A Peabody College education isn鈥檛 always tied to a physical place or a particular life stage, and it doesn鈥檛 exclusively result in a degree. We continually envision what it means to educate and serve professionals throughout their careers, whether by offering degree programs, evidence-based resources or timely professional development. In this of the Peabody Reflector, you鈥檒l read stories that show not just how we educate, but how those who learn from Peabody disseminate our teachings in classrooms, in hospitals, and on Capitol Hill.
Take, for example, Savannah Higgins, Brooke Allen, Welton Pride, Jordan Mareno and Yingxian 鈥淏ecky鈥� Liu, whose stories reflect how Peabody鈥檚 on-campus graduate and professional programs engage students in a blend of rigorous scholarship, mentorship and practical experience that prepares them for careers that shape society. These alumni strengthen education outcomes for students with the greatest need and shape education policy, community development and clinical research, extending Peabody鈥檚 reach to places where it is needed most.
In addition to on-campus programs, we also recognize that many busy professionals need greater flexibility to deepen their expertise as their careers evolve. That is why this spring we unveiled four new online master’s degree programs in , and . These programs extend Peabody鈥檚 teaching and mentorship to students wherever they are, so that they can be competitive for in-demand roles and leverage their knowledge to make an immediate impact.
We also know that, sometimes, education professionals just need a trusted resource to which they can turn for additional materials and guidance. For the past 25 years, the IRIS Center has been that resource, expanding to support schools, colleges, hospitals and state training programs. From an outpatient waiting room at a children鈥檚 hospital to school districts across the country, these stories exemplify how those who support children with disabilities have learned from the IRIS Center in unexpected ways.
The Alexander Initiative shows another dimension of Peabody鈥檚 commitment to meeting the needs of education professionals, with the goal of revitalizing history teaching and civics education in U.S. high schools. We recently celebrated the 鈥済raduation鈥� of the first cohort of Alexander Fellows, high school teachers who engaged in a fully funded, immersive summer residency at Peabody and then applied what they learned to their classrooms, with remote coaching throughout the school year. We are excited to welcome a second cohort this summer!
As this of the Peabody Reflector shows, we want people from all backgrounds and career stages to benefit from a Peabody education. Moreover, we know that education doesn鈥檛 end by earning a degree but continues throughout one鈥檚 professional growth. That is why we were thrilled to begin offering new as well as 鈥攊n addition to other funding opportunities. From alumni to those new to Peabody, we welcome everyone to explore how our educational offerings can help them Dare to Grow throughout their careers.
Patricia and Rodes Hart Dean of Education and Human Development
