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December 2024
 
 
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December 2024

Dear GSE Alumni, 

Although the calendar year is drawing to a close, it feels like we are just getting started. The promise of a new year and a new era is just around the corner. In 2025, the GSE is embracing the notion of coming together. With our new home at the heart of Stanford University set to open this fall, we will celebrate a variety of spaces designed for connection on campus. But the GSE extends well beyond the Bay Area. Our home is with each and every one of you. Whether at a conference, a local spot near you, or over Zoom, the GSE is excited to connect with more of you in the new year, and we want to hear about what you've been up to since the last time we saw you.

Coincidentally, some of our Learning Design & Technology (LDT) alums got together for a workshop in the far north —just shy of the North Pole.

The LDT network is growing in Scandinavia, just like our GSE family around the world! Read more about their story below in our new Alumni Spotlight section of the newsletter where we aim to feature alumni connections from across the globe each month.

If you are connecting with other GSE alums, please share your stories so we can feature them in upcoming issues of The Connector. If you would like to connect with GSE peers in your area, let me know and I can help facilitate those connections. In the meantime, I’m making my lists and checking them twice as we prepare for our next chapter.

Wishing you the very best holiday season, however you celebrate and wherever in the world you may be.

See you in the New Year!

Marly

 
 
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Marly Solebello
She/Her/Hers

Director, Alumni Relations
(650) 497-1557 | marlys@stanford.edu
482 Galvez Mall | Stanford, CA 94305-3009

 
 

Alumni Spotlight

 
 
AEEA
 
 
Rolf Steier, LDT ’07, now professor in teacher education at Oslo Metropolitan University 
Joseph Makokha LDT ’09, now a professor in engineering at University of Oslo
Dan Gilbert LDT ’02, strategy and innovation consultant from Nebraska guest lecturing with Rolf's students
 
 

LDT in Oslo!

This November, Dan Gilbert (LDT ’02), a strategy and innovation consultant and a member of the Graduate School of Education Alumni Board (GSEAB), led the “Designing Our Future: Envisioning Research and Researchers in 2030‒2035” workshop for PhD students studying in Norway. The event challenged the participants to reflect on the changing roles of researchers, the impact of emerging technologies, and their own personal career goals. 

The workshop was part of a larger event organized by Dan’s longtime collaborator and fellow alum, Dr. Rolf Steier (LDT ’07), now a professor at Oslo Metropolitan University. Rolf came to Norway after LDT as a Fulbright scholar in 2008, earned his PhD at the University of Oslo, and has done exciting research that has ranged from designing interactive museum experiences at national museums to applying innovation and design in teacher education in Norway. Dan and Rolf have collaborated on multiple workshops and learning sessions for over 15 years.

After the workshop, Rolf and Dan met with yet another GSE alum, Dr. Joseph Makokha (LDT ’10), a researcher at the University of Oslo who has founded multiple technology and learning companies. After completing the LDT program, Joseph earned a PhD in mechanical engineering at Stanford and has contributed to the founding of multiple companies around the world. Joseph is now a researcher in computer science at the University of Oslo and continues his work as a tech entrepreneur. 

Interested in connecting with alumni in Norway? Reach out to Rolf, Joseph, or Dan through LinkedIn to learn more about opportunities in the region.

 
 
 
 
 
Where the magic happens

 
 
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A look into the specialty spaces coming to the Graduate School of Education

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rethinking algebra
 
 
Vote for Education
 
 

How mixed-level classes are boosting ninth graders' success in math

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Education technology in the age of AI
 
 
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The Stanford Accelerator for Learning hosts a second annual conference on the future of ed tech

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GSE alum leads Cardinal Football
 
 
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Andrew Luck '23 appointed general manager of Cardinal Football program

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Professional learning opportunities
 
 
 
January 16, 2025 | Virtual
 
3:00 - 3:45pm PT
 
The Vital Role of Joy for Educators
 

Join Challenge Success to understand the transformational impact of joy to transcend difficult circumstances. This session will explore how joy can be leveraged as a powerful and profound emotion to enhance well-being and support educators’ abilities to nurture healing and resilient learning environments for their respective communities. Find out more →

 
 
 
 
January 28, 2025 | Virtual
 
3:00 - 4:00pm PT
 
Redefining Leadership & Success for Girls: Research-Based, Equity-Centered Strategies for Schools
 

Join Challenge Success and Lean In Girls as they come together to shed light on the current state of K12 girls’ experiences, including their well-being, engagement in learning, and sense of belonging. Together we will explore the barriers that prevent girls from stepping into leadership roles, challenging traditional and unnecessarily limiting definitions of success. Find out more →

 
 
 
 
January 28th - January 29, 2025 | In-person
 
9:00am - 3:00pm PT
 
Math-ish Workshop at Stanford for K--16 Teachers
 

Join Jo Boaler and the mathematics education experts at youcubed in this workshop that features never-before-shared ideas from Professor Boaler's new book, Math-ish! Learn a range of pedagogical strategies to make math accessible and engaging in grades K-16. Find out more →

 
 
 
 
 
 
News, stories, and updates for you
 
 

Aiying Huang ’24 selected by the Knowles Teacher Initiative as a 2024 Teaching Fellow.  | Read More →

Dean Schwartz’s latest School’s In podcast: ed tech, chatting about chatbots, and more. | Listen Here 

Stanford Continuing Studies: Winter registration is open! Learn more and enroll today. | Read More 

 
 
 
 
 

The 2024‒25 Stanford Associates Alumni Awards for Outstanding Service will be announced in the new year. In the meantime, we are excited to introduce …

 
 
GSE Game Changer
 
 

Each month, we’re shaking things up with a fun challenge where your attention to detail, knowledge, and competitive spirit can win you exclusive GSE swag! Whether it's trivia, puzzles, or scavenger hunts, this is your chance to snag some awesome prizes. Get ready to play, have fun, and make a game-changing move! Don't miss out—it's the ultimate way to wrap up the newsletter each month.

 
 
December's Game Changer
 
 
Last month, 60 Stanford alums were distinguished with awards, and 243 were inducted as Stanford Associates! How many were from the GSE?


To submit your guess, simply reply to this email by December 31st for a chance to win exclusive GSE swag! Those who answer correctly will be entered into a raffle, with one lucky winner drawn and announced in next month's newsletter. Only one entry per person each month.
 
 
 
Stanford Graduate School of Education
 
485 Lasuen Mall, Stanford, CA 94305-3096
 
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