UW-Madison Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis (ELPA)

05/28/2026

We're partnering with GSAFE again this summer to offer our leadership institute to educational leaders! This year, join us in Ashland, WI!

Wisconsin school leaders - we built this for you!

This August, join us in Ashland for a three-day institute on building affirming, inclusive schools. Learn how to navigate laws, develop local policy, center student voice, and lead with confidence - even when the political landscape is complicated.

📅 August 4–6 | Ashland, WI
💰 $150–$300 sliding scale
🧒 Childcare available
📚 Scholarships available

Spots are limited. Register at institute2026.givesmart.com

Questions? DM us or email [email protected]

05/27/2026

The fifth annual BIOS Leadership and Coaching Symposium will take place on Tuesday, June 23, at Camp Randall Stadium. Registration is open through Tuesday, June 9!

This year’s theme, “Building Culture and Developing Your People,” focuses on empowering participants to create meaningful impact within their organizations and communities.

The fifth annual BIOS Leadership and Coaching Symposium will take place Tuesday, June 23, at Camp Randall Stadium, bringing together coaches and leaders from across Wisconsin and beyond for a day of learning, connection, and professional growth.

05/22/2026

GHE at NAFSA 2026 🌍

We’re excited to celebrate current GHE students presenting at the NAFSA: Association of International Educators 2026 Annual Conference & Expo in Orlando, Florida, next week!

Congratulations to all presenters 👏
UW-Madison Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis (ELPA)

05/20/2026

Congratulations to ELPA PhD candidates Ben Lebovitz and Tony DelaRosa, alumna Dr. Paris Wicker (PhD ‘23), and Dr. Chris Saldaña, who have been chosen as recipients of 2026 NAEd/Spencer Dissertation and Postdoctoral Fellowships, prestigious national fellowships that support promising education research by early-career scholars!

Supported by the National Academy of Education (NAEd) and Spencer Foundation, the fellowships provide funding and professional development to advance projects that address critical issues in education.

Six School of Education faculty, doctoral students awarded prestigious NAEd/Spencer fellowships May 15, 2026 By Laurel White Six members of the School of Education community have been chosen as recipients of 2026 NAEd/Spencer Dissertation and Postdoctoral Fellowships, prestigious national fellowship...

05/19/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Chris Saldaña, who received a 2026 Vilas Faculty Early Career Investigator Award! The campuswide award recognizes research and teaching excellence in faculty who are relatively early in their careers.

Dr. Saldaña was one of five faculty members from the School of Education recognized with a Vilas professorship or award this year, and one of 48 from the University. The Early Career Investigator Award provides flexible research funding for three years.

Five School of Education faculty honored with Vilas professorships and awards May 11, 2026 By Laurel White Five faculty from the School of Education have been honored with this year’s Vilas professorships and awards. The awards recognize outstanding research, teaching, and service. Vilas Distingui...

05/13/2026

Congratulations to ELPA alumna Dr. Jamila Lee-Johnson (PhD ‘19), who will be inducted into the 2026 Michiana Forty Under 40 class!

Presented by the South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce, the annual award recognizes young professionals living in select counties of Michigan and Indiana for their leadership, career achievements, and commitment to strengthening the region through service and innovation. Dr. Lee-Johnson currently serves as the inaugural Assistant Dean for Inclusive Excellence in the Graduate School at the University of Notre Dame.

One of the Graduate School’s own, Jamila Lee Johnson, Ph.D., will be inducted into the 2026 Michiana Forty Under 40 class. Lee-Johnson, the Graduate School’s inaugural assistant dean for inclusive excellence, is being recognized for her leadership in advancing equity, inclusion, and leadership p...

05/12/2026

05/06/2026

Dr. Krystal L. Williams is one of several faculty and staff members from the School of Education participating in a new campus program dedicated to exploring how to engage with and respond to the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education. Check out the work of the AI Teaching Fellows pilot program, whose work will inform future campus support for instructors.

School of Education faculty and staff participate in UW–Madison program on AI in higher education April 29, 2026 By Laurel White Several faculty and staff from the School of Education are part of a new campus program dedicated to exploring how to engage with and respond to the use of generative ar...

05/05/2026

A paper led by Summer Education Research Program (SERP) student Reina Yorba-Rico and co-authored by Dr. Aireale Rodgers and three graduate students received a Best Student Paper Award from the Learning Sciences Special Interest Group (SIG) at the American Educational Research Association (AERA) 2026 Annual Conference. Congratulations!

The paper’s lead author is Reina Yorba-Rico, a student at California State University, Monterey Bay. Titled “Planting Seeds for Pedagogical Change: Equity Conjectures for Organizational Learning in Academic Departments,” the paper emerged from Yorba-Rico’s participation in SERP in summer 2025. During the program, Yorba-Rico was mentored by Dr. Rodgers. ELPA PhD students Karina Flores-Camacho and Blessing Tarfa, and Anthropology PhD candidate Aida Arosoaie were co-authors.

A paper led by a Summer Education Research Program (SERP) student and co-authored by a UW–Madison faculty member and three graduate students has received a Best Student Paper Award from the Learning Sciences Special Interest Group (SIG) at the American Educational Research Association’s (AERA) 2...

04/25/2026

In a new Teachers College Record commentary, Dr. Brian Burt shares his reflections on how to maintain personal well-being while pursuing a successful career in academia.

Dr. Burt wrote the commentary while on sabbatical this year. Based on more than a decade of personal journal entries, the commentary offers insights into how current and emerging scholars might navigate the academy, its demands, and their own self-expectations.

UW–Madison’s Burt pens commentary urging faculty and students to tend their well-being April 10, 2026 By Laurel White In a new Teachers College Record commentary, a School of Education faculty member shares his reflections on how to maintain personal well-being while pursuing a successful career...