University of Michigan Marsal Family School of Education

Recently released 2025 federal testing data shows that average math scores for 9- and 13-year-olds in the U.S. remain lower than they were a decade ago. In an interview with The Washington Post, Professor Brian Jacob discusses factors that may help explain the decline and the changing priorities facing schools today. Read more: https://myumi.ch/G714g

We are proud to announce the 2025–26 Marsal Family School of Education Alumni Award recipients! This year’s honorees are recognized across three award categories for exemplifying the school’s mission through their leadership, research, and service in education. Congratulations to Emerging Leader Alumni Award recipient Devon Archer, Distinguished Education Practitioner Award recipient Kia Berry Hagens, and Distinguished Education Researcher Award recipient Matthew J. Mayhew. Read more: https://myumi.ch/J48Wq

Join us for a week-long professional learning experience that uses live elementary mathematics instruction to explore the complexities of teaching and how skillful teaching can disrupt patterns of injustice. Together, we'll examine instructional decisions, engage with mathematics content, and explore ways to value student thinking and advance justice through mathematics education. Learn more: https://myumi.ch/4x8nA

When the K–8 school she attended was among a wave of school closures in West Virginia, Marsal Education professor Christina Weiland saw the need for better access to information. Together with U-M graduate students Zhonghan Xie and Tiffany Wu, she developed a school closing tracker to help communities and policymakers better understand the impact of these closures. Read more: https://myumi.ch/Z86kR

As a first-year student in the LEAPS program, Alan Martin has already found meaningful ways to connect his passion for education with community impact. Through his internship with Detroit PBS and the Michigan Learning Channel, Alan serves as an Education Coordinator, helping expand access to engaging educational resources for children, families, and educators across Detroit and throughout Michigan.

In his role, Alan helps plan and execute educational programs and community events, coordinate logistics, collaborate with partners, and support curriculum-based content designed to engage students and families. Alan has continued developing professional skills like collaboration, community engagement, and problem-solving.

He encourages new LEAPS students to stay open to opportunities and make connections. “They are everywhere if you look for them,” he said. “People in education are very willing to take you under their wing and guide and mentor you, so never be afraid to reach out!”

📚 Ready to lead meaningful change in education? Our online MA in Leading Educational Innovation and Transformation is designed for current and aspiring education leaders who want to drive impact in schools, districts, and organizations, all while learning from anywhere. With flexible online coursework, you can earn your Marsal Education degree while balancing your professional and personal commitments.

⏰ Apply by August 1 to start this fall. Learn more at https://myumi.ch/gkj4n

A new grant project led by Dr. Darin Stockdill will review 7th Grade and High School World History MC3 curricula, identify gaps and alignments with the 2019 Michigan Social Studies Standards, and recommend revisions and additional materials where needed. Read more: https://myumi.ch/rw19M

Discover how the Leading Educational Innovation and Transformation online master’s program can advance your career! Join our virtual information session to learn how the Marsal Family School of Education supports professional and academic growth. We’ll discuss program requirements, courses, timeline, funding opportunities, and application steps, finishing with a live Q&A. Register now: myumi.ch/A13rZ

Finley Hudecek spends her LEAPS internship at Racquet Up Detroit doing far more than tutoring students; she’s helping build confidence, connection, and community. Finley serves as a tutor and academic helper, providing classroom support and helping create educational materials.

For Finley, the most meaningful part of the internship has been building relationships with the students. She is especially excited to return in the fall and continue growing those connections. “I came in prepared for anything,” she said, crediting LEAPS for helping her develop confidence, adaptability, and a willingness to roll with the punches.

While she sees herself pursuing a future in education, she is especially interested in opportunities outside of the traditional classroom setting. Creating academic materials has been one of her favorite parts of the role and has helped her explore new possibilities within the field.

In response to a wave of school closures in West Virginia—including the K-8 school she attended—Marsal Education professor Christina Weiland, and U-M graduate students Jonas Xie and Tiffany Wu, developed a school closing tracker to put data about the closures into the hands of communities and policymakers. Read more: https://marsal.umich.edu/news/christina-weiland-and-u-m-graduate-students-jonas-xie-and-tiffany-wu-develop-school-closing