News
School of Education Launches Fully Inclusive Study Abroad Experience in Italy
The University’s first inclusive study abroad trip has redefined what inclusive higher education looks like, blending immersive cultural experiences with academic exploration of inclusive education across borders. This two-week program, held in June 2025, brought together students with and without intellectual disability, reflecting a commitment to making global education more inclusive and accessible to everyone....Read More
Professor Jing Lei to Deliver AECT25 Presidential Session Address on AI in Inclusive Schools
Professor Jing Lei, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the Syracuse University School of Education, along with instructional design doctoral candidate Yang Liu, will deliver a paper during the Presidential Session at the October 2025 Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) annual convention in Las Vegas. The paper—”Exploring Pre-Service Teachers’ Learning Processes in AI-Integrated...Read More
Five Questions for Laura Rouse G’17, G’22
Laura Rouse holds a Certificate of Advanced Study (2017) and Ed.D. (2022) in Educational Leadership from Syracuse University School of Education. Her doctoral dissertation—”Unveiling the Unmarked Implications for Culturally Responsive Educational Leadership”—explores the ways Whiteness exists in predominately White rural pre-K through grade 12 public education. In 2024, Rouse founded Supernal Insights LLC, an educational...Read More
Professor Jing Lei Argues for the Wise Use of AI in Schools
NY teachers push for AI protections in the classroom (Spectrum News | July 3, 2025) At a recent rally in Ithaca, teachers called on state lawmakers to protect the uniquely human side of their profession. Many fear that without regulation, AI tools could replace core parts of their job — and damage the critical teacher-student...Read More
“How to Teach Banned Books”: Morgan Meddings ’25 Wins Orlin Prize for Honors Thesis
When the latest national trend toward challenging children’s books in community and school libraries came to her small Western Pennsylvania town, Morgan Meddings ’25 was shocked and dismayed, but not intimidated. An honors student and inclusive elementary major, Meddings channeled her energy into developing a school curriculum designed to defend challenged books. This project was...Read More
Fireworks and Trauma: Professor Ken Marfilius Provides Advice for July 4
Fretting over fireworks: Dealing with sounds, sights and smells this Independence Day (Via Spectrum News | July 3, 2025) The Fourth of July celebrates America’s independence, usually with concerts, cookouts and, of course, fireworks. Fireworks are meant to be exciting and bring joy to viewers, but for some military veterans, the displays can trigger tough...Read More
Nick Piato G’22: Past, Present, and Future
In May 2025, Syracuse University School of Education said “farewell” to Nick Piato G’22 after three years as program coordinator for The SENSES Project, which seeks to increase sense of belonging for students through the use of music and podcast creation. SENSES is an initiative of the TRIO Student Support Services program, part of SOE’s...Read More
Innovative Student Group Designs Inclusive Clothing for Neurodivergent Community
Carolyn Fernandes ’25 remembers walking out of an interview for a design internship that she ended up not getting. She wondered if fidgeting with her nails—a common, repetitive expression of her nervous energy every day—was misconstrued as a sign of not paying attention and a reason for her not getting the position. Fernandes is part...Read More
Neal Powless G’08 Inducted Into American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame
You could say that lacrosse is in Neal Powless’s blood. Powless G’08, the University ombuds, is a school counseling master’s program alum and a member of the Onondaga Nation Eel Clan. He is the son, grandson, and brother of legendary lacrosse players. Powless picked up a lacrosse stick for the first time at age 2....Read More
Professor Sabrina Butler Addresses School Cell Phone Bans with Spectrum News
Some officials say New York’s phone ban good for students (Spectrum News | June 5, 2025) It’s a new law that will impact K-12 students across the Empire State – internet-enabled devices won’t be allowed in schools from bell to bell. School districts are required to have a new written policy posted on their website...Read More
Katie Ducett G’22, G’23: Past, Present, and Future
Holding a Ph.D. focusing on special education and teaching and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Disability Studies from Syracuse University School of Education, Katie Ducett G’22, G’23 is an assistant professor at SUNY-Cortland, a short drive south from Syracuse on Interstate 81. “The department I am a part of is called Foundations and Social...Read More
The Nation: Professor George Theoharis Asks “What’s Really at Stake in Mahmoud v. Taylor?”
My Kindergarten Class Taught Me What’s Really at Stake in Mahmoud v. Taylor (The Nation | June 2, 2025) Twenty-five years ago, I was teaching kindergarten in Wisconsin. It was time for the annual unit on families. As any good early childhood teacher knows, when you teach a family unit, you need picture books that...Read More
Professor Sabrina Butler Debates Benefits of Banning Cell Phones in Schools
The number of school districts considering banning cell phones during the school day is on the rise nationwide. At least eight states have banned smartphones in public school classrooms, while 28 states (including New York) have proposed a ban on student smartphone usage. Other states are exploring a variety of ways to limit cell phone...Read More
Maria Murray G’96, G’09 Named CNY “Exceptional Woman”
Maria Murray of The Reading League Earns State Honor (Syracuse Post-Standard | May 16, 2025) Maria Murray, president and CEO of The Reading League, has been named one of the 2025 Exceptional Women of Central New York, an annual award presented by New York State Assemblymember Pamela J. Hunter. Murray is among 10 women recognized...Read More
Lab THRIVE: Advancing Student Mental Health and Resilience
Lab THRIVE, short for The Health and Resilience Interdisciplinary collaboratiVE, is making significant strides in collegiate mental health research. Launched by an interdisciplinary Syracuse University team in 2023, the lab focuses on understanding the complex factors affecting college students’ adjustment to campus life, with an emphasis on both risk and protective factors that influence psychological...Read More
Professor George Theoharis Comments to Newsweek on SCOTUS Charter Schools Decision
Why Amy Coney Barrett May Have Sat Out Huge Supreme Court Case (Newsweek | May 22, 2025) U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett was the lone jurist on the High Court who did not participate in a ruling that blocked creation of the first taxpayer-funded religious charter school in the nation. The resulting 4-4...Read More