In this Q&A, Dr. Jeannine Dingus-Eason reflects on her new book, A Thousand Worries: Black Women Mothering Autistic Sons, a powerful examination of Black mothering, advocacy, and care at the intersections of race, disability, gender, and class. Drawing from scholarship, lived experience, and community narratives, the book centers voices that are too often excluded from dominant conversations about autism.
In honor of Black History Month—and in recognition that Black history is always unfolding—we asked faculty, staff, alum, community partners, and students to share a book by a Black author that has shaped how they understand Black life, culture and history. Their recommendations remind us that these stories are ongoing, essential, and deeply human. Explore the list, borrow from your local library, and support the places doing the year-round work of preserving and celebrating Black history.
Daniel Yi, a PhD student in Organizational and Policy Studies at the UW College of Education, explores how admissions practices and early college programs — often designed to help students — can unintentionally widen inequality. Drawing on his experience teaching in very different school settings, Daniel studies how access, privilege and policy shape who gets ahead, and how schools can create more equitable pathways to college.
We are honored to celebrate the legacy of Deborah Massachi, M.Ed.’13, the late co-director of ConnectEd: Professional and Community Learning, who passed away on June 25, 2025, following treatment for metastatic endometrial cancer. Deborah’s life and work were defined by a deep and enduring commitment to educators, and her impact will continue through the creation of the Deborah Massachi Memorial Fund for Educators.
Kaytlin Vanderhorst and Owen Harwood both came to UW from small towns unsure of what path to take — but they found their place through psychology, education and community. Kaytlin, from Deming, WA, and Owen, from Othello, WA, are passionate about wellness and social-emotional learning (SEL). Together, they co-founded WANDR (Wellness and Resilience Club), a peer-led space where students practice SEL and DBT skills while building community. Learn more about Kaytlin and Owen!
This Staff Spotlight features a member of the College of Education community whose work supports students, faculty and programs across the College. Guided by a passion for education and service, they share what brought them to the field, what makes working in the College of Education meaningful, and the small moments that bring joy to their day-to-day work. Learn more about Laura-Beth Straight!
This Staff Spotlight features a member of the College of Education community whose work supports students, faculty and programs across the College. Guided by a passion for education and service, they share what brought them to the field, what makes working in the College of Education meaningful, and the small moments that bring joy to their day-to-day work. Learn more about Paula Wetterhahn!
This Staff Spotlight features a member of the College of Education community whose work supports students, faculty and programs across the College. Guided by a passion for education and service, they share what brought them to the field, what makes working in the College of Education meaningful, and the small moments that bring joy to their day-to-day work. Learn more about Noam Soker Heist below!
Education Studies undergraduate, Johann Flores, moved from Mexico to Washington at sixteen, learning English, building community through soccer, and finding his passion for mentorship and education. Now pursuing a degree in Education Studies (Sports and Education), he’s committed to helping young people thrive. Read more about Johann’s journey.
In this month’s Alumni Spotlight, Dr. Omar Escalera, who was named the inaugural Executive Director of the Broetje Family Trust, reflects on his journey, the values that guide his leadership and his vision for transforming communities across Washington and beyond. Read Dr. Escalera’s Q&A.