The College of Education made a powerful mark at the 2025 AERA Annual Meeting in Denver! From thought-provoking research presentations to a lively community celebration hosted by Dean Mia Tuan, it was a week of scholarship, connection and inspiration. Click through to explore photos and highlights from this unforgettable gathering.
From escaping a war-torn Vietnam as a young girl to leading a nonprofit that has empowered hundreds of students, Aimee Do's journey is one of resilience, purpose, and passion. As President of the Vietnam Education Fund, she has dedicated her life to education, equity, and community service — both in the U.S. and abroad. Her support of the Diversify the Educator Workforce initiative stems from deeply personal roots and a powerful belief in the role teachers play in shaping lives. Read Aimee’s inspiring story, her reflections on diversity in education, and the legacy she's building through service.
For nearly two decades, Dr. Janine Jones has been a beloved and influential leader within the UW College of Education — championing student success, guiding academic vision, and fostering a strong, connected community. Her impact will be felt for years to come, and we are deeply grateful for her dedication and transformative contributions.
From her earliest days in the classroom to her current role shaping the next generation of school psychologists, Dr. Kawena Begay (M.Ed., Ph.D., ‘16, School Psychology) has always been driven by a simple yet powerful mission: to create inclusive spaces where every student can thrive. Her journey, from a first-grade teacher on the Navajo Reservation to a tenure-track professor at the University of Washington Tacoma, reflects her deep commitment to equity, culturally responsive practices and amplifying marginalized voices in education. Read more about Dr. Begay’s journey.
In the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings of best graduate schools, the University of Washington College of Education continues to be recognized as one of the nation’s top public education schools.
We are excited to welcome Savanna Carreño as the new Early Learning Scholarship Community Liaison! Originally from the Central Coast of California, Savanna holds a BS in Liberal Studies from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. She relocated to Washington in 2024 and is eager to connect with communities across the state to share information about the Early Learning Equity Scholarship. Savanna brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as the Programs and Development Manager at the California State PTA, where she managed a parent education program across schools and communities. She is passionate about education, equity, and supporting first-generation students, and we are thrilled to have her join the College of Education team.
We sat down with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Program Director Alice Bravo to discuss the innovative approaches and real-world impact shaping the future of behavioral analysis. Alice shares her expert insights on how our program is making a difference.
We are thrilled to welcome the 7th cohort of Unite:Ed's Community Partner Fellows (CFP) program, an initiative that equips doctoral students with the skills and opportunities to make a meaningful impact beyond academia.
Explore how Dr. Kathleen Artman Meeker’s new course on early childhood education is transforming conventional approaches through its play-based Learning Studio, supporting educators in creating inclusive environments.
Dr. Marisa Bier, founding Director of the Seattle Teacher Residency (STR), has significantly transformed educator preparation, emphasizing the recruitment and support of teachers of color. Honored as an Impact Academy fellow, her commitment to racial equity and innovation has shaped STR into a nationally recognized program. As she departs, her legacy of educational justice will continue to inspire. Read more in her Q&A.