Annual Report 2025-2026
education.uci.edu
CONTENTS Welcome from the Dean Dr. Julie A. Washington
. . . . . . . . . . . . 02
At-a-Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 03 Undergraduate Programs . . . . . . . . . . . 04 SAGE Scholars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 05 CalTeach at UC Irvine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 06 MAT + Credential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 MES: AI & Learning Analytics . . . . . . . 08 Ph.D. in Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 09 Alumni & Giving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11
Student Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Faculty Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Research in Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Faculty Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Teacher Academy + CSMP’s . . . . . . . . . 17 Community Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
At the UC Irvine School of Education, our mission is to improve access to high-quality educational opportunities for all– within our university, our community, and beyond. We advance this work through cutting-edge research, thoughtful program design, by preparing the next generation of educators. Together, we are working toward meaningful change in education and ensuring that all students are empowered to lead successful, productive lives and careers in a democratic society.
Dear colleagues and friends, The 2025-2026 academic year has been one of growth, innovation, and meaningful impact for the UC Irvine School of Education. We are proud to again be recognized among the nation’s top 20 graduate schools of education and Top 10 public schools of education, a reflection of the strength of our community and the work we do together. Our faculty continue to shape the future of education through research, teaching, and service. Our students are graduating prepared to make a difference in classrooms, organizations, and communities. And our partnerships with schools, districts, and community organizations ensure our work remains connected to the people we serve. At the same time, we're leaning into the future of education. This fall marks the launch of our Master of Education Sciences program in AI and Learning Analytics. Together with our AI in Education certificate programs and faculty expertise in artificial intelligence, the new degree reflects our commitment to preparing educators to thoughtfully navigate the opportunities and challenges of emerging technologies. This report offers a snapshot of that work: stories of innovation, collaboration, and impact across our School. Thank you for being part of this community. Your support and partnership make this work possible, and I’m grateful for all that we are building together. Warm regards,
Dr. Julie A. Washington
Professor and Dean
Annual Report | 2
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
at a Glance Student Scholarship Support
$24M+ $140,000 Research Expenditures
Awarded in 2025-2026
RESEARCH PRACTICE PARTNERSHIPS Community research grounded in practice and collaboration
LANGUAGE, LITERACY + MATH Language variation, reading, writing and math cognition
38
Full time Faculty
55
Full time staff
85
Researchers & Lecturers
3 | education.uci.edu
90 Scholarships Awarded
Top 20
2,600+ Educators Engaged
Graduate School of Education
Nationally
*U.S. News & World Report, 2026
TEACHING + LEARNING INNOVATIONS Teacher education, early learning, out-of-school learning, STEM equity, and AI in education
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, PRACTICE + POLICY
Postsecondary learning and success, workforce pathways behond higher education, and education policy
Undergraduate Programs
53% Jade Jenkins Associate Professor Associate Dean Undergraduate Program
243
First Gen Students
Seniors in the Class of 2026
The B.A. in Education Sciences is an interdisciplinary program grounded in human development, learning, educational systems, policy, and social change. Through coursework and fieldwork, students gain the knowledge and experience to make a lasting impact in education.
667
Education Undergrads
41%
Double Majors
Janice Hansen Director Undergraduate Programs The Class of 2026 stands out not only for “their academic excellence, but for their drive
“
to make a lasting impact on education.
Annual Report | 4
SAGE
Student Achievement Guided by Experience
Scholars Program
25 unique majors represented
13 academic schools represented
BY THE NUMBERS
75
3.54
Neda Moayedi
“
Director, SAGE Program
I am incredibly proud of our SAGE Scholars and all they accomplish throughout their time at UC Irvine. Through leadership development, career readiness, and meaningful mentorship, SAGE helps students build the confidence and connections to pursue new opportunities and expand possibilities. When students feel seen, supported, and connected, they grow into leaders who create impact far beyond UC Irvine.
“
5 | education.uci.edu
2026 SAGE Scholars
Average GPA
54% 80% 20%
on Dean’s Honor List
Entered the workforce
Attending Graduate School
Supporting high-achieving, low-income undergraduates from across UC Irvine. Housed within the School of Education, SAGE provides students with the tools to invest in their future during their last two years on campus.
34% of SAGE Scholars secured employment before graduating
BY THE NUMBERS
91%
53
Alumni currently teaching Partner schools across OC
24,345
Ellie Marsh, Ph.D. Director, CalTeach Program
“
CalTeach is one of the most special programs I've been a part of and it is my honor to lead this group of incredible instructors, supervisors, staff, and -- most importantly -students. Impacting our nation's future math and science teachers is a privilege and I am so proud of the work we do!
Fieldwork hours completed in one year
600 91
Hours of student teaching per senior
Mentor teachers supporting CalTeach students
$234k+ CalTeach scholarships + grant funding awarded
The UC Irvine CalTeach program provides a pathway for math or science undergraduates to graduate with their bachelor’s degree and a California single-subject teaching credential in just four years.
“You will have found your tribe. College is big, you'll see so many people in lecture, but this is a group who will stick with you.” - CalTeach Student Annual Report | 6
“
Master of Arts in Teaching + Credential Preparing the Next Generation of Teachers
14
Partner districts + charter schools for student teaching placements
99% 5 Core Commitments Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice Understanding Learners and Learning Teaching and Learning in and Across Content Areas
Learning from Teaching Leadership and Agency 7 | education.uci.edu
Professor Associate Dean Teacher Education
Program completion rate
Susan Toma-Berge Director, MAT Program
MAT program prepares teachers “The to be equity-minded educators who
“
111
Graduates in Class of 2026
Michael Hebert
put the needs of their students first.
80%
Graduates entering the teaching workforce
Master of Education Sciences Artificial Intelligence & Learning Analytics Nia Nixon
Fully Online
1st Launching Fall 2026
Claudia Caro MES Program Manager
of its kind
“ The MES: AILA degree marks an exciting
step forward for the School of Education bridging education and AI to build a more future-ready learning landscape.
“
12
Months to Complete
Associate Professor MES Founding Director
Annual Report | 8
Ph.D. in Education Lindsey Richland
Professor; Associate Dean Ph.D. Program
The Ph.D. in Education at the UC Irvine School of Education prepares students to become theory-driven, transformative scholar-advocates. This multidisciplinary program advances the educational sciences while improving opportunities and outcomes for learners across the lifespan.
Top Honors NSF GRFP, NSF Dissertation Grants, CEC Student Research Award, ISLS Career Award.
Claudia Campos
Director, Ph.D. Program
What stands out most about our Ph.D. students is their impact– their ideas, their work, and their commitment to supporting others. They shape the learning of this community every day. Congratulations to the Class of 2026.
“
“
9 | education.uci.edu
Outcomes Graduates secured tenure-track faculty roles, postdoctoral positions, and roles at research organizations and institutions including CSU East Bay, Baylor University, University of Houston, University of Michigan, University of Minnesota, and the Orange County Department of Education.
97
Students
82
Fellowships, Grants, & Major Awards
250
Total Student Publications
350
Conference Presentations
Members of the Ph.D. in Education Cohort Annual Report | 10
Alumni & Giving With nearly 14,000 alumni around the world, our graduates are strengthening education through leadership, service, philanthropy, and community partnerships. Beyond philanthropy, alumni continue to support the School as mentor teachers, guest speakers, panelists, faculty collaborators, and community partners through initiatives like OCEAN and the UCI Teacher Academy.
299
Donors Supported the School of Education A 22% increase over FY25
Giving Day 2026 participation was up 24% and total dollars up 35% over the previous year.
Alumni Spotlight: Olivia Silva Hufnagel ‘97
Principal, Garden Grove Unified School District Olivia Silva Hufnagel was recognized with the 2025 UC Irvine Lauds & Laurels Distinguished Alumni Award for the School of Education. A first-generation college student and daughter of migrant workers, she has dedicated her career to expanding educational opportunity through leadership, mentorship, and student success initiatives. “Olivia Hufnagel is a powerful example of how our alumni carry the mission of UC Irvine into their communities. Her leadership reflects the School of Education’s core values of equity, innovation, and service. We are proud to honor her impact and celebrate her.” Julie Washington, Interim Dean School of Education
11 | education.uci.edu
$184k
232 231 117
Raised during giving day
Giving Day gifts
Total donors
Alumni Gave Back
NSF Graduate Research Fellows
Student Spotlight Jaeyoon Choi received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research. Choi’s work explores learning analytics, natural language processing, and algorithm bias, utilizing machine learning to enhance understanding of student behavior to advance educational equity.
The University of California, Irvine received 25 NSF Research Fellowships this year, with two recipients in the School of Education. Ella Rose and Jane Mikkelson are both doctoral student researchers in the area of Human Development in Context (HDiC). Ella Rose’s research centers on early childhood development, with a focus on relational reasoning, identity, and motivation in mathematics learning. A UCI alumna, she previously worked in the Science of Learning Lab studying how cognitive development and family contexts shape learning. Jane Mikkelson studies digital literacy, youth mental health, and how young people interact with technology, building on prior experience in digital psychiatry research at Harvard Medical School.
Dakota Covey received the Bruce Baron Memorial Scholarship while studying to earn his Master of Arts in Teaching plus teaching credential.
After discovering her passion for supporting youth through coursework, mentoring, and community engagement, Education Sciences and Psychology double major Melinda Aguilar will pursue a Master of Social Welfare at UCLA, with plans to advocate for and empower foster youth.
Annual Report | 12
Research in Action School of Education faculty continue to advance research that improves learning and expands educational opportunity. During FY 2025–26, faculty managed more than $24 million in research expenditures, submitted 94 proposals totaling $48.7 million, and secured 21 funded grants and contracts supporting research, innovation, and community impact.
MAJOR RESEARCH AREAS SUPPORTED Afterschool Learning AI & Learning Analytics Civic Education Community Partnerships Literacy & Language Development STEM Education Student Success & Postsecondary Pathways 13 | education.uci.edu
$24M+ 21
Funded Grants & Contracts
Research Expenditures
94
Research Proposals Submitted
Faculty Research & Recognition From nationally recognized awards and fellowships to influential research, teaching, and scholarly leadership, UC Irvine School of Education faculty continue to shape the future of education.
RESEARCH & NATIONAL RECOGNITION Election to American Academy of Arts & Sciences Election to National Academy of Education ASHA Honors of the Association Jacobs Foundation Research Fellow NAEd/Spencer Fellow NARST Fellow NSF CAREER Award W.T. Grant Foundation Scholar
TEACHING & FACULTY EXCELLENCE Chancellor’s Fellow Dean’s Teaching Award Hellman Fellowship
SCHOLARLY IMPACT & LEADERSHIP 120+ AERA Presentations 3 National Conferences Hosted at UC Irvine
NATIONAL REPUTATION #6 in the U.S. for Education & Educational Research Highest-Ranked School at UC Irvine Top 20 Graduate School of Education Annual Report | 14
Celebrating Faculty Impact Honoring Lasting Legacies. Inspiring the Future.
LIANE BROUILLETTE
JACQUELYNNE S. ECCLES
Her work leaves a lasting legacy in arts education and teacher professional learning.
Her influence will continue to shape the field through the countless scholars, educators, and students she has mentored
Professor Liane Brouillette retired after a distinguished career dedicated to advancing arts education, creativity, and teacher learning. Through her research, teaching, and leadership, she championed innovative approaches that connect the arts with student learning, inspiring educators and expanding opportunities for children both inside and beyond the classroom.
After more than four decades of groundbreaking scholarship, Distinguished Professor Jacquelynne Eccles retired this year, leaving an extraordinary legacy in motivation, achievement, and adolescent development. A member of both the American Academy of Arts & Sciences and the National Academy of Education, Eccles has shaped generations of researchers and educators through her pioneering work and enduring commitment to improving educational opportunities for young people.
15 | education.uci.edu
This year, the School welcomed Professor Fred Oswald, bringing internationally recognized expertise in educational measurement, workforce readiness, and artificial intelligence. His interdisciplinary research and leadership strengthen the School's commitment to advancing evidence-based research while preparing learners for the future of education and work. His appointment marks an exciting new chapter as the School continues to expand its leadership in educational research and innovation.
Annual Report | 16
Supporting Educators Across California Teacher Academy & CSMP’s The Teacher Academy and California Subject Matter Projects (CSMP’s) at UC Irvine support K–12 educators through research-based professional learning, district partnerships, and collaborative learning communities. Grounded in the belief that teachers are key drivers of instructional change, these programs provide opportunities for educators to deepen their practice, develop leadership skills, and implement highquality, standards-aligned instruction. Through this work, the Teacher Academy and CSMPs help advance equitable outcomes for students across Southern California. “One of the most valuable aspects was being part of a supportive community of educators passionate about student learning and innovation. The ideas and resources shared through the program positively impacted not only my own teaching, but also the learning experiences I create for my students and the collaboration I bring back to my school.”
Ivet González, Academic Program Specialist El Sol Science and Arts Academy of Santa Ana
2600+ 30
Educators engaged in programs annually
Open programs including workshops, conferences, learning communities
17 | education.uci.edu
7 22
STEAM literacy modules developed and classroomtested (PK-6)
District partnerships across Southern California
Community Leaders at UC Irvine Teacher Academy Annual Report | 18
Partnerships That Drive Change The Organizing Collaboration for Educational Advancement Network (OCEAN) at UC Irvine advances research-practice partnerships that connect universities, schools, districts, and communities. Through community school initiatives, global youth development, and statewide collaboration, OCEAN helps translate research into meaninful educational change.
800+ 57 4
Participants at the Student & Community Voice AI Summit
Education leaders convened to strengthen research-practice partnerships.
Countries engaged through global initiatives at the Alianza MX including US, Mexico, Spain and Puerto Rico
15
Districts recognized for ethical AI leadership
Families, educators, and researchers collaborated to co-design a community-based science unit, connecting classroom learning with students' lived experiences and community knowledge. 19 | education.uci.edu
Future Monroe UCI Community School campus in Santa Ana (rendering)
Spotlight: Building the Monroe UCI Community School OCEAN’s partnership with Monroe Elementary continues to grow as a model for communitycentered, research-informed education. This year, the collaboration expanded community-based STEM learning, strengthened family engagement through STEM Family Nights, and advanced longterm planning for the Monroe UCI Community School. Looking ahead, the partnership will continue transforming the Monroe campus while aligning research, teaching, and community voice to support student success.
Playful Learning Landscapes Fun learning everywhere At the UC Irvine School of Education, learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Through Playful Learning Landscapes and playground projects led by Associate Professor Andres Bustamante, parks and public spaces are being transformed into interactive environments where children and families can explore science, math, and literacy together. Rooted in research and built in partnership with the community, these spaces make learning visible, engaging, and accessible in everyday life.
Annual Report | 20
education.uci.edu
Unless otherwise noted, data reflects the 2025-2026 academic year. Select advancement and research funding metrics are current as of July 13, 2026.
Prepared by the School of Education Marketing and Communications Department