Alumni News

Socio-economic status, language and race too often predict student academic achievement in schools here in Seattle and across the nation.

Why teach? Educators today are under more pressure than ever before. Standards are changing, schools are growing, and the pay isn’t getting any better. Even so, talented and passionate individuals are still pursuing the profession, and veteran educators continue their work despite all the challenges.

The University of Washington College of Education, Seattle Times and 88.5 KPLU will present a teacher storytelling event on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m. in Kane Hall 220 on the UW campus.

David Stroupe '13 has been honored by the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education for publishing the nation's most outstanding doctoral dissertation during the past year, honoring his research on ambitious teaching practice while at the University of Washington College of Education.

Noah Zeichner '04 is one of 50 finalists for a $1 million award designed to be the Nobel Prize of education.

Zeichner, who teaches social studies and Spanish at Seattle's Chief Sealth International High School, will find out in March whether he is the recipient of the Global Teacher Prize sponsored by Varkey GEMS Foundation. The award is designed to elevate the teaching profession by honoring educators who spark learning, prepare students to be good global citizens, and encourage others to become teachers.

UW College of Education students La’akea Yoshida and Christina Black dreamed of doing a world of good as educators. “My entire life, I have wanted to make a difference in the classroom,” says Christina, a recent master’s in teaching graduate and recipient of the Daniel V. Iyall Student Support Fund. Her Alaska Native grandfather never had the opportunity to attend college, nor her mother, who raised Christina and her siblings as a single parent.

Suzanne Griffin, who has developed and led education and technical programs in Afghanistan for more than a decade, will return to the country in November to continue her work there.

Griffin, who earned her Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Washington College of Education, will serve as senior advisor/project leader for the Bachelor's in Public Policy and Administration Project of GIZ, the German equivalent of the United States Agency for International Development.

For more than three decades, Larry Nyland has led school districts across Washington. The University of Washington College of Education alumnus has overseen rising graduation rates and test scores, resolved conflicts between teachers and school boards, and won recognition as the state's Superintendent of the Year.

Now, Nyland has returned to the school system where he grew up.