2024 - UF College of Education Impact Report

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Dean’s Letter

In a world of constant change, innovation is our compass

At the University of Florida, our commitment to creating, learning, teaching, and leading has positioned us as a catalyst for change. We are providing dynamic, hands-on student experiences and conducting interdisciplinary research that tangibly benefits the world around us. Every day, we are turning vision into action.

Society demands agile thinkers and problem solvers, so we are cultivating a new generation of educators and leaders. This forward-thinking approach ensures Florida’s students are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow — earning UF the coveted “New Ivy” designation by Forbes magazine.

Our land-grant mission drives us to deliver actionable solutions that benefit Florida and beyond. By seamlessly merging research excellence with real-world impact, we ensure our contributions make lasting, meaningful change.

The future demands innovation, and we are proudly leading the charge.
Inspired by what lies ahead, we believe:

Transformation is our trajectory — we are forging new practical pathways.
We are stronger when we share solutions with Florida and the world.
Interwoven AI and technology enrich our mission to elevate education.

Together, we are building a future where education is accessible, empowering, and transformative.

With immense gratitude and anticipation for what lies ahead,

Glenn E. Good, Ph.D.

Dean and Professor

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

BY THE NUMBERS

External Funding Received

Philanthropic Support

Students Awarded Scholarships

Research Expenditures

Student Scholarships

%

Awarded to First-Gen Students

Spotlights on innovation

We believe that creativity is essential for innovation, and we embrace novel ideas and futuristic technologies, fueling our quest to evolve and excel.

With a commitment to providing tangible benefits, we are paving the way for a more dynamic approach to lifelong learning. Here are just a few examples of how we are enacting our mission:

By harnessing the power of big data, we’re empowering communities, educators, and caregivers to take bold steps to address pressing concerns. The groundbreaking Florida School Safety Dashboard has been launched in partnership between Safe Schools for Alex and the Education Policy Research Center, led by researcher F. Chris Curran, Ph.D. A freely available, comprehensive tool that provides rates of violence, disciplinary responses, public health indicators and more. The dashboard currently serves millions of students, parents, educators, and policymakers throughout Florida.

The Sunshine State Early Childhood Information Portal is breaking down data silos to provide stakeholders with clear, strategic recommendations to enhance educational outcomes for children. Using the HiPerGator 3.0 supercomputer to implement machine learning approaches, Herman Knopf, Ph.D., is processing hundreds of variables and millions of records from agencies across Florida. By understanding how children interact with both their out-of-school and classroom environments, researchers can develop new and effective interventions to help ensure every young child is set up for a lifetime of success.

New Worlds Reading lives up to its name by encouraging students to explore digital and literary worlds. Drawing inspiration from virtual pet games, the New Worlds Reading AR Expeditions will help children and their guardians engage in positive pre-reading experiences together. Designed to boost background knowledge and build comfort with vocabulary, this free game will help students who are not yet reading on grade level spark a love of reading through enriching play.

Computer science knowledge is essential in our digital world. Maya Israel, Ph.D., and the CSEveryone Center for Computer Science Education team are committed to ensuring all K-12 students, including the nearly 15% with disabilities, can access CS education. Through funding from Google, including over half a million dollars in 2024, her transformative approach emphasizes accessible technologies, effective instructional strategies and lending libraries for instructors. Partnerships with Broward County Public Schools and Chicago Public Schools are demonstrating the efficacy of this model for widespread adoption and expansion.

LAUNCHING SOON

Four 20-hour microcredentials focused on High Leverage Practices, accessibility, and more in K-12 CS education.

Stronger when we Share Solutions

with Florida and the world

We prioritize providing knowledge and fostering community engagement to elevate educational outcomes for all. Rooted in our land-grant mission, we share to serve the public good. From data portals to podcasts, we are leveraging myriad avenues to empower caregivers, teachers, and legislators.

Transformation is our Trajectory

we are forging new practical pathways

Recognizing that educational journeys are unique, we support multiple learning trajectories to meet the needs of our state and beyond. With approaches that include practical training and academic rigor grounded in thoroughly vetted research, we enable all learners to achieve their full potential.

Interwoven AI and technology

to enrich our mission to elevate education

Our approach to education is centered on the synergistic relationship between developing technologies and human potential. Beyond harnessing the potential of AI using UF’s HiPerGator supercomputer, we continually push the boundaries of research innovation, driving improvements that benefit our community and beyond.