Happy Year of the Snake! As people around the world celebrate this time of transformation and growth, we, at the GSE, are excited to share our own journey of renewal. Our campus is shedding its old skin and moving into our state-of-the-art, interdisciplinary educational spaces. This month, Stanford University announced the Open Minds tour, a unique forum for the community to hear current developments directly from the president. We’re thrilled to announce that the GSE will be joining this tour, providing us with the opportunity to connect with our alumni and friends in cities near you. Our first event will be a cocktail reception in San Francisco this June, so keep an eye out for your invitation coming this spring!

Each year, the greatest transformation celebrated by the GSE is the incredible trajectory of our alumni at the Alumni Excellence in Education Awards (AEEA). Your impact resonates across every corner of education—as policy leaders, innovators, and visionaries. Upon joining our alumni network, you become a catalyst for sustained change in the world. At the AEEA, we celebrate remarkable individuals who embody this spirit. We honor an English teacher who brought her passion to three high school startups, a math teacher dedicated to first-generation students in an under-resourced farming community, a PhD graduate advocating for equity by examining school funding, and a non-profit CEO championing economic equity in higher education.

The GSE is enriched by stories like these, and we need your help to illuminate them. Think of a colleague, mentor, or friend who has inspired their community—someone who turns the ordinary into extraordinary. This February, during Random Acts of Kindness Week, let’s take the time to recognize our incredible community by considering nominations for the Alumni Excellence in Education Awards.

The categories for nominations are:

For PreK-12 Educators:

1. Demonstrated commitment to dynamic, high-quality educational practices.
2. Dedication to serving under served and low-resourced student populations.
3. Devotion to helping students find their voices and realize their full potential.
4. Innovation in addressing timely challenges in education.
5. Leadership as a standard-setter in student-centered practices.

For Education Professionals:

1. Advancement of knowledge through research, teaching, or technology in education.
2. Commitment to developing dynamic educational practices at school or district levels.
3. Focus on undeserved and low-resourced student populations.
4. Innovation in addressing pressing challenges within the field.
5. Leadership in educational policy at the local, state, national, or international level.

Nominations are open for alumni across all stages of their careers, from Early Career to Lifetime Achievement Honorees. Please submit your Alumni Excellence in Education Awards (AEEA) nomination by March 31, 2025.

Thank you for your continued commitment to excellence across all aspects of education. Together, let’s celebrate the incredible contributions of our community!

-Marly

Athletes teamed up with GSE Professor Jo Boaler to connect students' love of the game with stats.

Sarah Soule was appointed dean of the Stanford Graduate School of Business | Read More →

Stanford Continuing Studies: Winter courses are underway; view Spring courses now. | Read More →

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.