Brief updates about what's new in the School of Education
Welcoming back undergraduate majors to the School of Education
In August 2017, the School of Education launched two new undergraduate majors, both strategically designed to offer important pathways for students interested in serving high-needs communities and working with youth.
The new elementary education degree, which adds to the school’s longstanding teacher licensure programs, comes at a time when addressing teacher shortages in Colorado and the nation is imperative. The degree stands out because candidates will earn their degree with the in-demand Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education Endorsement.
The leadership and community engagement degree supports students on their path to meaningful careers in nonprofit and community sectors, such as higher education, urban planning, social work and government. This is the only degree program of its kind in Colorado and part of a small number of emerging community engagement degrees nationwide.
First graduate in innovative BAMÂ degree combining ethnic studies and education
During his four-and-a-half years at CU Boulder, George Frazier not only competed in CU football as a tight end and defensive lineman but also graduated in 2017 with a bachelor’s in ethnic studies and a master’s in education.
"One thing my dad always stressed growing up was education over everything,” Frazier said. “Football can be taken away from you on one play, but education will be there for you forever."
Frazier is the first graduate in this joint degree. The 4+1 BAM program offers an efficient and rigorous path toward earning a bachelor’s degree in ethnic studies and a master’s degree in education in just four years. As the only program of its kind in Colorado, the program invites students who aim to combine their dedication to social justice with transformative careers in education.
Expanding partnerships in Colorado communities
From school assessment assistance for rural districts to co-designing an afterschool program in a diverse Denver neighborhood, the School of Education’s new place-based partnership initiative is strengthening partnerships in key Colorado communities, such as Lafayette, Northeast of Denver, and Northeast Colorado.
“This initiative builds on the longstanding, nationally recognized work of the School of Education, and yet, these new projects are wonderful examples of how we might strengthen our public impact,” School of Education Dean Kathy Schultz said. “By co-locating our work with community partners, we look for synergies and concentrate our engagement.”
