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		April 2026

Dear GSE Alumni,

This month, we find ourselves in a season of growth and renewal—not just in nature, but in the vital conversations shaping education's future. Just as spring brings everything into bloom, this month the GSE is cultivating spaces for dialogue, imagination, and community.

The questions before us are both necessary and timeless: What is the role of universities in serving the common good? How do we ignite curiosity and literacy in young minds? How do we rise together to empower the next generation? The GSE is creating opportunities to grapple with these questions alongside remarkable thinkers and our own vibrant community.

We recently hosted the Global and Comparative Education (GCE) Faculty & Alumni Showcase on campus, where faculty and alumni came together for inspiring discussions on emerging issues in global and comparative education. From policy trends to research-practice gaps to navigating unexpected career pathways, the conversations reminded us why we fight for educational equity and a better future for learners everywhere.

As higher education faces unprecedented scrutiny and change, our IDEAS seminar welcomes the authors of Private Universities in the Public Interest to reimagine higher education's social contract. In May, we will host An Evening with LeVar Burton, in conversation with Professor Maisha Winn, to explore how literacy and imagination can fuel lifelong learning.

Also, looking ahead to May, we hope many of you will join us for the GSE Alumni Reception during the Black Alumni Summit. Under the theme "Together, We Rise," we'll gather at our new campus to connect, celebrate, and uplift one another and future leaders.

We look forward to reconnecting with you all soon.

Warm regards,
Marly

Marly Solebello
She/Her/Hers

Director, Alumni Relations
(650) 497-1557 | marlys@stanford.edu
485 Lasuen Mall | Stanford, CA 94305-3009

Alumni Corner

This month’s alumni spotlight is
Devin Corrigan, MA '15 Edu

Read more about Devin here.

Devin is an alumnus of the International Comparative Education program (2014–15 cohort), now called Global and Comparative Education, and serves as Supervisor of Analytics in the Research, Planning and Assessments Department at the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD). Since joining SFUSD in 2016, he has supported cross-agency research and data initiatives and now leads the district’s research-practice partnership with UC Berkeley, oversees data-sharing agreements, and manages survey projects, dashboards, reports, and trainings on data use and ethics. He is also the newest member of the GSE’s Alumni Award Nominating Committee, which oversees the selection of Alumni Excellence in Education Award honorees.

March's Connector posed the following Game Changer:

Q: What activity is GSE alumna Mo Fong known to weave into her workshops?

A: Archery!

Stanford GSE program celebrates 25 years of improving learning.

Graduates of the Learning Sciences and Technology Design program, a model for the field, have developed ideas, tools, and lessons that have reached millions of learners globally.

A new model for learning and work, incubated at Stanford.

Stanford GSE Professor Mitchell Stevens discusses the Learning Society initiative, which explores innovative approaches to education, employment, and the life course.

Q&A: Ken Goodson on graduate education.

One year into his tenure as vice provost for graduate education, Goodson discusses new programs, AI, and the job market.

Professional learning opportunities

April 22, 4-5 PM | Zoom

Engaged Learning in an AI World

With AI reshaping the landscape of teaching and learning, how can educators keep student engagement, creativity, and dialogue at the center? In this session, held April 22 at 4 p.m. PT | 7 p.m. ET, we’ll examine current research on AI and student engagement, then dive into hands-on activities that demonstrate how AI can be playfully harnessed to personalize assessments. We’ll also explore practical moves that leverage classroom discourse as a key pathway for effective engagement. Learn More & Register Here →

News, stories, and updates

School’s In Podcast with co-hosts Dean Dan Schwartz and Denise Pope, ’88, PhD ’99: Cultivating lifelong learners: The power of mindset | Listen Here →

Stanford GSE professor saw disparity in the classroom. Now she studies how society shapes kids’ brains. Monica Ellwood-Lowe is the founder and director of the new Minds, Experiences, and Language (MEL) Lab at Stanford. | Read More →

Sundar Pichai to speak at Commencement. Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, MS ’95, a voice for expanding global access to information and learning, will address graduates at Stanford’s 135th Commencement ceremony in June. | Read More →

Five myths about AI and education. Will AI really replace teachers? Does it stifle creativity? Is more AI better? Stanford experts weigh in on common assumptions. | Read More →

Engage with the GSE

April 30, 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Graduate School of Education, Raikes Building, 4th Floor: Longview

The Interdisciplinary Dialogue in Education for Aspiring Scholars (IDEAS) seminar presents: Higher education’s social contract

RSVP

May 1, 4 - 6 PM | Kissick Family Alumni Gallery, ANKO, Stanford

GSE Reception at the Black Alumni Summit

GSE alumni, students, faculty, and staff are invited to gather together under this year’s summit theme, “Together, We Rise.”
We look forward to welcoming you to an unforgettable evening where we can empower one another and the next generation of leaders.

RSVP

May 7, 5 - 6::30 PM | Memorial Auditorium

Cubberley Lecture Series presents: An Evening with LeVar Burton

How can literacy ignite our imagination, drive curiosity, and provide an engine for lifelong learning? How can educators, parents, and communities further inspire young people to see reading and storytelling as the keys to joyful, engaged, and meaningful lives? In a conversation with Professor Maisha Winn, children’s education champion LeVar Burton shares insights from his career as a legendary storyteller, discusses the future of the written word, and explores the impact of digital technologies on creativity and storytelling.

RSVP

Save the Date

May 15, 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.: Welcome to Alumnihood Celebration ANKO, Stanford Campus RSVP

May 22, 4:30 - 8:00 p.m.: RILE's Arnetha Ball Lecture Raikes Building, Longview Room, Stanford Campus. RSVP

GSE Game Changer

Each month, we’re shaking things up with a fun challenge where your attention to detail, knowledge, and competitive spirit can win you exclusive GSE swag! Whether it's trivia, puzzles, or scavenger hunts, this is your chance to snag some awesome prizes. Get ready to play, have fun, and make a game-changing move! Don't miss out—it's the ultimate way to wrap up the newsletter each month.

March's Game Changer

What nostalgic television show is this month’s Cubberley Lecture Series guest most known for?

Submit your responses via email by Friday, May 1, for a chance to win exclusive GSE swag! Those who answer correctly will be entered into a raffle, with one winner drawn each month.

Stanford Graduate School of Education

485 Lasuen Mall, Stanford, CA 94305-3096

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Stanford Graduate School of Education | 485 Lasuen Mall, Stanford, CA 94305