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Message from the Dean

SOE Dean Dr. Cheryl Holcomb-McCoyIt is my pleasure to welcome you to American University’s School of Education (AU SOE).As Dean, I can proudly say that our School is a vibrant learning environment where faculty, staff, students, alum, and community members regularly engage inactive learning,culturally responsive pedagogy,rigorous scientific discovery, Իpassionate advocacy and community-based engagement. Whether online or in-person, ourdistinguished facultyԻstaff memberswork every day to achieve our vision ofan antiracistԻequity-drivencommunity in which all students are given the support they need to realize their unique potential and develop the creativity and resilience that will lead to a successful career in education. We are also proud of our diverse offerings for achieving a degree in education. For instance, we offer a Teacher Pipeline Project for DC students interested in teaching and most recently, we added a new executive, online certificate program in Antiracist School Leadership. Our goal is to provide multiple pathways and modalities for students to achieve their goal/s of becoming educator!

Washington, DCis an exceptional place to pursue a degree in education because of the rich and diverse education settings that surround us---public schools, charter schools, education non-profits, government agencies, etc. And, our work environment at AU, in every dimension, reflects both the aspirations and unlimited opportunities in teaching and learning, leadership development, policymaking, and community organizing. As such, joining us brings a multitude of possibilities, from observing world-class special educators in a unique lab school setting to acquiring knowledge and skills in international education policy.

As you explore our website, I hope you will discover our dedication to helpingstudents thrive and find joy in learning.We truly believe that education is asocial determinant of various aspects of our lives---health/nutrition, justice, community development, and economic stability.Matter of fact, this is evidenced by our interdisciplinary approach to learning and our graduates’ accomplishments in diverse career fields. Life at the AU SOE is full of excitement and most important, it’s a place where classrooms come alive with purpose through conversation, collaboration, and hands-on experiences.

I hope you’ll join us at AU SOE!

Best,
Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy
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Publications, Podcasts,and Messages from the Dean

► WithAntiracist Pedagogy ScholarDr. Annice Fisher, Holcomb-McCoytheDiverse: Issues in Higher Educationop-ed, “Beyond Statements Toward Action: Maintaining the Antiracist Promise During the Anti-DEI Movement.”[Apr24, 2024]

► Read or listen tothis EdSurge podcaston why the time has come to reset college legacy admissions practices.[Aug1, 2023]

► Aon what the Affirmative Action decision by SCOTUS may mean in higher education. [July 13, 2023]

► "," an opinion piece in .

►The ‘Other CRT’ — Culturally Responsive Teaching — Can Truly Make a Difference(The Hill)

►How To Solve Problems That Come with Putting More Counselors in Schools(District Administration)

Mission Statement

The mission of the School of Education is to create knowledge and prepare students to transform societies through education.

Dean Holcomb-McCoy talks about SOE's Mission in this video.

Still from video where Dean Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy explains SOE's mission

Vision Statement

The School of Education aims to be locally, nationally, and globally recognized for making a meaningful impact in the field of education through innovative teaching, research, and service. Our impact will be achieved through rigorous scholarship; advocating for equitable and inclusive learning environments; advancing social justice; preparing effective educators; providing leadership in public-policy arenas; and collaborating with local, national, and global communities and organizations.