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School of Education Newsletter, Volume 8, Issue 3
Update from the Dean
Dear Friends of the School of Education,
A common theme during the most disruptive times in our nation’s history is the critical role that communities, families, schools, and social institutions like colleges and universities play in shaping the future through both collective and individual action. As we wrap up the 2025-2026 academic year amid several disruptions to the field of education and the world “as we knew it,” I write with deep pride to share that the School of Education at UW Tacoma continues to thrive because we, more than ever, are committed to centering our equity-conscious values in how we operate at all levels.
We are honored to announce the Dean’s 2026 award recipients, who we will honor at our Hooding Ceremony on June 10, 2026: Dr. Christine Espeland, Kent Laboratory Academy, and Technology Access Foundation. We will also learn about the incredible academic personnel, faculty, staff, and students/alumni in the School of Education who continue making significant contributions to our community and field through their scholarship, teaching, and service.
We are delighted to feature Dr. Elavie Ndura, a Professor in the School of Education, in our Get to Know section. We announce several upcoming personnel transitions, including new colleagues, resignations, and retirements.
I will end with some brief reflections drawing on the scholarship of Dr. Rich Milner of the Peabody College of Education & Human Development at Vanderbilt University. An internationally recognized scholar of urban education whose scholarship has deeply shaped how I understand the unique responsibility that educational systems have in democratizing learning opportunities for our nation to more fully live up to its promise, he posed a critical question back in 2013 that strongly resonates nearly 15 years later in his article "Rethinking Achievement Gap Talk in Urban Education" in the journal Urban Education: “Who decides what it means to achieve, why, and how do we know?” (p. 6). I encourage us to critically reflect on Dr. Milner’s question as we work toward re/imagining the educational and social conditions we want to leave for the next generation to support them to “achieve” the most consequential outcome of their education: their greatest dreams—both for themselves and our world.
Wishing you and yours a joyous summer 2026,
Rachel Endo
Professor & Dean
Congratulations, 2026 Dean’s Award Recipients
Dr. Rachel Endo, Professor and Dean of the School of Education, will honor the following individuals and organizations with 2026 awards for outstanding contributions and service on June 10, 2026, during our annual Graduate Hooding Ceremony.
Distinguished PK-12 Partner Award:
Kent Laboratory Academy
Kent Laboratory Academy is the recipient of the 2026 Distinguished PK-12 Partnership Award. KLA is an innovative school within the Kent School District serving students in grades 3-12.
Remarks from Dr. Stephanie Knipp (right), KLA’s Founding Principal: The partnership between Kent Lab Academy and the School of Education celebrates a shared commitment to learning at every level. Through reflection on our instruction and student learning, our teacher mentors, interns, and faculty deepen their practice and grow alongside one another. This lab school model creates space for collaboration, innovation, and meaningful learning that benefits all students.”
Remarks from Dr. Rachel Endo: “I thank Dr. Knipp and the entire KLA community, including all staff and students, for supporting the School of Education’s thriving. KLA models how equity and excellence in education go hand in hand. I also thank Superintendent Israel Vela, his leadership team, and the Kent School District Board for their support of our partnership, as well as their dedication to community engagement.”
Dr. Rachel Endo (left) and Janne Marri Heckeroth. Photo credit: UW Tacoma Advancement Office
Dr. Stephanie Knipp with KLA students and staff attending the event. Photo credit: UW Tacoma Advancement Office
The School of Education was also honored to co-host a school-wide celebration at KLA on April 30, 2026 to announce this award to all Griffins and staff. With testimonials from KLA and School of Education stakeholders, as well as student-led activities, we celebrated our partnership in the first school-wide assembly in KLA’s history.
Dr. Rachel Endo extends her appreciation to the UW Tacoma team members who supported the event, including Dr. Chelsea Bailey, Donna Braboy, Chad Brown, Dr. Christine Espeland, Ty Halton, Tom Hathorn (retired), Janne Heckeroth, Michelle Henley, Dr. Belinda Louie, Elizabeth Metcalf, and Brooke Wilzen.
Distinguished Community Partner Award:
Technology Access Foundation
The Technology Access Foundation is the recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Community Partner Award. TAF is a Seattle-based nonprofit leader redefining PK-12 public education throughout Washington State for all students and teachers.
Remarks from Trish Millines Dziko (right), Executive Director of the Technology Access Foundation (TAF): “I am incredibly honored to receive this year’s award on behalf of our team at TAF. For over a decade, TAF’s partnership with UW Tacoma has been instrumental in strengthening teacher pathways for a new generation of educators—ones who represent, reflect, and understand the students they serve. Together, we are showcasing that when teachers are supported and sustained, schools become a place where every child can thrive.”
Remarks from Dr. Rachel Endo: “TAF has created a systems-level model that revolutionizes how universities and other education preparation providers recruit, retain, support, grow/develop, and advance professional educators, especially those who hail from racialized and minoritized backgrounds. I thank Executive Director Dziko and the entire TAF team for being a steady partner as we sustainable equity-conscious solutions to uplift the next generation through an empowering and liberatory education.”
Distinguished Service Award:
Dr. Christine Espeland
Dr. Christine Espeland, Interim Director of the Educational Administration Program in the School of Education, is the recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Service Award.
Remarks from Dr. Espeland: “I am honored to accept the Dean’s Distinguished Service Award, a recognition that truly belongs to my incredible team at UW Tacoma. Leading the Educational Administration program alongside such dedicated colleagues has been a masterclass in collaboration. I feel so fortunate to lean in, learn, and lead with educators who leave such powerful and indelible handprints in our community. To walk with you in this vital work is the privilege of a lifetime; I am beyond grateful and proud of our deep-rooted and collective commitment to leading in schools for equity and inclusion.”
Remarks from Dr. Rachel Endo: “I am grateful for Dr. Espeland’s highly effective, equity-conscious, and steady leadership in the Educational Administration Program. As a highly effective and respected leader in our state, she has supported the entire School of Education community in our collective understanding of how educational leaders are uniquely positioned to advocate for institutional and systems-level change in service to the diverse communities and learners served in public education.”
Faculty Promotions
The School of Education is proud to announce that Assistant Teaching Professor Dr. Miranda Kucera has been promoted to Associate Teaching Professor, effective September 16, 2026. Congratulations, Dr. Kucera!
Welcome, New Faculty Dr. Angel Jones & Dr. Rachel Roberson
The School of Education is delighted to announce that Dr. Angel Jones and Dr. Rachel Roberson will join us on September 16, 2026 as tenure-track faculty members specializing in Educational Leadership.
Dr. Angel Jones, currently an Instructor at the University of Maryland's College of Information Sciences, will join us as an Assistant Professor specializing in PK-12 Leadership.
Dr. Rachel Roberson, currently an Assistant Professor of Teaching at Oregon State University's College of Liberal Arts, will join us as an Assistant Professor specializing in Higher Education Leadership.
Welcome, New Staff Payton Modie
The School of Education is pleased to announce that Payton Modie joined our Advising Team on April 16, 2026, as an Academic Advisor/Recruitment & Retention Specialist.
1. Welcome to UW Tacoma! Tell us a bit about your professional journey and what led you to a career in academic advising.
My professional journey continues to be rooted in student support and engagement. I recently completed my master's in counseling and Career Development, with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My education and training have helped me develop skills in goal setting, strength-based approaches, and supporting diverse student populations. Through my experiences in student engagement and counseling spaces, I have found that I am especially passionate about helping students navigate transitions and make meaning of their academic paths. Academic advising feels like a natural fit because it allows me to combine relational work with practical guidance to support student success.
2. What are you most looking forward to in your new role as an academic advisor at the School of Education?
I am most looking forward to building meaningful relationships with students and supporting them as they pursue careers in education. The School of Education brings students who are passionate about making an impact in their communities, and I am excited to walk alongside them as they navigate their academic journeys. I am also excited to collaborate with faculty and staff to create a supportive, student-centered environment!
3. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of work?
In my free time, I love spending time with my partner, Matthew, and our 7-month-old daughter, Olivia. She is just about crawling and has quickly discovered that she loves being the center of attention, which we are more than happy to give! Outside of my “hats” as a partner and mom, I enjoy jewelry making, baking, and photography!
Ashley Walker, Advising Lead of the School of Education, remarks: “Modie impressed our search committee with her commitment to serving diverse communities, uplifting and creating student-serving initiatives of support, and an eagerness for learning and growing within the contexts of higher education. We are excited to welcome Payton to the School of Education’s Advising Team.”
Personnel Transitions
The School of Education announces the following personnel transitions.
Dr. Sae saem Yoon has resigned from UW Tacoma as an Assistant Professor in Critical K-8 Literacy. Her last day with us was on March 24, 2026. She accepted a new position with the International Graduate School of Language Education in Seoul, Korea, where she earned her MA in English Language Teaching.
Dr. Matthew Weinstein will retire after 20 years of service to Education at UW Tacoma, including as Interim Director in academic year 2015-2016. He will remain connected with us as Professor Emeritus, effective June 16, 2026.
Office of Field Placements & Partnerships Personnel Transitions
The following transitions will take place, effective June 16, 2026:
Dr. Janelle Franco, who has served as the Clinical Experience Coordinator for the Teacher Certification Programs in the OFP&P since AY 2024-2025, will step down from this role on June 15, 2026. Dr. Franco will continue to teach for us in AY 2026-2027.
Dr. Chelsea Bailey, who has served as Administrator in the OFP&P since AY 2024-2025, will step down from this role on June 15, 2026. Effective June 16, 2026, Dr. Bailey will assume the role of TCP Clinical Experience Coordinator.
Dr. Karlyn Davis-Welton, who has served in various capacities with us since 2013, has agreed to assume the role of Administrator of OFP&P role, effective June 16, 2026. Dr. Davis-Welton brings nearly 30 years of experience as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and assistant principal with the Tacoma Public Schools. In our upcoming summer 2026 E3 Newsletter, Dr. Davis-Welton will be featured in our Get To Know section– stay tuned.
Get to Know: Dr. Elavie Ndura
Dr. Elavie Ndura is a Professor of Education in the School of Education at UW Tacoma. Her teaching, scholarship, and community-engaged work center inclusive pedagogy, mindful communication, and conflict transformation as essential foundations for student learning, belonging, and success. With more than four decades of experience across K–12 education, higher education, and educational leadership, she brings a deeply practice-informed perspective to preparing future educators and leaders.
An internationally recognized scholar, she has published 7 books and more than 30 peer-reviewed articles focused on equity, peace education, and community building. Her work has been recognized globally, including through Fulbright appointments and invited testimony before the United States Congress. At UW Tacoma, Dr. Ndura is committed to cultivating learning environments where students feel heard, valued, and challenged—equipping them with the dispositions and skills to lead with integrity, empathy, and purpose in diverse communities
1. How did you become interested in your field of study?
I became interested in education because I have always been drawn to the question of how people learn, lead, and live together well—especially across differences. Over time, I realized that teaching is not only about content; it is about building conditions for belonging, dignity, and rigorous growth for every learner. My experiences working in diverse communities strengthened my commitment to equity-centered pedagogy and to the kinds of learning environments where every voice can matter.
2. What has been the most rewarding aspect of your academic career so far?
The most rewarding aspect of my academic career has been witnessing transformation—when students, educators, and leaders move from uncertainty or division toward deeper self-awareness, skillful dialogue, and renewed commitment to one another. I find deep meaning in helping people build the capacity to engage in difficult conversations with clarity, compassion, and courage. I am especially fulfilled when participants share that they feel heard, valued, and empowered—and that they now have practical tools to navigate conflict more constructively. Those moments affirm why I do this work.
3. What inspired you to teach at UW Tacoma specifically?
UW Tacoma drew me because of its mission-driven commitment to access, community partnership, and education that is deeply connected to the lives of students and the needs of the region. I value learning spaces where scholarships and teaching are not separated from community realities—where we prepare educators and leaders to serve with excellence and integrity. The School of Education’s focus on equity, justice, and real-world impact aligns closely with my own commitments as an educator and community builder. I am grateful to teach in a context where students’ diverse experiences are recognized as assets and as sources of insight.
4. How did you first get started in your area of research?
I began in my area of research by paying close attention to patterns I observed in schools and organizations: when trust is thin, learning and collaboration suffer—and when trust is intentionally cultivated, people thrive. That insight led me to explore community-building pedagogy, conflict transformation, and mindful communication as leadership disciplines in educational spaces. My scholarship has grown from practice—grounded in the lived realities of educators, students, and leaders navigating complex, diverse settings. I remain committed to research that is both intellectually rigorous and practically useful.
5. Are there any recent developments in your field that you find especially exciting?
I am encouraged by the growing emphasis on belonging as a measurable and teachable condition for learning, leadership, and institutional thriving—not a “soft” add-on. I am also excited by the field’s increasing attention to dialogue across difference, restorative approaches, and conflict transformation as core competencies for educators and leaders. Relatedly, I am inspired by the momentum around culturally responsive/sustaining teaching and community-engaged scholarship that centers interdependence and dignity. These developments align with my long-standing commitment to inclusive excellence and practical tools that help communities move forward together.
Dr. Belinda Louie Receives UW SEED-AI Award
The Office of Research at UW Tacoma has announced that Dr. Belinda Louie, Professor/Director of the MEd for Practicing Educators Program in the School of Education and her collaborator, Dr. Huatong Sun, a Professor in the School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences (SIAS), have been awarded seed funding through the UW Civic Health Initiative Program through a competitive application process. Their project aims to develop AI-informed scam prevention resources for immigrant communities.
Read the full article here: 2026 UW Civic Health Initiative Award
EdS Program Collaborates with the Tacoma REACH Center
In Winter 2026 quarter, the School of Education’s EdS in School Psychology graduate students were provided with opportunities to apply skills developed in the Group Interventions course, including the design and facilitation of solution-focused groups through a community collaboration. Psychoeducational and healing-centered services were delivered to the Tacoma REACH Center community in an identified area of need, specifically in EdS students supporting individuals experiencing anxiety and procrastination.
For additional information about this initiative and its impact, view the full article here: Reach Center Article
Apply Now for Autumn 2026 Admissions to Our MEd Program
Applications are now open for our Master of Education for Practicing Educators (MEd) degree program for autumn 2026 admissions. The application deadline is August 21, 2026.
The MEd program is designed for practicing educators seeking to deepen their practice, expand their leadership skills, and advance their impact in education. Prospective applicants are encouraged to apply early. For more information about the program, visit: https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/soe/master-education-practicing-educators
Accomplishments
Julia Aguirre, Professor & Director of Teacher Certification Programs
PUBLICATION
- Suh, J., Aguirre, J., Carlson, M. A., & Turner, E. (2026). “Do math that makes a difference”: Supporting students to mathematize justice in elementary classrooms with mathematical modeling. Education Sciences, 16(4), 527. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16040527
Rachel Endo, Dean & Professor
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
- Endo, R. (2026, April). What’s solidarity? Whose solidarity? A Third World feminist counter/perspective on re/imagining post-2024 solidarity in always-troubling times. Society of Professors of Education Annual Meeting, Los Angeles, CA.
- Endo, R. (2026, April). Disrupting racial triangulation in a fragile post-2020 context. In Critical reflections from equity-minded Asian/American education leaders on what’s next in the post-2024 world (with W. Au, R. S. Coloma, K. Kumashiro, K. Roxas, Y. Tran, & L. Wu). American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, Los Angeles, CA.
- Endo, R. (2026, April). Elevating cross-racial solidarities with/in institutionally hostile spaces (also served as session discussant). In The critical role of Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) in shaping equitable educational experiences and policies (with C. Bracho, A. Campbell, K. Hosoda, & C. Matias). American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, Los Angeles, CA.
KEYNOTES
- Endo, R. (2026, April). Re/defining success: The promise of collaborative equity-conscious mentoring-partnership initiatives [Keynote address]. University of Toronto Scarborough & Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Endo, R. (2026, March). Dear Class of 2126: How educators and leaders persisted (and resisted) in 2026 [Keynote address]. Oregon Association of Teacher Education Annual Conference, Monmouth, OR.
PUBLISHED CREATIVE WORKS
- Endo, R. (2026). Before, during, and after resettlement: Our Voices exhibition commemorates Washington State’s Southeast Asian Americans. International Examiner. https://iexaminer.org/before-during-and-after-resettlement-our-voices-exhibition-commemorates-washington-states-southeast-asian-american-refugees/
- Endo, R. (2026). Filmed in Japan, the U.S., and Iran, Masahiro Sugano’s new film explores human connections and the mundane. International Examiner. https://iexaminer.org/filmed-in-japan-the-u-s-and-iran-masahiro-suganos-new-film-explores-human-connections-and-the-mundane/
Christine Espeland, Interim Director of Educational Administration Program
PUBLICATION
- Locke, J., Williams, N. J., Sridhar, A., Shih, W., Espeland, C., Tagavi, D., & Bearss, K. (2026). Study protocol for coaching and leadership in autism support settings: A cluster randomized controlled hybrid type 2 effectiveness-implementation trial. Implementation Science. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13012-026-01497-0
Janelle Franco, Clinical Experience Coordinator
CONFERENCE PRESENTATION
- Yoon, S., & Franco, J. (2026, April 8–12). Examining language ideologies in translingual picture books [Conference presentation]. American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, Los Angeles, CA.
Christopher B. Knaus, Professor & Faculty Director, Educational Leadership (Ed.D) Program
PUBLICATION
- Knaus, C. B. (2026). South African higher education and the normalisation of oppression. Equity in Education & Society. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/27526461261444744
Elavie Ndura, Professor
PUBLICATION
- Ndura, E. (2026). Taking nothing for granted: Individual and collective peace education to diverse communities. In S. S. Mehdi & M. Meyer (Eds.), Building peace: Reflections of eminent educators—from personal to political (pp. 315–328). Palgrave Macmillan.
Amy Reynolds, Alumna, MEd Class of 2025
APPOINTMENT
- Amy Reynolds was appointed Chair of the University of Washington Tacoma Alumni Council.
Sarah Arvey Tov, Assistant Professor
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
- Tov, S. A. (2026, April). Cripping culturally sustaining pedagogies as curricular practice: Centering disabled youth in transformative praxis [Symposium]. American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, Los Angeles, CA.
- Tov, S. A., Zetley, M., & Hernández-Saca, D. I. (2026, April). Enacting cripping methodologies: Liberatory praxis through self-study in teacher education. American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, Los Angeles, CA.
- Tov, S. A., Zetley, M., & Hernández-Saca, D. I. (2026, April). Imagining affective intersectional access and anti-ableism through arts-based research in academia [Plenary session]. Arts-Based Education Research SIG Pre-Conference, American Educational Research Association, Los Angeles, CA.
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