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 Dear Friends and Alumni, The word “education” naturally brings schools to mind. But school is not the only place that children and youth learn. For some, school may not even be the most prominent place for learning. In fact, learning takes place at home, listening to the radio and watching TV, on the athletic field, in out-of-school organizations, at shopping centers, and in the streets. As a School of Education, we need to be concerned about all contexts in which children learn. 
Deborah Stipek Dean of the School of Education The John W. Gardner Center for Youth and Their Communities, featured in this issue of the Educator, recognizes that any effort to improve opportunities for youth to develop into productive contributors to society needs to consider all of the contexts in which youth spend their time. Stanford faculty, graduate students and undergraduates partner with community officials and leaders to examine comprehensively the opportunities youth have in a community for healthy development. By involving youth themselves in the analysis and planning, the Center gives them a chance to develop a sense of capacity and responsibility for civic contributions. The value of the Gardner Center extends beyond the Bay Area communities in which it is working. By carefully documenting what they are learning about creating communities that support positive youth development and sharing knowledge with other communities, SUSE faculty and students have broad national impact. While the Gardner Center faculty and students are working in local communities, SUSE staff have been busy planning an exciting benefit featuring comedian Bill Cosby.The benefit, “Cosby on Campus: Celebrating Teachers!” will take place on the Stanford campus on May 23rd, and will recognize the importance of good teachers and Stanford’s contribution to the quality of teachers in the Bay Area. Cosby’s performance will be preceded by an invitational professional development program for 80 teacher leaders and followed by a VIP/sponsors gala dinner. Cosby stipulated that all proceeds be used to provide fellowships for teachers who commit to teaching low-income children.We welcome all alumni to join us for this special celebration! I can assure you that there are no dull moments around SUSE.The year ahead promises to be busy and productive—we welcome you to be a part of it! Sincerely, Deborah Stipek |