From the Dean

Kelly Chandler-Olcott portraitWelcome to the Syracuse University School of Education!

Whether you are a prospective student, a job applicant, or a potential partner on one of our projects, I invite you to learn more about our community of educators committed to inclusive, equitable, and antiracist research and practice.

My quarter-century on the SOE faculty—and now as Dean—have offered a front-row seat on our stakeholders’ myriad impactful contributions to learning-focused contexts that range from schools and universities to community organizations and workplaces. I have been awed and cheered by the way our alumni have faced many challenges with creativity, fortitude, and care for others.

Driven by our 2023 Academic Strategic Plan, SOE faculty and staff are working collaboratively to extend and amplify our expertise in three distinct but often overlapping signature areas: 1) inclusive and antiracist pedagogy and practice; 2) digital pedagogy and practice; and 3) experiential pedagogy and practice.

We’re committed to integrating our historical strengths with the new knowledge, skills, and habits of mind we need to remain at the forefront of fields such as counseling and human services; cultural foundations of education; higher education; instructional design, development, and evaluation; language and literacy; and teaching and leadership preparation.

An SOE peer advisor takes a selfie in front of a group of students

I invite you to communicate any ideas you have about strengthening the School of Education and increasing the impact of our scholarship, teaching, service, and advocacy on the constituencies we serve.

You can reach me at kpchandl@syr.edu or 315.443.4751. Please also consider sharing your experiences and perspectives with others using the hashtag #ProudToBeSOE on social media.

Remember—Real Educators wear Orange!

Warmly,

kelly chandler olcott signature
Kelly Chandler-Olcott
Dean and Laura J. & L. Douglas Meredith Professor for Teaching Excellence