Conversations with the Dean are casual, discussion-style webinars led by BU Wheelock Dean Penny Bishop that dig in on some of the most pressing topics in education with leading experts in the field. All events are virtual and most are held on Thursdays, 3–3:45 pm.

Watch previous events or sign up for our e-newsletter to stay up to date about upcoming events.

Upcoming Events

New date! —> Wednesday, May 7: Embracing Uncertainty to Deepen Science Learning

Register for 5/7

We all walk around wondering why things are the way they are and how things work: How do clouds float if they are a million pounds? And how do planes fly through them? Sensemaking in light of uncertainty can be leveraged for powerful learning. We’ll explore how uncertainty works and how to build from questions to powerful sensemaking—starting in the classroom and continuing throughout our whole lives.

Featuring:

  • Eve Manz, Associate Professor, Science Education, BU Wheelock
  • TJ McKenna, Clinical Assistant Professor, Science Education, and Director, Center for STEM Professional Learning at Scale, BU Wheelock

Thursday, June 12: Making the Case for Continued Federal Research

Register for 6/12

Education research drives innovation, informs decision-making, and promotes equity. BU Wheelock faculty will explore the value of federally funded research and how it shapes real-world outcomes—from large-scale studies to niche research initiatives. Learn about the impactful projects they are working on—and what’s at stake if funding is reduced.

Featuring:

  • Elizabeth Bettini, Associate Professor, Special Education, BU Wheelock
  • Naomi Caselli, Director, BU AI & Education Initiative, and Associate Professor, Deaf Education, BU Wheelock
  • Leslie Dietiker, Associate Dean, Research, and Associate Professor, Mathematics Education, BU Wheelock

 

Previous Events

Conversations with the Dean have covered a wide range of topics, from school district leadership to the impact of AI on education. Check out some of our past Conversations with the Dean.

Thursday, March 20: Creating Space for Students to Examine Race

As educators in a multiracial democracy, it’s essential to equip youth with the skills to engage in dialogue, think critically, and solve problems. This session will provide practical strategies for navigating the crucial work of antiracist teaching and celebrate the efforts of teachers empowering students to advocate for social justice and build a more inclusive world.

Featuring:

  • Christina Dobbs, associate professor and program director, English education for equity & justice, BU Wheelock
  • Tina Durand, clinical associate professor and program director, PhD in Counseling Psychology & Applied Human Development, BU Wheelock

Thursday, February 20: The First 100 Days

The recent US presidential election was marked by many divisive conversations, including some that stoked uncertainty about the future of education, both at the K–12 and higher education levels. Equally at stake have been policies promoting equity and diversity and protections for LGBTQ+, immigrant, and other students. Now that the new administration is in place, what can we discern about changes that have already or seem likely to happen?

Featuring:

Thursday, January 23, 2025: Strengthening School and District Leadership – The Key to Student Success

High-quality school and district leadership is a critical driver of student success. Explore how research and practice intersect to develop effective leaders, and learn about strategies for strengthening leadership, including actionable insights to implement in your own school or district.

Featuring:

  • Olivia Chi, assistant professor, BU Wheelock
  • Jalene Tamerat, senior lecturer and director, Carol Johnson Leadership Fellowship, BU Wheelock

December 19, 2024: Empowering Students to Plan for Their Futures

By fostering social emotional skills, career exploration, and executive functioning, educators can support not only academic growth but also learners’ self-awareness and identity formation. A panel of experts explored the ways educators can support positive youth development in school settings and discussed MyCAP (My Career and Academic Plan), a holistic, multi-year planning tool that engages students in planning for their futures.

Featuring:

  • Scott Solberg, professor, BU Wheelock, and Director, Center for Future Readiness
  • Erin Jaques, assistant director, College & Career Advising Programs, K–12, Boston Public Schools
  • Sugeily Santos, Grades 7–8 school counselor, Curley K–8
  • Jodi Then, high school counselor, Boston Green Academy

November 21: Empowering Learning Outside the Classroom

Today’s digital technologies have the potential to transform and enhance learning opportunities for children, particularly those from underrepresented communities. The panelists explore the innovative strategies used in digital education, drawing from their experience working on projects such as PBS KIDS’ series, Lyla in the Loop.

Featuring:

  • Nermeen Dashoush, clinical associate professor, early childhood, BU Wheelock
  • Nneka Bolden, , Mighty Picnic

November 1: High Standards? High Stakes?

This November, Massachusetts voters will be asked to consider putting an end to the state requirement that students pass a 10th grade MCAS assessment to graduate. The panel discussion will outline the case on both sides, as well as address the underlying issues driving the statewide effort.

Featuring:

October 17, 2024: How AI Will Change Education

Join a discussion that will explore how BU Wheelock and Quincy Public Schools are working together to mitigate a reactive response and incorporate AI in the classroom in proactive and thoughtful ways.

  • Naomi Caselli, director, BU AI & Education Initiative, and associate professor, BU Wheelock
  • Michael Marani, director of curriculum, Quincy Public Schools

Tuesday, October 8, 2024: New Year, New Potential

For the very first webinar of the year, get to know Dean Penny Bishop and learn more about her background as an educator and her vision for BU Wheelock. Dean Bishop and Anthony Jack will reflect on some of the issues and concerns many educators face, including exploring the best ways to help all students—especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds—to thrive.

  • Penny Bishop, dean, BU Wheelock
  • Anthony Jack, faculty director, Newbury Center, and associate professor, higher education leadership