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School of Education Newsletter, Volume 8, Issue 4
Update from the Dean
Dear Friends of the School of Education:
I hope you are having a cool, restful, and safe summer 2026. I am really looking forward to the 2026-2027 academic year, especially welcoming our new and returning students to campus.
In this edition of E3, we are honored to feature Sarah McKelvey, who recently earned her Educational Administration certification and joined our Doctorate in Educational Leadership cohort this June 2026. We also feature Dr. Karlyn Davis-Welton, who started with us as Administrator of the Office of Field Placements & Partnerships in June 2026 and Dr. Velisiwe Gasa from the University of South Africa who will join us as a Visiting Dean’s Scholar in autumn 2026. We are delighted to celebrate Professor Emeritus, Dr. Matthew Weinstein, who retired at the end of the academic year 2025-2026 after 19 years of dedicated service to UW Tacoma.
We are also proud to spotlight some of the accomplishments of our community, including alumni, current students, academic personnel, faculty, and staff.
I will end by reflecting on one of my summer 2026 readings by Dr. Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz, a Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, who is internationally recognized for her scholarship in culturally relevant praxis and racial literacy. In her new book The Archeology of Self: The Introspective Educator’s Guide to Racial Literacy (2026), she writes about the role of critical and radical love for both others and self: “The kind of love that refuses to look away from injustice. The kind of love that demands we see every child as fully human, recognize their genius, and nurture their potential (p. 5).” As we head into the new academic/school year 2026-2027, I invite all of us to re/consider how we might more explicitly model the type of radical love praxis that Dr. Sealey-Ruiz speaks of in our classrooms, communities, and the different personal and professional spaces we enter.
I look forward to staying connected.
Respectfully,
Rachel Endo
Professor & Dean
Get to Know Educational Leadership Student Sarah McKelvey
Sarah McKelvey recently earned her Educational Administration certificate from the School of Education in spring 2026. In summer 2026, she enrolled in the Doctorate of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership program.
1. Please briefly share a bit about yourself.
My love for education began when I was stationed in Germany with my family. There, I had the honor of serving fellow military families as a paraprofessional in a preschool special education program. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the joy these young children felt as I connected with them by providing learning opportunities aligned with their interests. Those memories stayed with me. Several years after returning to Washington, I attended Seattle University, where I earned my teaching certification with a dual endorsement in Special Education (SPED) and English Language Learners (ELL). Since graduating from the program in 2020, I have had the distinct privilege of teaching in both special and general education, and last year I completed my administrative internship. I am thankful to my friends and family for supporting me through my many adventures, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds.
2. What drew you to pursue your education in the School of Education? What do you most look forward to this upcoming academic year 2026-2027?
In 2024, I decided to pursue my Master of Education (MEd) degree at UW Tacoma to have a greater impact in my classroom. I was particularly drawn to this program for its focus on social justice issues that profoundly affect students across the country, especially students of color and students with disabilities. During this program, I began researching the history of school disciplinary practices to present a restorative justice approach to disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline. This topic remains close to my heart as a mother whose child experienced the impact of physical restraint during their early elementary years. It is my hope that as I begin the first year of my EdD program at UW Tacoma, I may continue to expand my sphere of influence in a leadership role dedicated to fostering a love of learning within our school communities.
3. What core values guide your work as an educator and leader?
My leadership style is firmly grounded in my commitment to humbly serve diverse communities by creating brave spaces that foster equity and inclusion, ensuring every child is seen, heard, and loved for who they are. It is imperative that the gifts our youth bring to the classroom each day be acknowledged and embraced. I firmly believe that every child is a capable learner with a unique story that deserves to be woven into their educational experience, with us as their guides. What an incredible honor it is to be part of their journey.
Get to Know Dr. Karlyn Davis-Welton
Dr. Karlyn Davis-Welton joined the School of Education as Administrator of the Office of Field Placement and Partnerships (OFP&P) on June 16, 2026. She holds more than 30 years of professional experience in the field of education, including service as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, university instructor, grant coordinator, and educational leader. Dr. Rachel Endo, Professor and Dean in the School of Education, remarks: “I am delighted to have Dr. Davis-Welton join the School of Education in a new capacity as a key member of my leadership team. With her strong track record of highly effective classroom teaching and leadership roles with the Tacoma Public School District, one of our most mission-critical K-12 partners, she brings a wealth of knowledge to support the School of Education in advancing our community-engaged approach to partnerships and preparing students/candidates in our certification programs to become culturally responsive practitioners who will support the thriving of the diverse children and communities served by our public schools.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself and what drew you to UW Tacoma.
Education has been both my profession and my passion for more than 30 years. Throughout my career, I have served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, university instructor, grant coordinator, and educational leader. What drew me to UW Tacoma was its deep commitment to preparing educators and leaders who make a meaningful difference in their communities and its strong partnerships with local schools and districts. Having taught in the School of Education for several years, I have experienced firsthand the collaborative and supportive culture, and I am excited to continue serving our students and community in this new leadership role.
2. What advice would you give to UW Tacoma students who are pursuing a career in education? For recent graduates just starting their first year as an education practitioner or leader?
Never lose sight of your "Why." It has become one of the guiding principles throughout my career and reminds me that our greatest impact comes through the relationships we build with students, colleagues, families, and communities. Be open to learning every day, ask questions, seek out mentors, and do not be afraid to make mistakes—they often become our greatest learning opportunities. Most importantly, remember that the difference you make in a student's life may extend far beyond the time that student spends in your classroom. Education is a journey of continual growth, and I believe we are all lifelong learners. I enjoy discovering new ideas that help educators better support students and inspire meaningful learning experiences.
3. Outside of work, what are some of your personal interests or hobbies?
Outside of work, you will usually find me spending time with my husband, Curt, and our tuxedo Maine Coon cat, Frankiedoodles. We both love to travel and, a few years ago, embarked on one of our favorite adventures—visiting 36 states in 30 days! We enjoy discovering hidden gems, exploring small towns, meeting new people along the way, and taking scenic drives throughout Washington State.
My husband and I are also foodies who love experimenting with healthy recipes in the kitchen. When we are home, you will often find us walking along the Dune Peninsula, admiring the beautiful flowers of the Pacific Northwest, or planning our next adventure.
Whether I am exploring a new place, sharing a meal with family, or learning alongside educators, I believe every experience offers an opportunity to grow, build relationships, strengthen communities, and continue learning together.
Honoring Dr. Matthew Weinstein
Dr. Matthew Weinstein is a Professor Emeritus in the School of Education. He retired from UW Tacoma on June 15, 2026, following 19 years of outstanding service.
1. What initially drew you to Education at UW Tacoma?
First, I loved the Pacific Northwest. At the time, Education was also a department small enough that I knew I could implement a science education program organized around social justice and equity.
2. You have witnessed Education at UW Tacoma evolve from a program into a UW school. As we prepare to celebrate our 10-year anniversary as a School of Education in the academic year 2026-2027, what would you say have been the School of Education’s most significant accomplishments over the last 10 years?
I think the real impact has been in leadership at every level from the classroom to the superintendents' offices, both locally and statewide. There was a time when we were providing a wildly disproportionate (to our size) number of science and math teachers in Tacoma and surrounding school districts. I love that we are now placing our new pre-service teachers with our alumni!
3. Do you have any plans as you enter your well-deserved retirement
Yes! I have been working on a book on Science and Ethics that I want to finish! I’ve also been working on numerous photography projects in the region. Finally, I hope that this change leads to (surprise) more dancing in my life!
Congratulations, Class of 2026!
The School of Education was honored to congratulate the Class of 2026 at our Hooding Ceremony on June 10, 2026, and at UW Tacoma’s Commencement Ceremony on June 12, 2026. We are proud of their accomplishments and look forward to seeing the impact they will have in service to diverse communities, schools, families, learners, and professionals. Congratulations to all!
Dr. Kawena Begay, Faculty Speaker
Dr. Amy Gustafson, EdD Student Speaker
Jacqui Jackson, EdS Student Speaker
Class of 2026
Class of 2026
Strengthening Global Partnerships with Pusan National University of Education
On July 14, 2026, Dr. Belinda Louie, Professor and Director of the MEd Program, welcomed President Lee Seok Hee of Pusan National University of Education (PNUE) and his delegation to the School of Education. Representatives from Puyallup School District, one of our valued partner K-12 districts, joined the visit and participated in the discussion. The group engaged in a meaningful conversation about our teacher preparation programs and explored opportunities for future collaboration and partnership with PNUE.
School of Education Welcomes Visiting Scholar Dr. Velisiwe Gasa
This autumn 2026, the School of Education is honored to host Dr. Velisiwe Gasa as a Dean's Visiting Scholar and Affiliate Faculty. The UW Tacoma Office of the Chancellor has graciously supported Dr. Gasa's visit, which will include engagements across tri-campus partners, visits to numerous local schools and districts, as well as partnership building and internationalization efforts with Tacoma Community College and UW Global. Dr. Gasa will be a featured speaker at several U.S.-based conferences and is conducting research trips with Dr. Christopher Knaus, Professor and EdD Program Director, including a Southern Civil Rights Tour in partnership with Duke University and the University of North Carolina, and workshops in African American & African Studies at Michigan State University.
Bio: Dr. Gasa is a Professor in the Department of Educational Foundations at the College of Education and former Head of Graduate Studies and Research (2016-2023) at the University of South Africa (UNISA). She is the Editor-in-Chief for Africa Education Review (AER) and Chairperson of Teacher Education and Interdisciplinary Research (TEIR) Conference. She is C2 rated by the National Research Foundation (NRF), an organization for South African established researchers with a sustained recent record of productivity whose research has made outstanding contributions to the field. Dr. Gasa focuses on social justice, equity, the historic and continued exclusion of Black women, and the inclusion of students with diverse and special educational needs. Her research interests center decoloniality in higher education, including postgraduate supervision support, research administration and management, distance learning, learner behavior, and family dynamics.
Advice to New Students from Staff Member Ty Halton
Ty Halton is an Academic Advisor/Recruitment & Retention Specialist in the School of Education. Halton offers the following helpful advice to our new students:
Starting any new educational journey can feel overwhelming at first, but do not be afraid to ask questions and lean on your classmates and instructors; they genuinely want to help you succeed. Stay organized and keep track of deadlines, especially during quarters in which you are tackling both fieldwork and coursework. Take every opportunity to build relationships with your cohort and mentors, as those connections can become an incredible support system throughout the program and in your career; and do not stop there! Find your community on and off campus—volunteer, join a Registered Student Organization (RSO), and get involved. Most importantly, be open to learning, stretching, and growing. When things get difficult, remember your “Why”. Becoming a great educator is a process, and every experience will help you prepare to serve the next generation of students.
Accomplishments from the School of Education Community
In each edition of our E3 newsletter, we are pleased to share some of the recent accomplishments of academic personnel, faculty, staff, and/or students and alumni.
Julia Aguirre, Professor & Director of Teacher Certification Program
PRESENTATION
- Zavala, M., Aguirre, J. M., & Suh, J. (06/2026). Culturally responsive mathematics teaching: Cultivando alegría, curiosidad, y justicia [Conference presentation]. TODOS 2026 Conference, Orange County, CA, United States. https://www.todos-math.org/conference/
Jana Dean, Part-Time Lecturer
PUBLICATION
- Kraig-Turner, G., Finkel, L., Dean, J., & Sauer, J. (Eds.). (2026). Science teaching for social justice. Rethinking Schools. https://rethinkingschools.org/books/science-teaching-for-social-justice/
Rachel Endo, Professor & Dean
CONFERENCE
- Endo, R. (07/2026). Implementing an equity-centric approach to passion-based pedagogy to support criticality in and out of the classroom: Lessons from the World War II incarceration of Japanese Americans in the 1940s in navigating the post-2024 world. Association of Teacher Educators Conference. Seattle, WA.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Along with other current or former/retired deans of education across the nation, Dr. Endo was a core faculty member of the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education New Deans Institute/New Leadership Academy that took place in Columbus, OH from 06/15/2026 - 06/18/2026. The academy is a 3.5-day immersive experience for new department chairs, associate deans, and deans in educator preparation programs on developing their leadership skills and returning to their home institutions to deliver more effectively and impactfully across functions and responsibilities. Dr. Endo contributed to several sessions on topics including equity-conscious approaches to crisis leadership; recruiting and retaining high-talent employees; and strategic enrollment management approaches specific to educator preparation programs. To learn more about AACTE, visit: https://aacte.org/
Laura L. Feuerborn, Professor & Director of School Psychology Program
PUBLICATION
- Feuerborn, L., Gueldner, B., Wallace, C., Park, H., & Gallegos, J. (2026). A method for monitoring SEL implementation in the classroom. Contemporary School Psychology. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40688-026-00585-8
PRESENTATION
- Beaudoin, K., Feuerborn, L., & Tyre, A. (05/2026). Bringing staff, student and family voice to culturally responsive PBIS planning [Conference presentation]. NWPBIS Conference with ORTli, Spokane, WA.
WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT
- Feuerborn, L. L., & Beaudoin, K. M. (05/2026). PBIS voice. University of Washington. https://pbisvoice.uw.edu/
Dawn Hardison-Stevens, Assistant Professor
Presentations/Workshops
- Hookano, S., Hardison-Stevens, D., Shear, S., French, K., & Makoyiisaaminaa, W. (04/2026). Myth busting John McCoy (lulilaš) Since Time Immemorial (JMLSTI): Addressing common misconceptions [Conference presentation]. Washington Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (WACTE) Annual Conference. http://www.wacte.org/
- Bell, P., Fowler, K., Hardison-Stevens, D., Brown, S., & Chinn, P. (04/2026). How and why teach about Indigenous self-determination through science education: Lessons from the Fish Wars [Conference presentation]. NARST Annual International Conference, Seattle, WA.
- Hardison-Stevens, D., & Tov, S. A. (06/2026). Engaging the senses through balance: Transforming deficit narratives of disability through Indigenous knowledge [Conference presentation]. Annual Effective Teaching Institute, Muckleshoot Tribal College, Auburn, WA.
- Hardison-Stevens, D. (07//2026). Building bridges with our Indigenous communities: Land-based curriculum [Conference workshop]. Association of Teacher Educators (ATE) Summer Conference, Seattle, WA.
- Hardison-Stevens, D. (08/2026). Walking with the ancestors: Engaging land through mindful teaching and learning around us [Conference workshop]. Annual Culturally Responsive Education (CRE) Conference, Sealaska Heritage Institute, Juneau, AK.
- Johns-Shields, A., & Hardison-Stevens, D. (08/2026). Indigenizing education across cultures [Conference presentation]. Annual Culturally Responsive Education (CRE) Conference, Sealaska Heritage Institute, Juneau, AK.
Christopher B. Knaus, Professor & Director of Educational Leadership (EdD)
PUBLICATION
- Photo, P., Shabalala, N. P. & Knaus, C. B. (2026). Zoo visits as catalysts for science identity: Informal learning and career aspirations among grade 3–7 students in South Africa. Australian Educational Researcher, 53(3), 22 pgs. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13384-026-00998-7
Sarah Tov, Assistant Professor
PRESENTATION
- Hardison-Stevens, D., & Tov, S. A. (06/2026). Engaging the senses through balance: Transforming deficit narratives of disability through Indigenous knowledge [Conference presentation]. 2026 Muckleshoot Tribal College Effective Teaching Institute, Auburn, WA.
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