University of St. Thomas School of Education

On Juneteenth, we honor the ongoing pursuit of justice and equity while reflecting on the significance of this pivotal moment in our nation's history. As educators and leaders, we remain committed to learning from the past and advancing opportunities for all. In observance of the holiday, the School of Education will be closed on Friday, June 19.

Congratulations to Linda Baughman, '24 EdD on her appointment as the next Vice President for Student Affairs at St. Thomas. A collaborative leader and dedicated advocate for student success, Linda has served the St. Thomas community for more than 30 years and has helped advance initiatives supporting first-generation, transfer and under-resourced students. We are proud to celebrate this School of Education graduate as she begins her new role later this summer!

A new partnership between the School of Education and GHR Foundation is creating a powerful pipeline for the next generation of Catholic school educators. Through a two-year, employment-based program, aspiring teachers can earn a bachelor's degree and teaching license while continuing to work and earn a salary in Catholic schools. This innovative model is helping address teacher shortages and strengthen Catholic education across the Twin Cities.

Learn more about how this partnership is shaping the future of Catholic schools:

GHR Foundation and St. Thomas Partnership Builds Catholic School Teacher Pipeline - Newsroom | University of St. Thomas A new partnership between the University of St. Thomas and the GHR Foundation aims to bolster the pipeline of future Catholic school teachers by creating pathways for aspiring educators to complete their bachelor’s degrees and obtain teaching licensures.

Through the Maxfield Internship Program, Dougherty Family College students gain hands-on classroom experience while exploring careers in education and youth development. The internship was created through a SEED grant awarded to the School of Education’s Special Education Department and is designed to build a pathway for students interested in teaching and making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people. Maxfield partners with the School of Education as a collaborative learning school.

Read more about how this partnership is strengthening the educator pipeline and preparing the next generation of teachers:

Maxfield Internship Program Provides Hands-On Experience for Future Educators - Newsroom | University of St. Thomas The Maxfield internship through Dougherty Family College was founded through a SEED grant awarded to the University of St. Thomas School of Education’s Special Education Department and is now supported through a private donation. The goal of the internship is to create a pathway for students inter...

Teaching excellence matters—and we're fortunate to have faculty who model it every day! Congratulations again to Dr. Debbie Monson, Laura Medwetz, and all of the 2026 faculty award recipients. Proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition! 🎉

Faculty Honored for Excellence in Teaching, Scholarship and Service - Newsroom | University of St. Thomas The University of St. Thomas Academic Affairs celebrates five exceptional faculty members who embody the university's mission through their teaching, scholarship and service.

Want flexibility in pursuing your Special Education license? Or need to fulfill Out-of-Field Permission (OFP) requirements? We offer online, in-person and hyflex models of course delivery for 5 Special Education licenses! Join us on June 8 for an online Info Session to learn more: https://link.stthomas.edu/80EKl

What does it mean to create schools and communities where all people can thrive?

At MITIE — the Minnesota Institute for Trauma-Informed Education at the University of St. Thomas — that question is guiding powerful partnerships with Youthprise and public school educators across the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro area. MITIE Director Eyenga Bokamba works to amplify restorative trauma-informed practices that center connection, generate learning and elevate joy.

The Youthprise Cultural Wellness Cohort focuses on culturally grounded healing, youth leadership and community-based learning. Meanwhile, MITIE’s Carlson cohort supports alternative middle and high school educators through projects centered on belonging, reliable adult relationships and student voice.

Together, these cohorts are helping build trauma-informed, resilient communities rooted in authenticity, liberatory consciousness, and collective care.

Enjoy this video from Restoration for All (Youthprise Cohort) that embodies the values and spirit of the work MITIE has been doing over the last few years: https://vimeo.com/1061856609?share=copy

We’re still reliving all the fantastic moments from graduate commencement! Enjoy this recap!

Sights and Sounds: Graduate School Commencement - Newsroom | University of St. Thomas Master's and doctoral students from schools and colleges across the University of St. Thomas gathered in the Lee & Penny Anderson Arena for two commencement ceremonies celebrating the Class of 2026.

On May 22, the School of Education hosted the Educational Leadership Graduation Celebration & Garbing Ceremony. Graduates from the Department of Educational Leadership were honored, and the doctoral graduates were hooded and given the opportunity to share about their dissertations. Thank you to all who attended to celebrate these outstanding scholars!