Articles - School of Education - Virginia Commonwealth University

Jaclyn Camden named to national board shaping the future of inclusive higher education

Oct. 28, 2026

Jaclyn Camden, the assistant director of the Center on Transition Innovations (CTI) and director of VCU’s inclusive postsecondary education program, ACE-IT in College, is one of three national leaders selected for the Inclusive Higher Education Accreditation Council’s Board of Directors.

2026 Alumni Star Melanie Kay-Wyatt honored for a career of transformational leadership

Oct. 21, 2026

The School of Education doctoral graduate, who made history as the first Black woman to lead Alexandria City Public Schools, was celebrated among VCU’s most accomplished alumni.

Kevin Sutherland named Commonwealth Professor

Oct. 20, 2026

Kevin Sutherland, Ph.D., has been named a Commonwealth Professor, one of VCU’s most distinguished faculty titles. The honor recognizes his work helping teachers support children with challenging behaviors, and the research behind BEST in CLASS.

New Study Reveals Community Resources Associated with Early Disability Identification for Children

June 2, 2026

A groundbreaking study published in the journal Prevention Science identified a significant link between community resources and the timing of disability identification in young children.

VCU School of Education Ranks Among the Leading Online Master of Education Programs in the Nation

Jan. 21, 2025

The VCU School of Education continues to lead in providing exceptional educator preparation programs, earning the #27 spot (tied) in the U.S. News & World Report 2025 rankings for Best Online Master’s in Education.

VCU School of Education earns $1.7M federal grant to support STEM learning for middle school students

Nov. 15, 2024

Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Education has secured a four-year, $1.7 million federal grant to pursue a research project aimed at enhancing science learning opportunities for historically marginalized middle school students.

Professor and former student reunite as colleagues in the VCU School of Education

June 24, 2025

Paul Harris and Krystal Andrews met more than 20 years ago at Warwick High School in Newport News, where Harris was part of a counseling team that helped inspire Andrews to pursue a career in education.

VCU School of Education celebrates faculty promotions, leadership appointments, and emerita honors

June 29, 2025

The VCU School of Education proudly announces the promotion of several faculty members, the appointment of two interim associate deans, and the recognition of three professors as Professors Emerita, effective immediately, in acknowledgment of their outstanding contributions to academia and service.

School of Education Kicks Off 2026-2027 Academic Year with Weeks of Welcome

Aug. 10, 2026

The VCU School of Education is welcoming new and returning students to the 2026-2027 academic year with its annual Weeks of Welcome (WoW) — a series of events designed to help students build community, expand professional networks and connect with faculty from day one.

Highlighting education research and the real world, VCU scholars bring life to stories from the field

June 6, 2025

The School of Education’s Jesse Senechal, David Naff and Hillary Parkhouse are co-editors of a new book that offers a roadmap for research-practice partnerships that can transform schools.

Staff members’ feelings of preparedness to support student mental health varies across positions and schools

Feb. 6, 2025

A report from the Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium makes recommendations to improve preparation for school employees, such as targeted mental health resources and training.

VCU researchers are partnering with Richmond Public Schools to boost outcomes for multilingual students

June 2, 2026

Supported by a new William T. Grant Foundation award, the research-practice partnership will focus on middle school students and their families’ involvement in their education.

Class of 2026: Dina Abdul Rahman earns her degree after three years of late nights in Beirut

May 25, 2026

Completing an Ed.D. from the School of Education is the result of a commitment to the idea that ‘even in the most difficult circumstances, you choose to keep showing up.’

Class of 2026: For Sheena Cutler, becoming a teacher has been a dream years in the making

May 25, 2026

The elementary education student reentered the classroom after nearly two decades in the workforce and raising a family.

This year's PACME honorees are committed to the success of the VCU community

April 14, 2026

Tomika Ferguson of the School of Education earned the capstone award of the program, which recognizes contributions among students, faculty and staff that support cross-cultural relations and a welcoming environment.

Class of 2026: As an Earth science teacher, Linda Le carries forward the spirit of curiosity

April 14, 2026

With two VCU degrees – including her new master’s from the School of Education – she will bring her classroom passion to new generations.

VCU School of Education ranked No. 19 in latest ranking of best education schools

April 9, 2026

The U.S. News & World Report’s ranking places the school among the top 10% of ranked schools of education

Class of 2026: Jon Graham traded the School of Rock for the School of Education

April 9, 2026

The Ph.D. student and former musician got a late start in higher education, but even a doctorate isn’t his encore at VCU.

Class of 2026: VCU teacher residency program helps Heidi Dixon fulfill a dream

April 6, 2026

She is completing her bachelor’s degree in special education and teaching while instructing Prince William County students – and running an alpaca farm.

Education professor Phelton C. Moss launches initiative to support rural schooling

April 2, 2026

The project aims to move beyond urban- and suburban-oriented models for school improvement.

VCU professor Kimberly M. Bridges appointed to state Board of Education

March 31, 2026

The appointment is a wish come true for Bridges, whose career has spanned almost 30 years.

Class of 2026: Emily Kitching has counseled students; now she will teach counselors

March 30, 2026

The Ph.D. student has earned national honors in pursuing her second VCU degree, and a faculty position in North Carolina awaits.

VCU researchers partnering with public schools on math education

March 2, 2026

The team includes faculty from the School of Education and the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics.

VCU professor’s research on recovery and relapse makes an impact in court

Feb. 18, 2026

School of Education professor and counselor Daniel Gutierrez has partnered with public defenders in Washington state to emphasize factors that drive clients’ long-term success.

Business Connections receives international accreditation

Feb. 18, 2026

The program, part of the VCU School of Education-affiliated Rehabilitation Research and Training Center, helps individuals with disabilities find and maintain employment.

VCU School of Education Ties for No. 36 in Latest U.S. News Rankings of Online Education Programs

Jan. 28, 2026

2026 ranking continues school's presence among nation's top-tier schools of education.

VCU School of Education Launches Advisory Board for Human and Organizational Development program

Jan. 22, 2026

VCU School of Education has launched the inaugural advisory board for the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Human and Organizational Development (HOD) program. The board brings together VCU alumni and key partners from higher education, industry, and specialized fields to help shape a forward-thinking curriculum that prepares graduates for the evolving demands of today’s workforce.

Class of 2025: Rory Meadows gets an ‘A’ for anticipation

Dec. 10, 2025

The VCU School of Education graduate is seeing her lifelong dream of becoming an elementary school teacher come true.

Alcaine Receives VCU Alumni 10 under 10 Recognition

Dec. 10, 2025

VCU Alumni’s 10 Under 10 awards recognizes the noteworthy and distinctive achievements made by alumni who earned their first VCU degree within the past 10 years.

VCU School of Education faculty receive VCU’s prestigious NIRA and EPIA awards

Nov. 20, 2025

The VCU School of Education was well represented among recipients of Virginia Commonwealth University's recent NIRA and EPIA awards. Ten School of Education faculty received awards during the Faculty Recognition Gala held on Oct. 21, 2025.

VCU School of Education Mourns the Passing of Cherished Benefactor

Aug. 5, 2025

Anna Lou Schaberg passed away on July 31, 2025.

Pioneering educational researcher Charol Shakeshaft retires

July 25, 2025

VCU professor has highlighted equity in schools and educator sexual misconduct.

Richmond preschoolers are powered by STEAM in VCU project

July 23, 2025

School of Education program promotes family time and hands-on learning in science, technology and other key fields.

VCU professor Yaoying Xu honored for lifetime scholarship in multicultural/multiethnic education

May 28, 2025

The director of VCU’s International Educational Studies Center is recognized by a national research association.

By studying grief, Diane Diaz hopes to transform ‘pain into purpose’

May 19, 2025

Diaz, a doctoral student in the School of Education, said student-researchers should never underestimate the power of their voice ‘to shape what we know and how we care.’

Class of 2025: Doctorate comes before driver’s license for Lindai Xie

May 9, 2025

The student from China has been driven to adapt – first by earning two degrees from VCU’s School of Education, and soon by taking to the roads of Texas, where she will start a new faculty position.

VCU School of Education Celebrates Doctoral Student Achievements at Annual Dinner and Discourse Gathering

May 5, 2025

On May 1, 50+ faculty, students, and alumni united at Brambly Park to celebrate 150+ doctoral achievements, from publications to presentations.

VCU School of Education Now Accepting Applications for Scholarships

March 4, 2025

Students: Apply Now! VCU School of Education has 60+ scholarships, with many awards of $500 or more!

Class of 2025: Father and daughter Jason and Laila Hendricks relish their family ties – and family time – on campus

April 10, 2025

From studying at the library to comparing notes, the duo supported each other’s ‘strange but cool’ journey to graduation.

VCU School of Education Ranks Among Top 15 Public Graduate Education Schools in 2025 (Tie)

April 9, 2025

VCU School of Education Ranks Among Top 15 Public Graduate Education Schools in 2025 (Tie)

School of Education professor Paul Wehman receives national award for career impact through rehabilitation research

March 24, 2025

The pioneer in the field of disability employment and inclusion has helped shape policy and progress worldwide.

A new VCU-led project will support high-risk youth transitioning out of incarceration

Oct. 4, 2023

Project Belong will provide mental health, education and vocational support to 75 youth transitioning out of Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center.

VCU x CodeRVA Lab School, Virginia’s First Lab School

Nov. 16, 2023

VCU x CodeRVA Lab School will address Virginia’s teacher shortage and prepare students for STEM careers

Research Administrator Honored by Global Organization

Dec. 1, 2023

Recently The Society of Research Administration International (SRAI) honored Jose G. Alcaine, Ph.D., director of research services in the Office of Research and Faculty Development, with two major awards. Alcaine received the Excellence Award, recognizing his contributions to the field of research administration within SRAI and beyond, as well as being named a “Distinguished Faculty.”

Education researcher Luciana de Oliveira receives national award for contributions to second language scholarship

March 10, 2025

Luciana de Oliveira, Ph.D. honored

New teacher preparation support for veterans and military families

Dec. 21, 2023

The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Education has partnered with the Virginia Department of Veterans Services to include the RTR Teacher Residency program (RTR) as a career opportunity for military members and their families.

Celebrating 2025 Faculty and Staff Service Milestones at VCU School of Education!

March 3, 2025

Congratulations to the VCU School of Education faculty and staff who are celebrating service milestones!

VCU School of Education online programs ranked among the best in the U.S

Feb. 7, 2024

VCU receives two top-50 online rankings from U.S. News & World Report, including the School of Education earning a spot in the top 15 in the Master’s in Educational Administration and Supervision Program category.

National/International Recognition Award (NIRA) scholars

Feb. 9, 2024

Kevin Sutherland, Ph.D. and Yaoying Xu, Ph.D., both of the VCU School of Education Department of Counseling and Special Education, were honored yesterday as part of the inaugural class of National/International Recognition Award (NIRA) scholars.

VCU School of Education announces faculty appointments

Feb. 12, 2024

Several faculty changes in the VCU School of Education will advance its academic mission and enrich the learning experience for its community.

In SOE’s inaugural Distinguished Leadership Lecture, Michael Crow, President of Arizona State University (ASU), shared transformative insights on the evolution of higher education.

Feb. 24, 2025

Crow emphasized the necessity for universities to transcend traditional models, advocating for institutions that are both academically rigorous and broadly accessible.

2025 VCU School of Education Research Colloquium

Feb. 26, 2025

Save the date for the annual VCU School of Education Research Colloquium on Friday, April 11, 2025, 9 am to 3:30 pm.

A Gift That Empowers Leaders: Mary Ann Wright’s Investment in the VCU Leadership Coaching Lab

Feb. 26, 2025

Thanks to a generous gift from Mary Ann Wright, Ph.D., (M.Ed.’84, Ph.D.’97), the new VCU Department of Educational Leadership School of Education Leadership Coaching Lab, with its unique focus on cultivating strong, resilient, and visionary leaders in education and beyond, is set to make a significant impact.

Recipients of 2024 Burnside Watstein Awards demonstrate service to LGBTQIA+ community and VCU

March 29, 2024

Carol Schall, Ph.D., associate professor at VCU’s School of Education and co-director of the VCU Autism Center for Education, and her wife were plaintiffs in Bostic v. Rainey, which advanced marriage equality in Virginia.

Researcher focused on improving employment for people with disabilities

April 9, 2024

More than 42 million Americans live with some form of disability, according to Census Bureau data from 2021. But in the workforce, individuals with disabilities are chronically underrepresented: Just 40.5% were employed in January 2024 compared with 77.3% of people without disabilities, according to the Center of Research on Disability.

VCU School of Education Climbs Two Spots to #16 Nationally in 2024-2025

April 9, 2024

U.S. News & World Report Rankings (public) & Ranks 19th Nationally as Best Special Education Programs (overall)

Class of 2024: Adrian Petway proves it is never too late to chase a dream

May 6, 2024

With a doctorate in educational leadership from VCU, the Virginia State University administrator is ready to take the next step in her higher education career.

Class of 2024: Ryan Getz feels at home in the classroom

May 9, 2024

A Graduate certificate in elementary education propels the student teacher, who will start his master’s program at VCU in August.

VCU special education major connects life, school, work and a passion to serve others with disabilities

May 23, 2024

In addition to his studies, Chad Lowery works at a local law firm that shares his perspective – and the vision of VCU’s Rehabilitation Research and Training Center.

With school segregation persisting, VCU education professor urges a multifaceted, concerted effort to fix it

July 22, 2024

Genevieve Siegel-Hawley recently worked on two reports putting the intersection of school segregation, land use and housing reform into focus

From the Amazon warehouse to the VCU campus, adult learner Catrinna Garrett is extending her academic journey

July 24, 2024

The aspiring teacher is among the increasing number of students benefiting from VCU’s partnership with the Amazon Career Choice program.

$1.5 million gift to VCU School of Education will create endowed chair to support teacher preparation

July 29, 2024

The Anna Lou and Bob Schaberg Chair of Practice will be held by Kim McKnight, director of the school’s Center for Teacher Leadership.

What is the impact of cellphones in schools? The answer requires dialing into the details.

Sept. 5, 2024

VCU School of Education researcher Jesse Senechal outlines complexities in the debate – and the importance of teachers’ voices.

VCU School of Education marks 60th anniversary – and is still adapting to the times

Sept. 12, 2024

In the early 1960s, as many as 50% of Virginia public school teachers were being prepared out of state. This academic year, Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Education is marking its 60th anniversary, with faculty, staff and students both past and present celebrating its long history of building knowledge and service in Virginia.

During the national campaign season, politics and education can become a surprising mix

Sept. 18, 2024

Public education and politics have long been in the electoral spotlight – often at the state and local levels, where legislatures and school boards wield considerable influence. But presidential elections can bring the two together as well.

Nationally recognized school superintendent among VCU Alumni 10 Under 10 Award recipients

Sept. 27, 2024

Distinguished graduates from throughout the university, including School of Education graduate Melanie Kay-Wyatt, will be recognized at a private ceremony Oct. 19.

U.S. Department of Education awards $2.3 million to VCU’s RTR Teacher Residency

Nov. 13, 2024

The grant from the Teacher Quality Partnership program will support recruitment, preparation and development of the educator workforce in Virginia.

Arizona State President Michael M. Crow to give inaugural educational leadership talk

Oct. 19, 2024

In a Q&A, Crow previews his Feb. 18 speech that will tackle how ‘to spur creative innovation at every level of our institutions’ as part of a new series created by the School of Education.

Critical Quantitative Methodologies Speaker Series, a virtual event

Nov. 13, 2024

Dr. Mario Suárez will speak about “Using Effect Coding as an Alternative to Reference Categories & Dummy Coding in Regression Analysis: A Gender Identity and Ethnicity Example”.

VCU professor receives $1.2 million federal grant to train doctoral students in early intervention/early childhood special education

Oct. 22, 2024

Project REAL, developed by Yaoying Xu in the School of Education, will build cultural competence for emerging educators.

Welcome Michelle Hicks Visiting Associate Professor of Special Education and Disability Policy

Oct. 25, 2024

The VCU School of Education is pleased to announce that Michelle Hicks, Ph.D., has joined the Department of Counseling and Special Education as a visiting associate professor of special education and disability policy.

VCU School of Education Alumni Honored in 10 Under 10 Awards for Impact in Education

Oct. 25, 2024

Among this year’s honorees are three standout alumni associated with the VCU School of Education Department of Educational Leadership.

VCU School of Education team advances to finals of the 2024 Global Sustainability Challenge

Oct. 29, 2024

Led by professor John Fife and doctoral student Margaret Gatongi, the team developed a proposal focusing on coastal ecosystems and community engagement.

VCU awarded $8.8 million for research into employment of individuals with disabilities

Nov. 13, 2024

Two federal grants to VCU’s Rehabilitation Research and Training Center will support five-year studies on employment for transition-age youth and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Safeguarding students from school employee sexual misconduct requires a systemwide approach, VCU’s Charol Shakeshaft say

Nov. 13, 2024

In her new book, ‘Organizational Betrayal,’ the School of Education professor explores how boundaries are crossed – and the need for a culture of prevention.

Five VCU School of Education Faculty Members Honored with National/International Recognition Awards

Nov. 21, 2024

Five VCU School of Education faculty members have received the prestigious National/International Recognition Award (NIRA) for 2024.

VCU Names Kim McKnight a 2024 Alumni Star for Impact on the Teacher Shortage and Securing More than $30 Million in Funding

Nov. 21, 2024

McKnight was honored for her leadership in expanding the RTR Teacher Residency program, establishing Virginia’s first lab school and serving as the inaugural Ann Lou and Bob Schaberg Chair of Practice, advancing teacher development and recruitment