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The inspiration behind the Wóinila: In Silence We Learn Mural in the School of Education

Hannah Fletcher — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 05:02:56 +0000

The inspiration behind the Wóinila: In Silence We Learn Mural in the School of Education Hannah Fletcher Thu, 04/17/2025 - 23:02

In March, the ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� School of Education and the Cultural Events Board unveiled a new community mural titled “Wóinila: In Silence We Learn” in the Miramontes Baca Education Building.

At the unveiling event, student leaders shared what the mural project means to them, and acclaimed Indigenous artist Danielle SeeWalker discussed her inspiration and insights from listening sessions with students and comments from faculty and staff.

SeeWalker, a Denver-based fine artist, muralist, and activist, is Húŋkpapȟa Lakȟóta and a citizen of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in North Dakota. She shared that Wóinila is a Lakota word that translates to silence/not-speaking.

“It is the first value/virtue we are taught as Lakota people and depicts how we must learn through silent awareness of the world,” SeeWalker said. “We intentionally ground ourselves in silence so we can learn what is true in our world and what is most important. We keep silent and listen to our grandmothers teach us. We sit in silence as we listen to the land, the wind and the stars as they teach us.

“We sit in silence as we become aware of new ideas and concepts, and we learn to listen before we respond and speak. To learn Wóinila, opens your mind to other ways of learning and so that is why it is our very first value.”

The mural was sponsored by the Cultural Events Board (CEB), which is dedicated to helping students develop their understanding of culture, diversity, and social awareness. As a part of CEB’s mission each year, student leaders organize a Cultural Connections Project to reach a broader campus audience and continue to promote diversity across campus. The CEB partnership with the School of Education was a continuation of the previous projects between CEB, SeeWalker, and the two murals in the ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Engineering Center.

The 2025 project offered an opportunity to highlight the role Indigenous and intergenerational wisdom, love, and strength in education.

“From the beginning, we wanted this to be a mural that reflected not only Indigenous knowledge and strength but also the importance of education and community,” said Naisha Nalik, first-year student and CEB member. “I think having this mural in the School of Education is especially meaningful as it serves as a reminder that education is not just about books and classrooms but also about the stories, history, and knowledge of our communities.

“It's been so amazing to see Danielle bring all of the themes and motifs from our listening sessions to life.”

Learn about the mural and its themes from the artist in this video:

This semester, the ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� School of Education and the Cultural Events Board (CEB) unveiled a new community mural titled “Wóinila: In Silence We Learn” in the Miramontes Baca Education Building. Hear about the student leaders' experiences and acclaimed Indigenous artist Danielle SeeWalker's inspiration in this video.

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Your ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Guide to AERA 2025

Ichigo Takikawa — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 23:05:17 +0000

Your ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Guide to AERA 2025 Ichigo Takikawa Tue, 04/08/2025 - 17:05

Each year, the American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting represents the world's largest gathering of education researchers and is a showcase for groundbreaking, innovative research. The 2025 AERA Annual Meeting will take place in Denver from April 23 to 27. The theme for this year’s meeting is “Research, Remedy, and Repair: Toward Just Education Renewal.”

Our faculty, students and alumni will be busy presenting, learning and exchanging ideas. Use this guide to follow and support ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� researchers and their work. This year, we have current ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� faculty and students featured in over 80 sessions!

AERA Colorado Reception

Attending AERA or in the local area?Join Colorado colleges and schools of education for the AERA Colorado Reception in Denver

April 26 at 7 p.m.

Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center

Enjoy food, drink and good company. Please register to join, non-AERA attendees and guests are welcome.

See the full ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� AERA guide

In addition, Professor William Penuel will present the 2025 Wallace Foundation Distinguished Lecture on Saturday, April 26. His lecture, titled “Education for Flourishing: Building Initiatives and Partnerships for More Just and Sustainable Futures,” looks into how education systems, traditionally shaped by scarcity and exclusion, can instead be rooted in abundance, compassion, and dignity. He highlights work at the Renee Crown Wellness Institute at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� aimed at creating just and sustainable futures by engaging youth in culturally relevant learning, strengthening family-school connections, and nurturing compassionate educators.

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� School of Education faculty and students participation at this year’s AERA in Denver include:

41 faculty, 31 graduate students, 1 undergraduate student
21 roundtable sessions
24 paper sessions
18 symposia
9 poster sessions
6 research projects being presented were funded by Women Investing in the School of Education grants
4 invited speaker sessions
2 mentoring sessions
1 offsite visit and 1 business meeting for the Grassroots Community and Youth Organizing for Educational Justice SIG

Each year, the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting represents the world's largest gathering of education researchers, and it showcases groundbreaking, innovative research. Use this guide to follow and support ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� faculty and students and their work at AERA in Denver April 23-27 — including over 80 sessions led by ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� researchers!

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Media sources available to discuss politics & education: Federal cuts, LGBTQ+ students & more

Hannah Fletcher — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 20:05:48 +0000

Media sources available to discuss politics & education: Federal cuts, LGBTQ+ students & more Hannah Fletcher Thu, 03/27/2025 - 14:05

Experts from the University of Colorado Boulder are available to discuss the Trump Administration’s education policies and their implications for schools and communities across the United States.

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Provost, interim education dean announce future of CU Engage

Hannah Fletcher — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 19:54:24 +0000

Provost, interim education dean announce future of CU Engage Hannah Fletcher Thu, 03/27/2025 - 13:54

Provost Russell Moore and Interim Dean of the School of Education Fernando Rosario-Ortiz announced that the umbrella structure for CU Engage will end, effective May 31, with the majority of programs either retained by the School of Education, reassigned to administrative units or discontinued.

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Cutting half the Department of Education’s staff will have devastating, possibly illegal, consequences: expert

Hannah Fletcher — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:59:52 +0000

Cutting half the Department of Education’s staff will have devastating, possibly illegal, consequences: expert Hannah Fletcher Fri, 03/14/2025 - 08:59

Recently, the U.S. Department of Education announced it was terminating nearly 2,000 of its roughly 4,000 employees. Both Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and President Donald Trump have signaled that they ultimately want to close the department completely. Kevin Welner, education policy scholar in the School of Education sees many reasons to worry in the new cuts.

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New mural led by Cultural Events Board, School of Education students centers Indigenous wisdom, beauty and education

Hannah Fletcher — Sun, 02 Mar 2025 16:46:56 +0000

New mural led by Cultural Events Board, School of Education students centers Indigenous wisdom, beauty and education Hannah Fletcher Sun, 03/02/2025 - 09:46

March 11 unveiling event to share artist’s inspiration and how students' reflections

If you go

What: Mural Unveiling

When: Tuesday, March 11 | 4-6 p.m.

Where: Miramontes Baca Education Building, Room 260

Who: Open to all interested students, faculty, staff and community members. Attendees can learn more about the artist and her inspiration from working with ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� students.

The ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� School of Education has partnered with the ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Cultural Events Board (CEB) and acclaimed Indigenous artist Danielle SeeWalker on a community mural to provide inspiration in the Miramontes Baca Education Building for years to come.

CEB and the school will host an official unveiling of a new mural on Tuesday, March 11 from 4-6 p.m. the Miramontes Baca Education Building, Room 260.

The unique community gathering is open to everyone, and RSVP is appreciated. Community members will learn more about the artist’s inspiration and how insights from listening sessions with ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� students and School of Education faculty and staff feedback helped develop a culturally relevant and community-minded mural.

The new mural features Indigenous wisdom; intergenerational and cultural knowledge; connections with the land; sacred symbols of love, strength and affirming education; and opportunities to grow.

Naisha Naik, a first-year student studying business analytics andCEB member, said helping lead the project and participating in the listening sessions between SeeWalker and other students was a meaningful part of her year.

We wanted this to be a mural that reflected not only Indigenous knowledge and strength but also the importance of education and community. I think having this mural in the School of Education is especially meaningful as it serves as a reminder that education is not just about books and classrooms but also about the stories, history, and knowledge of our communities. It's been so amazing to see Danielle bring all of the themes and motifs from our listening sessions to life." — Naisha Nalik, Cultural Events Board member

“From the beginning, we wanted this to be a mural that reflected not only Indigenous knowledge and strength but also the importance of education and community,” Naik said. "I think having this mural in the School of Education is especially meaningful as it serves as a reminder that education is not just about books and classrooms but also about the stories, history, and knowledge of our communities.

“It's been so amazing to see Danielle bring all of the themes and motifs from our listening sessions to life.”

A fine artist, muralist, and activist, SeeWalker is Húŋkpapȟa Lakȟóta and a citizen of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in North Dakota. The Denver-based artist has a passion for “redirecting the narrative to an accurate and insightful representation of contemporary Native America while still acknowledging historical events.” Her work centers Indigenous knowledge, beauty, and social justice.

SeeWalker’s murals have been featured nationally and locally, including downtown Denver, Empower Field, the Denver Indian Center, the Denver Zoo, and more. This mural at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� is a continuation of past projects with CEB, including two murals in the ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Engineering Center.

“As a School of Education alumna and current ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� staff of color, I feel absolutely honored to be able to be a part of such an incredible project like this one for the second time around,” said Alexis Gonzales, Coordinator of Cultural Programs in the Center for Student Involvement. “The mural is a product of the Cultural Events Board Cultural Connections Project and a testament to CEB's deep commitment to justice and equity in education.

“Not only does the mural resist colonial legacies and ideologies, but more importantly, it is a representation of the beauty and brilliance in our Native and Indigenous communities. I hope this mural serves as an inspiration for current and future students and enables more opportunities for similar projects across campus.”

The Cultural Events Board is comprised of student leaders and aims to broaden cultural knowledge by supporting the voices of underrepresented and misrepresented groups on campus, thereby promoting student engagement with their platforms. The Cultural Events Board encourages opportunities for interaction among students resulting in respect, appreciation, and understanding for cultural differences.

March 11 unveiling event to feature ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� School of Education and Cultural Events Board partnership with acclaimed Indigenous artist Danielle SeeWalker on a culturally relevant and community-minded mural to provide inspiration in the Miramontes Baca Education Building for years to come.

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Meet Kendall Goldenson, a senior in elementary education ready to make an impact in the classroom and beyond

Maddie Rudolph — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 17:30:07 +0000

Meet Kendall Goldenson, a senior in elementary education ready to make an impact in the classroom and beyond Maddie Rudolph Wed, 02/19/2025 - 10:30

Maddie Rudolph

Meet Kendall Goldenson, a ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� senior who is paving her way toward a meaningful career in teaching, and eventually, educational policy.

Through her educational journey, she’s discovered that impact isn’t just about what happens now, but also how it shapes the future.

“I’ve always wanted to make an impact on the world, and I’ve always felt like working with children is the best way to do that,” says Goldenson.

For her, the dream isn’t just about being an educator but creating environments where every student, from all backgrounds, can thrive.
At ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, Goldenson's experiences have only deepened her passion for education.

“I love the School of Education’s mission and vision,” she said. “When I visited, the dean personally gave my family a tour. That personal touch really stood out to me.”

Opportunities to lead and learn

Since enrolling, she has embraced leadership opportunities, including the School of Education Student Government and supporting its initiatives and contributing to policy discussions that amplify student voices.

Goldenson aspirations extend beyond the classroom, with interests ranging from curriculum development to ensuring inclusive practices for English language learners and students with disabilities; she’s determined to make systemic changes.

“Schools should be supportive environments where every child meets their goal,” she said. “I don’t ever want a child to feel like they’ve been failed.”

When asked about her future, Goldenson lit up with enthusiasm, crediting Ruth Bader Ginsburg as an inspiration: “I watched a film about her and it changed my life,” she explained. “I want to be that woman who walks into a room and commands respect, all while being 4’11.”

She shares at least a couple of traits with the Supreme Court icon and one of her role models: a small stature combined with a big passion for standing up for her values and the voices of others. This resolve has contributed to her dreams of combining education and policy.

Prioritizing joy

Despite her busy schedule of centering coursework, student teaching, Student Government leadership responsibilities as a co-president, and more, Goldenson emphasizes the importance of balance. Whether it’s exploring coffee shops, attending concerts, or indulging in her love for baking, she finds time to connect with life beyond academics.

“I could see why people might think school is my whole life, but it’s about finding joy in the little things,” she said.

Her energy is contagious, a reminder that educators are individuals with passions that fuel their drive.

Looking forward to the future

As her undergraduate journey comes to a close with graduation approaching this semester, she’s ready to take the next step. With plans to first teach elementary school before transitioning into policy work, she’s committed to making schools inclusive, supportive environments for all.

“Education is about showing children they’re loved and supported,” she concluded. “It’s about being that person who believes in them when they need it most. That’s the kind of teacher I want to be.”

Goldenson’s story is a reminder that the most profound change often starts small: in classrooms with students who feel valued and with educators who dream big.

Meet Kendall Goldenson, a ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� senior who is paving her way toward a meaningful career in teaching, and eventually, educational policy.

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What DOGE’s recent Department of Education cuts could mean for researchers, educators

Ichigo Takikawa — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 21:51:04 +0000

What DOGE’s recent Department of Education cuts could mean for researchers, educators Ichigo Takikawa Tue, 02/18/2025 - 14:51

Daniel Strain , Nicholas Goda

Recent cuts have targeted the Institute for Education Sciences, the main research arm of the Department of Education, which collects data and funds research on what works in education. Read on for insights from Derek Briggs, professor of education and director of CADRE at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��.

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The power of being seen: Melissa Braaten on teaching, equity, and impact

Maddie Rudolph — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 18:09:17 +0000

The power of being seen: Melissa Braaten on teaching, equity, and impact Maddie Rudolph Wed, 02/12/2025 - 11:09

Maddie Rudolph

Meet Melissa Braaten, an associate professor focusing on science education and teachers' learning and the new Associate Dean for Undergraduate and Teacher Education. Braaten has been at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� since 2016, and before that, she was on the faculty at the University of Wisconsin and taught grades 5th through 12th for more than 14 years.

Braaten knew that she wanted to be a science teacher right away in college.

“I was motivated to be a teacher because I appreciated how my own teachers created learning experiences that helped me to expand my horizons, and I wanted to be a person who could do that for another generation of students.”

She notes that once she began teaching, she became deeply aware of the inequities and injustices that are a part of our society and schools. Her main focus as a teacher, teacher educator, and scholar is to work to change structures and build a more equitable and just world.

When considering what kinds of impact her own teachers had on her life, Dr. Braatan noticed one common thread: “Teachers who really recognized something specific in who I am and then connected some aspect of school to my life were the teachers who made a big impact.”

Braaten recalls her middle school literature teacher letting her choose books written by women focusing on women’s rights, and her high school government teacher intentionally making flawed human rights policies in model UN projects knowing that she would find the flaws and fight them.

“Each of these teachers took moments to know me, see me, and let me know that they heard me,” she said. “It mattered a lot for expanding my horizons. I'm still in touch with many of those teachers!”

Braaten is poised to be that kind of mentor for her students in teacher learning and STEM education programs at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��. Get to know more about Braaten and her passions inside and outside the School of Education here.

In her own words:

Can you recall a time when you felt proud of your decision to become a teacher?

“My most proud moments come from seeing my own former students as they flourish and find their paths in life. I felt very proud as a teacher in Texas when I was able to stand alongside my students as they created a Gay-Straight Alliance and fought against the school district's policy banning such student organizations. I felt proud when I worked with formerly incarcerated youth in South Seattle who persevered and insisted on their right to a high-quality education. I've never cheered so loudly as I cheered at the graduations where youth and their families celebrated walking across that stage. Those are the moments that make me most proud to be a teacher.”

What do you like to do during your free time?

“I love to go camping and hiking with my partner, Nate, so Colorado is the perfect place for us! We also like to spend time with friends where we live in Denver. We love to cook and eat together with our neighbors. We are big sports fans so we always try to go to soccer, basketball, baseball, and hockey games supporting Denver teams.”

What’s one thing you’re willing to spend way too much on?

“I'm willing to spend way too much for tickets to a Denver Nuggets game!”

Meet Melissa Braaten, an associate professor focusing on science education and teachers' learning and the new Associate Dean for Undergraduate and Teacher Education.

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Two ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� professors elected to prestigious National Academy of Education

Hannah Fletcher — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 21:48:40 +0000

Two ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� professors elected to prestigious National Academy of Education Hannah Fletcher Thu, 02/06/2025 - 14:48

NAEd members are elected based on outstanding scholarship or leadership related to education. Briggs and Welner join a group of just 22 national and international colleagues elected to the Academy this year.

“I am delighted that two of our ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� colleagues have been recognized among the highest honors in education," said Fernando Rosario-Ortiz, interim dean for the School of Education.

Joe Polman, associate dean of research, added: “Drs. Briggs and Welner are leading experts in their areas of study who continue to push our understanding of the impact of educational policies and practices—from the meticulous work that Dr. Briggs uses to scrutinize methodological approaches to evaluating student growth to Dr. Welner’s creative and determined focus on bringing high-quality research to bear on closing opportunity gaps.

“We know they will be invaluable contributors to the Academy.”

Drs. Briggs and Welner are leading experts in their areas of study who continue to push our understanding of the impact of educational policies and practices -- from the meticulous work that Dr. Briggs uses to scrutinize methodological approaches to evaluating student growth to Dr. Welner’s creative and determined focus on bringing high-quality research to bear on closing opportunity gaps.” — Fernando Rosario-Ortiz

Briggs is a professor in the Research Evaluation and Methodology program, where he is also the director and founder of the Center for Assessment, Design, Research and Evaluation (CADRE). He joined the faculty at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� in 2003, and his research focuses on advancing methods for the sound measurement of student learning and for evaluating the effects of educational interventions on student achievement.

As a nationally renowned psychometrician, or someone who studies the measurement of students’ knowledge and abilities, and CADRE director, Briggs works with states and education leaders to provide technical advice on the design and use of large-scale student assessments. He is also an American Educational Research Association (AERA) Fellow and past president of the National Council on Measurement in Education.

“Prof. Derek Briggs is among the foremost leaders in the measurement field today,” said nominator Edward Haertal, professor emeritus at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, who agreed to share his perspective. “He is an enormously talented, multifaceted scholar engaging fundamental issues in measurement, identifying questionable practices and assumptions and pointing the way toward solutions...His election would add luster to our Academy.”

Welner is the director of the National Education Policy Center and is a research professor in the Educational Foundations, Policy and Practice program in the School of Education, where he has been on the faculty for 25 years. Welner has written and published extensively on opportunity gaps, educational reform, charter schools, private-school vouchers, ability grouping, school finance, and the area of interplay between education policy and the law. He is a former practicing attorney and the co-author of textbooks used in law schools and schools of education to teach education law. He is an AERA Fellow as well as a Senior Fellow of the Learning Policy Institute. He is also chair of the Board of Trustees of the Education Law Center.

“Professor Kevin Welner’s research contributions are unique in combining careful policy analysis on the use of the law in education with empirical social science analysis,” Polman added. “He is also one of the most skilled public communicators of education policy research in our field. Through their hugely influential work, he and his colleagues have literally changed misguided conversations in this country about ‘achievement gaps' into more productive efforts to identify and address educational 'opportunity gaps.’”

Briggs and Welner join four ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� colleagues who are also members of NAEd: Rubén Donato, Margaret Eisenhart, Bill Penuel and Lorrie Shepard, who is a former NAEd president.

Carol Lee, current NAEd president, welcomed members to the Academy in a news release, adding they will join peers in making an indelible impact on education scholarship.

“Education, broadly conceived, is foundational to preparing students across ages to navigate the complexities of our democratic experiment in governance, the increased interdependence of our modern world, productive workforce participation, and their personal development as humans,” she said.

“Our distinguished colleagues now joining the National Academy of Education bring the range of expertise and commitments needed for our field to update itself and wrestle with these complexities continuously.”

Founded in 1965, NAEd is an honorific society that “advances high quality education research and its use in policy and practice.” Members serve on expert study panels that address pressing issues in education, and they engage in professional development fellowship programs.

Two faculty members in the ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� School of Education, Derek Briggs and Kevin Welner, have been elected to the esteemed National Academy of Education (NAEd), the Academy announced recently. NAEd members are elected based on outstanding scholarship or leadership related to education. Briggs and Welner join a group of just 22 national and international colleagues elected this year.

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Homepage News

The inspiration behind the Wóinila: In Silence We Learn Mural in the School of Education

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Your ���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������ Guide to AERA 2025

���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������ School of Education faculty and students participation at this year’s AERA in Denver include:

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Media sources available to discuss politics & education: Federal cuts, LGBTQ+ students & more

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Provost, interim education dean announce future of CU Engage

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Cutting half the Department of Education’s staff will have devastating, possibly illegal, consequences: expert

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New mural led by Cultural Events Board, School of Education students centers Indigenous wisdom, beauty and education

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Meet Kendall Goldenson, a senior in elementary education ready to make an impact in the classroom and beyond

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What DOGE’s recent Department of Education cuts could mean for researchers, educators

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The power of being seen: Melissa Braaten on teaching, equity, and impact

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Two ���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������ professors elected to prestigious National Academy of Education

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Your ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Guide to AERA 2025

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� School of Education faculty and students participation at this year’s AERA in Denver include:

Two ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� professors elected to prestigious National Academy of Education