With only two weeks left in December, it barely seems possible that 2017 already is coming to a close.
Our College of Education has celebrated many triumphs this year, including the unveiling of our Strategic Action Planning Framework, the inaugural journey of Educate Global, the hiring of many new and talented faculty members and the successful launch of our Social Justice Summer Camp.
Yet despite our natural inclination at this time to look back at where we’ve been, I choose to look ahead – to a new year brimming with opportunity, a blank slate ready for stories.
January will bring Yanghee Kim, our new LD and Ruth G. Morgridge Endowed Chair in Teacher Education and Preparation.
I’m excited for Yanghee’s arrival, and if you were fortunate enough to meet her in August, I know you are as well. She will bring her fascinating research into the incredible possibilities of instructional technology, and she is eager for your ideas and collaboration.
The New Year will also see an expansion of our Educate and Engage Program, the rollout of our new EdLEAD professional development initiative and, I’m sure, more innovation from all of you in teaching, learning, research and impactful connections with our school and community partners.
As you enjoy winter break, and the time with loved ones and new memories it provides, I’m guessing that you – like me – also will spend a few moments contemplating your personal resolutions for 2018.
This year, I’m also committed to reflecting on my professional goals, and I encourage you to join me.
How will you grow? What will you accomplish? Whose lives will you improve? How will you make a difference? Where will you transport yourself, your students and our college?
Please accept my wishes for a joyful, restful and rejuvenating break. I’ll see you in 2018!
Laurie Elish-Piper
Dean, Distinguished Teaching Professor and Presidential Engagement Professor
NIU College of Education
