inner"><div class="ucb-box-title">&nbsp;</div><div class="ucb-box-content"><p><i class="fa-solid fa-quote-left fa-3x fa-pull-left ucb-icon-color-gold">&nbsp;</i><span>As I look forward to my role as dean and the challenges we face in Colorado and in education at large, the Advisory Council gave me hope for the future... (Partnerships with members) will not only help me acclimate back into Colorado’s education sphere, but I believe together we can be truly responsive to the most pressing needs for education in the state and beyond" — <strong>Amanda Thein, incoming dean</strong></span></p></div></div></div><p>Amanda Thein led the first External Advisory Council meeting on April 22. She shared her initial vision as <a href="/education/2025/01/17/amanda-haertling-thein-named-incoming-dean-school-education" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="261044e4-a53c-4339-80fc-2b6a2574150c" data-entity-substitution="canonical" rel="nofollow" title="Amanda Haertling Thein named incoming dean of the School of Education">incoming dean</a> and solicited the interests of each member.</p><p>“As I look forward to my role as dean and the challenges we face in Colorado and in education at large, the Advisory Council gave me hope for the future,” Thein said.&nbsp;</p><p>“The impressive members bring a wide range of expertise and innovative ideas for supporting educators. Their partnership will not only help me acclimate back into Colorado’s education sphere, but I believe together we can be truly responsive to the most pressing needs for education in the state and beyond.”</p><p>Nominated by peers and faculty, council members are alumni, donors, and leaders in school districts, state and federal agencies, non-profits, and other sectors with potential to expand the school’s partnerships and research impact. Once complete, the Advisory Council will consist of up to 25 regular members with additional faculty and staff serving as ex-officio members. &nbsp;</p><p class="lead">To date, the council includes:</p><ul><li><strong>Bill Barclay</strong>, retired bioscience entrepreneur, CU Boulder and School of Education donor, including the Miramontes Baca Doctorial Scholars Program, CU Lead Alliance Scholarships, and the Miramontes Arts &amp; Science Program</li><li><strong>Allison Billings</strong>, CEO of Impact on Education Foundation for Boulder Valley School District</li><li><strong>Kelle Bongard</strong>, Superintendent, Strasburg School District&nbsp;<br>Christian Castaneda, Program Coordinator for the Social Venture Partners of Boulder County &nbsp;</li><li><strong>Marty Coffin Evans</strong>, former assistant superintendent and educator, former CU Boulder School of Education Development Advisory Board member and chair, and Women Investing in the School of Education (WISE) member</li><li><strong>Yvonne DiStefano</strong>, longtime supporter of the School of Education, former Development Advisory Board member, and Women Investing in the School of Education (WISE) charter member and visionary</li><li><strong>Michelle Dubé Carpenter</strong>, School of Education alumna, Associate Director of Secondary Field Experiences, retired Boulder Valley Schools District educator, former Development Advisory Board member, Women Investing in the School of Education (WISE) member, and instructor in the School of Education</li><li><strong>Daniel C. Edelson</strong>, Executive Director of BSCS Science Learning &nbsp;</li><li><strong>Rhoda Freelon</strong>, Senior Program Officer for Strategic Engagement for the Spencer Foundation &nbsp;</li><li><strong>Bianca Gallegos</strong>, Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships, BVSD</li><li><strong>Kathy Gebhardt</strong>, Colorado State Board of Education member for the 2nd Congressional District</li><li><strong>Connie Hoon-Barclay</strong>, retired patent agent and innovation research, CU Boulder School of Education donor, including the Miramontes Baca Scholars Program and Women Investing in the School of Education (WISE) member</li><li><strong>Linda Molner Kelley</strong>, School of Education alumna and former Director of Teacher Education and Partnerships, former CU Boulder Director of Outreach &amp; Engagement, former Development Advisory Board member</li><li><strong>Alex Marrero</strong>, Superintendent of Denver Public Schools &nbsp;</li><li><strong>Tomás Mejia</strong>, State Director of the Migrant Education Program for the Colorado Department of Education &nbsp;</li><li><strong>Maya Morales Garcia</strong>, Chief Program Officer for Beyond 100K &nbsp;</li><li><strong>Steve Ollanik</strong>, School of Education alumnus, longtime supporter of the School of Education, former Development Advisory Board member, retired teacher from Boulder Valley School District</li><li><strong>Bre Pacheco</strong>, Social Emotional Learning Specialist, Leroy Elementary, Adams 12 School District</li><li><strong>Barbara R. Quinlan</strong>, School of Education alumna, retired educator and teacher in Boulder Valley Schools District for 30+ years, Women Investing in the School of Education (WISE) charter member</li><li><strong>Margarita Tovar Rosales</strong>, Chief Talent Officer for the Colorado Department of Education</li><li><strong>Matt Wiggins</strong>, Sr. Director of Economic Vitality &amp; Special Projects for the Boulder Chamber&nbsp;</li></ul><p class="lead">Ex officio members include:</p><ul><li><strong>Micah Abram</strong>, Assistant Dean for Advancement</li><li><strong>Melissa Braaten</strong>, Associate Professor of STEM Education and Associate Dean for Undergraduate and Teacher Education</li><li><strong>Elena Diaz-Bilello</strong>, Associate Director of the Center for Assessment, Design, Research and Evaluation (CADRE) and Faculty Affiliate</li><li><strong>Elizabeth Dutro</strong>, Associate Dean for Faculty &nbsp;</li><li><strong>Hannah Fletcher</strong>, Assistant Dean of Communications and Engagement &nbsp;</li><li><strong>Mileidis Gort</strong>, Professor of Equity, Bilingualism, and Biliteracy and Associate Dean for Graduate Education</li><li><strong>Tania Hogan</strong>, Executive Director of the BUENO Center for Multicultural Education</li><li><strong>Grace Maniscalco</strong>, Director of Special Projects &nbsp;</li><li><strong>Joe Polman</strong>, Professor of Learning Sciences and Associate Dean for Research</li><li><strong>Michelle Renée Valladares</strong>, Associate Director of the National Education Policy Center and Faculty Affiliate</li><li><strong>Amanda Thein</strong>, incoming Dean&nbsp;</li></ul><p>The initial meeting generated enthusiasm and synergy among the members. Many expressed interests in enriching collaborations with the university, enhancing innovative initiatives, and acting on some of the state’s biggest challenges, such as chronic underfunding of education, sweeping inequity, teacher shortages, and support for rural and diverse districts while preparing students for the current and future state of education. &nbsp;</p><p>In the fall, the External Advisory Council will meet again to review and approve bylaws, support the dean in her visioning process and form two sub committees—the Executive Committee and the Advancement Committee—with the aim of getting to work on the very challenges that brought so many people together for the initial meeting. &nbsp;</p><p>As one member noted, "developing partnerships makes everything better.”&nbsp;</p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div>Focused on collaboration, innovation and action, the CU Boulder School of Education launches new External Advisory Council in April that will act as an advisory body for school leadership to further its collective mission to support the next generation of educators and community leaders, continue to produce impactful research and deepen community partnerships that serve the state.</div> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Tue, 13 May 2025 20:03:00 +0000 Hannah Fletcher 6006 at /education Meet the 2025 School of Education Outstanding Graduates /education/2025/05/13/meet-2025-school-education-outstanding-graduates <span>Meet the 2025 School of Education Outstanding Graduates</span> <span><span>Hannah Fletcher</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-05-13T12:58:41-06:00" title="Tuesday, May 13, 2025 - 12:58">Tue, 05/13/2025 - 12:58</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/education/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/2025-05/all%20OGs%202025%20web.png?h=c9123a50&amp;itok=Mj9jJinR" width="1200" height="800" alt="2025 outstanding graduates"> </div> </div> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="ucb-article-text" itemprop="articleBody"> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div>From a teacher turned education policy researcher to an undergraduate preparing for her next chapter at Harvard, meet the CU Boulder School of Education's 2025 Outstanding Graduates who are destined to continue making a difference in the classroom and beyond.</div> <script> window.location.href = `/education/student-life/graduation#outstanding-grad`; </script> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Tue, 13 May 2025 18:58:41 +0000 Hannah Fletcher 6004 at /education The inspiration behind the Wóinila: In Silence We Learn Mural in the School of Education /education/2025/04/17/inspiration-behind-woinila-silence-we-learn-mural-school-education <span>The inspiration behind the Wóinila: In Silence We Learn Mural in the School of Education</span> <span><span>Hannah Fletcher</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-04-17T23:02:56-06:00" title="Thursday, April 17, 2025 - 23:02">Thu, 04/17/2025 - 23:02</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/education/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/2025-04/mural-group-photo-crop.jpg?h=69265991&amp;itok=9_pBgsqX" width="1200" height="800" alt="Mural CEB group"> </div> </div> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="ucb-article-text" itemprop="articleBody"> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle large_image_style"> <img loading="lazy" src="/education/sites/default/files/styles/large_image_style/public/2025-04/mural-group-photo-crop.jpg?itok=qA7TjpWO" width="1500" height="894" alt="Mural CEB group"> </div> <p>In March, the CU Boulder School of Education and the Cultural Events Board unveiled a new community mural titled “Wóinila: In Silence We Learn” in the Miramontes Baca Education Building.</p><p>At the unveiling event, student leaders shared what the mural project means to them, and acclaimed Indigenous artist Danielle SeeWalker discussed her inspiration and insights from listening sessions with students and comments from faculty and staff.</p><p>SeeWalker, a Denver-based fine artist, muralist, and activist, is Húŋkpapȟa Lakȟóta and a citizen of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in North Dakota. She shared that Wóinila is a Lakota word that translates to silence/not-speaking.</p><p>“It is the first value/virtue we are taught as Lakota people and depicts how we must learn through silent awareness of the world,” SeeWalker said. “We intentionally ground ourselves in silence so we can learn what is true in our world and what is most important. We keep silent and listen to our grandmothers teach us. We sit in silence as we listen to the land, the wind and the stars as they teach us.</p><p>“We sit in silence as we become aware of new ideas and concepts, and we learn to listen before we respond and speak. To learn Wóinila, opens your mind to other ways of learning and so that is why it is our very first value.”</p><p>The mural was sponsored by the Cultural Events Board (CEB), which is dedicated to helping students develop their understanding of culture, diversity, and social awareness. As a part of CEB’s mission each year, student leaders organize a Cultural Connections Project to reach a broader campus audience and continue to promote diversity across campus. The CEB partnership with the School of Education was a continuation of the previous projects between CEB, SeeWalker, and the two murals in the CU Boulder Engineering Center.</p><p>The 2025 project offered an opportunity to highlight the role Indigenous and intergenerational wisdom, love, and strength in education. &nbsp;</p><p>“From the beginning, we wanted this to be a mural that reflected not only Indigenous knowledge and strength but also the importance of education and community,” said Naisha Nalik, first-year student and CEB member. “I think having this mural in the School of Education is especially meaningful as it serves as a reminder that education is not just about books and classrooms but also about the stories, history, and knowledge of our communities. &nbsp;</p><p>“It's been so amazing to see Danielle bring all of the themes and motifs from our listening sessions to life.” &nbsp;</p><p><strong>Learn about the mural and its themes from the artist in this video:</strong></p> <div class="field_media_oembed_video"><iframe src="/education/media/oembed?url=https%3A//youtu.be/iLxgw_sUfYs&amp;max_width=516&amp;max_height=350&amp;hash=V4jQendivHxvNkRiY529uvRNGZTcqGzT5a9Fx8SudzU" width="516" height="290" class="media-oembed-content" loading="eager" title="CU Boulder Mural Called Wóinila by Danielle SeeWalker"></iframe> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div>This semester, the CU Boulder School of Education and the Cultural Events Board (CEB) unveiled a new community mural titled “Wóinila: In Silence We Learn” in the Miramontes Baca Education Building. Hear about the student leaders' experiences and acclaimed Indigenous artist Danielle SeeWalker's inspiration in this video.</div> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Fri, 18 Apr 2025 05:02:56 +0000 Hannah Fletcher 5989 at /education Media sources available to discuss politics & education: Federal cuts, LGBTQ+ students & more /education/2025/03/27/media-sources-available-discuss-politics-education-federal-cuts-lgbtq-students-more <span>Media sources available to discuss politics &amp; education: Federal cuts, LGBTQ+ students &amp; more</span> <span><span>Hannah Fletcher</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-03-27T14:05:48-06:00" title="Thursday, March 27, 2025 - 14:05">Thu, 03/27/2025 - 14:05</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/education/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/2025-03/McMahon_classroom.jpg?h=10d202d3&amp;itok=KipNUXhW" width="1200" height="800" alt="McMahon classroom"> </div> </div> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="ucb-article-text" itemprop="articleBody"> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div>Experts from the are available to discuss the Trump Administration’s education policies and their implications for schools and communities across the United States.</div> <script> window.location.href = `/news/formedia/politics-education-federal-cuts-lgbtq-students-more`; </script> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Thu, 27 Mar 2025 20:05:48 +0000 Hannah Fletcher 5978 at /education Provost, interim education dean announce future of CU Engage /education/2025/03/20/provost-interim-education-dean-announce-future-cu-engage <span>Provost, interim education dean announce future of CU Engage</span> <span><span>Hannah Fletcher</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-03-27T13:54:24-06:00" title="Thursday, March 27, 2025 - 13:54">Thu, 03/27/2025 - 13:54</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/education/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/2025-03/Fleming3GA_0.jpeg?h=d1cb525d&amp;itok=oGfZ1Dsa" width="1200" height="800" alt="aerial Miramontes Baca Education Building"> </div> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-categories" itemprop="about"> <span class="visually-hidden">Categories:</span> <div class="ucb-article-category-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-folder-open"></i> </div> <a href="/education/taxonomy/term/770"> Budget Sustainability </a> </div> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="ucb-article-text" itemprop="articleBody"> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div>Provost Russell Moore and Interim Dean of the School of Education Fernando Rosario-Ortiz announced that the umbrella structure for CU Engage will end, effective May 31, with the majority of programs either retained by the School of Education, reassigned to administrative units or discontinued.</div> <script> window.location.href = `/today/2025/03/20/provost-interim-education-dean-announce-future-cu-engage`; </script> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Thu, 27 Mar 2025 19:54:24 +0000 Hannah Fletcher 5977 at /education Cutting half the Department of Education’s staff will have devastating, possibly illegal, consequences: expert /education/2025/03/14/cutting-half-department-educations-staff-will-have-devastating-possibly-illegal <span>Cutting half the Department of Education’s staff will have devastating, possibly illegal, consequences: expert</span> <span><span>Hannah Fletcher</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-03-14T08:59:52-06:00" title="Friday, March 14, 2025 - 08:59">Fri, 03/14/2025 - 08:59</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/education/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/2025-03/McMahon_0.jpg?h=7bbfa6b9&amp;itok=G1A4rAhN" width="1200" height="800" alt="Secretary of education listening"> </div> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-categories" itemprop="about"> <span class="visually-hidden">Categories:</span> <div class="ucb-article-category-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-folder-open"></i> </div> <a href="/education/taxonomy/term/522"> Faculty News </a> </div> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="ucb-article-text" itemprop="articleBody"> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div>Recently, the U.S. Department of Education announced it was terminating nearly 2,000 of its roughly 4,000 employees. Both Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and President Donald Trump have signaled that they ultimately want to close the department completely. Kevin Welner, education policy scholar in the School of Education sees many reasons to worry in the new cuts.</div> <script> window.location.href = `/today/2025/03/13/cutting-half-department-educations-staff-will-have-devastating-possibly-illegal`; </script> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:59:52 +0000 Hannah Fletcher 5976 at /education New mural led by Cultural Events Board, School of Education students centers Indigenous wisdom, beauty and education /education/2025/03/02/new-mural-led-cultural-events-board-school-education-students-centers-indigenous-wisdom <span>New mural led by Cultural Events Board, School of Education students centers Indigenous wisdom, beauty and education </span> <span><span>Hannah Fletcher</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-03-02T09:46:56-07:00" title="Sunday, March 2, 2025 - 09:46">Sun, 03/02/2025 - 09:46</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/education/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/2025-03/Danielle_SeeWalker_School_of_Ed_Mural_PC0050.jpg?h=790be497&amp;itok=5sKTeGLt" width="1200" height="800" alt="Danielle SeeWalker painting in the School of Education"> </div> </div> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="ucb-article-text" itemprop="articleBody"> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle large_image_style"> <img loading="lazy" src="/education/sites/default/files/styles/large_image_style/public/2025-03/Danielle_SeeWalker_School_of_Ed_Mural_PC0069.jpg?itok=R6fkBm7H" width="1500" height="1000" alt="Danielle SeeWalker painting mural"> </div> <p class="lead" dir="ltr"><span>March 11 unveiling event to share&nbsp;artist’s inspiration and how students' reflections&nbsp;</span></p><div class="ucb-box ucb-box-title-left ucb-box-alignment-right ucb-box-style-fill ucb-box-theme-lightgray"><div class="ucb-box-inner"><div class="ucb-box-title"><i class="fa-solid fa-calendar-days">&nbsp;</i>&nbsp;If you go</div><div class="ucb-box-content"><p><strong>What: Mural Unveiling</strong></p><div><p><span lang="EN-US"><strong>When:</strong> Tuesday, March 11 | 4-6 p.m.</span></p></div><div><p><span lang="EN-US"><strong>Where:</strong> Miramontes Baca Education Building, Room 260</span></p><p><span><strong>Who:</strong> Open to all interested students, faculty, staff and community members. Attendees can learn more about the artist and her inspiration from working with CU Boulder students.</span></p></div></div></div></div><p dir="ltr"><span>The CU Boulder School of Education has partnered with the CU Boulder Cultural Events Board (CEB) and acclaimed Indigenous artist Danielle SeeWalker on a community mural to provide inspiration in the Miramontes Baca Education Building for years to come.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>CEB and the school will host an official unveiling of a new mural on Tuesday, March 11 from 4-6 p.m. the Miramontes Baca Education Building, Room 260.&nbsp;</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>The unique community gathering is open to everyone, and&nbsp;</span><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqotnjUHK14ETTngkXBigENOQjzw3iZppkTtrf9mKk5u-Mtg/viewform" rel="nofollow"><span>RSVP is appreciated</span></a><span>. Community members will learn more about the artist’s inspiration and how insights from listening sessions with CU Boulder students and School of Education faculty and staff feedback helped develop a culturally relevant and community-minded mural.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>The new mural features Indigenous wisdom; intergenerational and cultural knowledge; connections with the land; sacred symbols of love, strength and affirming education; and opportunities to grow.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Naisha Naik, a first-year student studying business analytics andCEB member, said helping lead the project and participating in the listening sessions between SeeWalker and other students was a meaningful part of her year.&nbsp;</span></p><div class="ucb-box ucb-box-title-hidden ucb-box-alignment-right ucb-box-style-fill ucb-box-theme-white"><div class="ucb-box-inner"><div class="ucb-box-title">&nbsp;</div><div class="ucb-box-content"> <div class="imageMediaStyle large_image_style"> <img loading="lazy" src="/education/sites/default/files/styles/large_image_style/public/2025-03/Danielle_SeeWalker_School_of_Ed_Mural_PC0143.jpg?itok=BqKmiwd1" width="1500" height="1000" alt="Danielle SeeWalker"> </div> <p>&nbsp;</p><p><i class="fa-solid fa-quote-left fa-3x fa-pull-left ucb-icon-color-gold">&nbsp;</i><span>We wanted this to be a mural that reflected not only Indigenous knowledge and strength but also the importance of education and community. I think having this mural in the School of Education is especially meaningful as it serves as a reminder that education is not just about books and classrooms but also about the stories, history, and knowledge of our communities. It's been so amazing to see Danielle bring all of the themes and motifs from our listening sessions to life." — Naisha Nalik, Cultural Events Board member</span></p></div></div></div><p dir="ltr"><span>“From the beginning, we wanted this to be a mural that reflected not only Indigenous knowledge and strength but also the importance of education and community,” Naik said. "I think having this mural in the School of Education is especially meaningful as it serves as a reminder that education is not just about books and classrooms but also about the stories, history, and knowledge of our communities.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>“It's been so amazing to see Danielle bring all of the themes and motifs from our listening sessions to life.” &nbsp;</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>A fine artist, muralist, and activist, SeeWalker is Húŋkpapȟa Lakȟóta and a citizen of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in North Dakota. The Denver-based artist has a passion for “redirecting the narrative to an accurate and insightful representation of contemporary Native America while still acknowledging historical events.” Her work centers Indigenous knowledge, beauty, and social justice.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>SeeWalker’s murals have been featured nationally and locally, including downtown Denver, Empower Field, the Denver Indian Center, the Denver Zoo, and more. This mural at CU Boulder is a continuation of past projects with CEB, including two murals in the CU Boulder Engineering Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>“As a School of Education alumna and current CU Boulder staff of color, I feel absolutely honored to be able to be a part of such an incredible project like this one for the second time around,” said Alexis Gonzales, Coordinator of Cultural Programs in the Center for Student Involvement.&nbsp; “The mural is a product of the Cultural Events Board Cultural Connections Project and a testament to CEB's deep commitment to justice and equity in education.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>“Not only does the mural resist colonial legacies and ideologies, but more importantly, it is a representation of the beauty and brilliance in our Native and Indigenous communities. I hope this mural serves as an inspiration for current and future students and enables more opportunities for similar projects across campus.”&nbsp;</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>The&nbsp;</span><a href="/ceb/" rel="nofollow"><span>Cultural Events Board</span></a><span> is comprised of student leaders and aims to broaden cultural knowledge by supporting the voices of underrepresented and misrepresented groups on campus, thereby promoting student engagement with their platforms. The Cultural Events Board encourages opportunities for interaction among students resulting in respect, appreciation, and understanding for cultural differences.&nbsp;</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div>March 11 unveiling event to feature CU Boulder School of Education and Cultural Events Board partnership with acclaimed Indigenous artist Danielle SeeWalker on a culturally relevant and community-minded mural to provide inspiration in the Miramontes Baca Education Building for years to come.&nbsp; </div> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Sun, 02 Mar 2025 16:46:56 +0000 Hannah Fletcher 5974 at /education Meet Kendall Goldenson, a senior in elementary education ready to make an impact in the classroom and beyond /education/2025/02/19/meet-kendall-goldenson-senior-elementary-education-ready-make-impact-classroom-and <span>Meet Kendall Goldenson, a senior in elementary education ready to make an impact in the classroom and beyond</span> <span><span>Maddie Rudolph</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-02-19T10:30:07-07:00" title="Wednesday, February 19, 2025 - 10:30">Wed, 02/19/2025 - 10:30</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/education/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/2025-02/Screenshot%202025-02-19%20at%2010.48.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?h=7a3c150a&amp;itok=eGuk-efm" width="1200" height="800" alt="Kendall Goldenson"> </div> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-categories" itemprop="about"> <span class="visually-hidden">Categories:</span> <div class="ucb-article-category-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-folder-open"></i> </div> <a href="/education/taxonomy/term/512"> Student News </a> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-tags" itemprop="keywords"> <span class="visually-hidden">Tags:</span> <div class="ucb-article-tag-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-tags"></i> </div> <a href="/education/taxonomy/term/788" hreflang="en">Elementary Education</a> <a href="/education/taxonomy/term/799" hreflang="en">Undergraduate</a> </div> <span>Maddie Rudolph</span> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="ucb-article-content-media ucb-article-content-media-above"> <div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--media paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle large_image_style"> <img loading="lazy" src="/education/sites/default/files/styles/large_image_style/public/2025-02/Screenshot%202025-02-19%20at%2010.48.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?itok=T5cHaa4X" width="1500" height="992" alt="Kendall Goldenson"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="ucb-article-text d-flex align-items-center" itemprop="articleBody"> <div><p class="lead">Meet Kendall Goldenson, a CU Boulder senior who is paving her way toward a meaningful career in teaching, and eventually, educational policy.</p><p>Through her educational journey, she’s discovered that impact isn’t just about what happens now, but also how it shapes the future.</p><p>“I’ve always wanted to make an impact on the world, and I’ve always felt like working with children is the best way to do that,” says Goldenson.</p><p>For her, the dream isn’t just about being an educator but creating environments where every student, from all backgrounds, can thrive.<br>At CU Boulder, Goldenson's experiences have only deepened her passion for education.</p><p>“I love the School of Education’s mission and vision,” she said. “When I visited, the dean personally gave my family a tour. That personal touch really stood out to me.”</p><p><strong>Opportunities to lead and learn</strong></p><p>Since enrolling, she has embraced leadership opportunities, including the School of Education Student Government and supporting its initiatives and contributing to policy discussions that amplify student voices.</p> <div class="align-right image_style-medium_750px_50_display_size_"> <div class="imageMediaStyle medium_750px_50_display_size_"> <img loading="lazy" src="/education/sites/default/files/styles/medium_750px_50_display_size_/public/2025-02/Screenshot%202025-02-19%20at%2010.48.27%E2%80%AFAM_0.png?itok=LSfxt9ny" width="750" height="1009" alt="Kendall Goldenson"> </div> </div> <p>Goldenson aspirations extend beyond the classroom, with interests ranging from curriculum development to ensuring inclusive practices for English language learners and students with disabilities; she’s determined to make systemic changes.</p><p>“Schools should be supportive environments where every child meets their goal,” she said. “I don’t ever want a child to feel like they’ve been failed.”</p><p>When asked about her future, Goldenson lit up with enthusiasm, crediting Ruth Bader Ginsburg as an inspiration: “I watched a film about her and it changed my life,” she explained. “I want to be that woman who walks into a room and commands respect, all while being 4’11.”</p><p>She shares at least a couple of traits with the Supreme Court icon and one of her role models: a small stature combined with a big passion for standing up for her values and the voices of others. This resolve has contributed to her dreams of combining education and policy.</p><p><strong>Prioritizing joy</strong></p><p>Despite her busy schedule of centering coursework, student teaching, Student Government leadership responsibilities as a co-president, and more, Goldenson emphasizes the importance of balance. Whether it’s exploring coffee shops, attending concerts, or indulging in her love for baking, she finds time to connect with life beyond academics.</p><p>“I could see why people might think school is my whole life, but it’s about finding joy in the little things,” she said.<br><br>Her energy is contagious, a reminder that educators are individuals with passions that fuel their drive.</p><p><strong>Looking forward to the future</strong></p><p>As her undergraduate journey comes to a close with graduation approaching this semester, she’s ready to take the next step. With plans to first teach elementary school before transitioning into policy work, she’s committed to making schools inclusive, supportive environments for all.</p><p>“Education is about showing children they’re loved and supported,” she concluded. “It’s about being that person who believes in them when they need it most. That’s the kind of teacher I want to be.”</p><p>Goldenson’s story is a reminder that the most profound change often starts small: in classrooms with students who feel valued and with educators who dream big.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div>Meet Kendall Goldenson, a CU Boulder senior who is paving her way toward a meaningful career in teaching, and eventually, educational policy.</div> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Wed, 19 Feb 2025 17:30:07 +0000 Maddie Rudolph 5973 at /education