Education at Illinois

09/18/2026

Congratulations to Jefferson Middle School seventh-grade mathematics teacher Danielle A. Murchison on receiving the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s PreK-12 Educator Excellence Award!

Since joining Champaign Unit 4 Schools in 2018, Danielle has made a lasting impact on students both inside and outside the classroom. She creates an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, learning from mistakes and building confidence in their mathematical abilities.

Her commitment to students extends beyond the classroom through her work as a mentor and coach. Danielle mentors student teachers and serves as head cross-country coach at Jefferson Middle School and head girls track and field coach at Centennial High School, helping students develop perseverance, teamwork, leadership and self-belief.

We are proud to celebrate Danielle’s dedication to our students and her commitment to helping young people recognize their potential. Congratulations, Danielle, on this well-deserved honor!

09/17/2026

Our NSF-funded FRACTAL group has been busy this summer! Their work explores how teachers learn to integrate human-centered design into geometry instruction. From designing culturally relevant challenges to tracing student learning during authentic design experiences.

More: https://bit.ly/4xvPWSg

NSF-Funded FRACTAL Group Shares Research on Human Centered Design Sep 8, 2026 1:30 pm by Communications Office Share on Facebook Tweet Email Images The FRACTAL Group, which includes Curriculum & Instruction professor Gloriana Gonzalez and Siebel Center for Design senior associate director of researc...

09/16/2026

Congratulations to Aigul Rakisheva, an EPOL Ph.D. candidate, on earning the Strategic Data Project (SDP) Fellowship at Harvard University. Rakisheva will join the Achievement Network (ANet) as Manager of Impact Evaluation.

EPOL Doctoral Candidate Named to Strategic Data Project Fellowship Sep 2, 2026 2:15 pm by Communications Office Share on Facebook Tweet Email Images Aigul Rakisheva, a Ph.D. Candidate in Education Policy, Organization & Leadership, has earned the Strategic Data Project (SDP) Fellowship at Harvard Un...

09/16/2026

We’re honored to recognize four alumni whose impact on education has been felt far and wide:

🔸 Robert Griegoliet
🔹 Steven Launius
🔸 Terry Vaughan III
🔹 Danielle A. Murchison

Read more about our awardees and the upcoming Salute to Education event: https://bit.ly/4AfO7v3

09/15/2026

We’re welcoming three new faces to our faculty ranks this fall:

🔸 Christian Hines - Curriculum & Instruction at Illinois
🔹 Sandra Camargo Salamanca - Educational Psychology at Illinois
🔸 Nikki Wright - Education Policy, Organization & Leadership

More: https://bit.ly/4r9ulxb

09/14/2026

Keeping the momentum going with our newest Illini ⏩

Some key stats from the 2026-27 tenth-day numbers:

-College enrollment up 30% over 10 years
-Students from underrepresented populations increased 53% over 10 years
-First-gen students up 198% over 10 years
-International Students from 38 countries
-Students from 41 states + Puerto Rico

09/11/2026

Investing in our own.

We’re proud to announce that 11 faculty members have earned promotions for 2026-27. Additionally, Stephanie Toliver received the Campus Distinguished Promotion, recognizing extraordinary work.

We’re pleased to have these educators at Illinois for years to come. More: https://bit.ly/4xKtzcw

09/10/2026

Join us one week from today for the Goldstick Family Lecture.

🗣️ Dr. Jennifer Kurth: Inclusive Education: The Right to Belong
📍 U. of I. Philanthropy Center
⏰ 4:00 p.m.

More info: https://education.illinois.edu/alumni/the-goldstick-family-lecture

09/10/2026

Congratulations to Haeryun Kim on being recognized by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea for her academic performance and leadership qualities.

EPOL Ph.D. Candidate Receives Award from The Embassy of the Republic of Korea Aug 25, 2026 12:30 pm by Paul Bruno Share on Facebook Tweet Email Images Haeryun Kim, a Ph.D. candidate in Education Policy, Organization & Leadership, with a concentration in Educational Administration and Leadership. Sh...

09/09/2026

Three faculty members from our College will serve as Op-Ed Project Public Voices Fellows for 2026-27:

🔶 Rochelle Gutierrez, professor C&I
🔷 Jon Hale, professor EPOL
🔶 Mirelsie Velazquez, associate professor EPOL

More:

Three from Education Named Op-Ed Project Public Voices Fellows Sep 1, 2026 8:00 am by Communications Office Share on Facebook Tweet Email Images Three faculty members from the College of Education were named OpEd Project Public Voices Fellows by the Office of the Provost.Rochelle Gutierrez, professo...