Welcome to Voices, volume 7
Powerful partnerships and community impact
As interim dean, I came to the CU Boulder School of Education in January with respect for its reputation for sustaining long-term community partnerships. Reflecting on my term as dean, I have learned so much about what makes the school special to so many of us, from the care we put into preparing our students, to how we support our community partners and to the overall impact the school has both locally and nationally. I am grateful for the opportunity to spend time with you, and it has deepened my appreciation for the work of our students, faculty, staff and alumni.
Growing up in rural Puerto Rico, I was surrounded by family members and mentors who were educators. They helped inspire my path toward university teaching and research, and education opened doors to new possibilities for me and many others. I have learned that we rarely act alone in the world; rather, our lives are enriched when we work together.
This issue of Voices magazine highlights the research-practice partnerships the school is known for and some of the ways we work together, across disciplines, to respond
to pressing challenges and opportunities in education. You’ll learn about ways we
are partnering to welcome newly arrived students and their families (page 6), creating opportunities for Indigenous learners to lead in A.I. (page 20) and supporting young people and their local climate solutions (page 14). Partnering with community, education and youth leaders increases opportunities to make meaningful change.
This year, we’ve had opportunities to reflect on the past, present and future of this wonderful school as we celebrate our new home in the Ofelia Miramontes and Leonard Baca Education Building (page 34). We’ve welcomed new and familiar faces—including Phil DiStefano, former School of Education dean and CU Boulder chancellor emeritus
(page 28). The future is bright when we work together, and I have found inspiration in colleagues and partners like you.
Warmly,
