A Peabody College education isn't always tied to a physical place or a particular life stage, and it doesn't exclusively result in a degree. We continually envision what it means to educate and serve professionals throughout their careers, whether by offering degree programs, evidence-based resources or timely professional development. In this issue of the Peabody Reflector, you'll read stories that show not just how we educate, but how those who learn from Peabody disseminate our teaching in classrooms, in hospitals, and on Capitol Hill.
Take, for example, Savannah Higgins, Brooke Allen, Welton Pride, Jordan Mareno and Yingxian "Becky" Liu, whose stories reflect how Peabody's on-campus graduate and professional programs engage students in a blend of rigorous scholarship, mentorship and practical experience that prepares them for careers that shape society. These alumni strengthen education outcomes for students with the greatest need and shape education policy, community development and clinical research, extending Peabody's reach to places where it is needed most.
In addition to on-campus programs, we also recognize that many busy professionals need greater flexibility to deepen their expertise as their careers evolve. That is why this spring we unveiled four new online master's degree programs in Applied Behavior Analysis, Educational Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness, Innovative Design and Technology in Education and Multilingual Education. These programs extend Peabody's teaching and mentorship to students wherever they are, so that they can be competitive for in-demand roles and leverage their knowledge to make an immediate impact.
We also know that, sometimes, education professionals just need a trusted resource to which they can turn for additional materials and guidance. For the past 25 years, the IRIS Center has been that resource, expanding to support schools, colleges, hospitals and state training programs. From an outpatient waiting room at a children's hospital to school districts across the country, these stories exemplify how those who support children with disabilities have learned from the IRIS Center in unexpected ways.
The Alexander Initiative shows another dimension of Peabody's commitment to meeting the needs of education professionals, with the goal of revitalizing history teaching and civics education in U.S. high schools. We recently celebrated the "graduation" of the first cohort of Alexander Fellows, high school teachers who engaged in a fully funded, immersive summer residency at Peabody and then applied what they learned to their classrooms, with remote coaching throughout the school year. We are excited to welcome a second cohort this summer!
As this issue of the Peabody Reflector shows, we want people from all backgrounds and career stages to benefit from a Peabody education. Moreover, we know that education doesn't end by earning a degree but continues throughout one's professional growth. That is why we were thrilled to begin offering new certificate programs as well as scholarships for alumni and teachers-in addition to other funding opportunities. From alumni to those new to Peabody, we welcome everyone to explore how our educational offerings can help them Dare to Grow throughout their careers.
Camilla Persson Benbow
Patricia and Rodes Hart Dean of Education and Human Development
