The University of Michigan is extending its reach across Michigan by sending educational experts to address challenges in local schools and communities. This initiative, part of the Life-Changing Education theme year, introduces ED Talks. These talks feature a cohort of faculty presenters who will engage with audiences, making educational research both accessible and actionable.
The initiative aims to make U-M’s education research accessible to the public and foster a reciprocal exchange where scholars learn from the communities they study.
Elizabeth Birr Moje, dean of the Marsal Family School of Education, initiated this public engagement model to create stronger connections with audiences. “Education research has the potential to transform not only education systems, but also society. Unfortunately, researchers don’t always know how to engage people beyond our academic communities to make societal change,” Moje said.
ED Talks enhance U-M faculty as public intellectuals, fostering dialogue between researchers and practitioners. Topics cover diverse areas such as child literacy, effective mentorship, and inclusive classroom design. Events, occurring multiple times each semester in partner communities, include 20- to 30-minute talks followed by open discussions. Talks are free to the public, with recordings and summaries available online for continued engagement.
The Future of Learning Scholars cohort, consisting of 16 researchers from various disciplines, received training at U-M’s Marygrove Learning Community. This training helps researchers translate complex research into clear, engaging public talks. “The trainings are designed to help education researchers become better at talking with rather than at people and to create a corps of researchers who can travel across the state, nation, and even the globe, engaging with multiple communities to connect and deepen findings from education research,” Moje said.
The Future of Learning Scholars cohort
Michael Bastedo, associate dean for research and graduate affairs; Marvin W. Peterson Collegiate Professor of Education, Marsal School
Angela Calabrese Barton, chair, educational studies; Alvin Demar Loving Sr. Collegiate Professor of Education, Marsal School
Kara Finnigan, associate dean for faculty and student development; professor of education, Marsal School
Paul Fleming, associate professor of health behavior and health equity, School of Public Health
Erin Flynn, associate professor of education, Marsal School
Rebecca Hasson, Victor L. Katch Collegiate Professor of Kinesiology and associate professor of kinesiology, School of Kinesiology
Mika LaVaque-Manty, Arthur F. Thurnau Professor; associate professor of political science and associate professor of philosophy, LSA
Earl Lewis, Thomas C. Holt Distinguished University Professor of History, Afroamerican and African Studies and Public Policy; director, Center for Social Solutions; professor of history, professor of Afroamerican and African studies, LSA; and professor of public policy, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy
William Lopez, associate chair and clinical associate professor of health behavior and health equity, School of Public Health; faculty associate, Latina/o Studies Program
Vilma Mesa, professor of education, Marsal School; and professor of mathematics, LSA
Chauncey Monte-Sano, professor of education, Marsal School
Alaina Neal-Jackson, clinical assistant professor of education, Marsal School
Katie Richards-Schuster, associate dean for undergraduate programs and strategic initiatives and associate professor of social work, School of Social Work
Joe Ryan, professor of social work, School of Social Work; faculty associate, Population Studies Center, Institute for Social Research
Chris Torres, associate professor of education, Marsal School
Tanya Wright, professor of education, Marsal School
Jeremy Wright-Kim, assistant professor of education, Marsal School
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