Planting seeds for a thriving society

This fall, we celebrate the 106th anniversary of USC Rossier School of Education’s founding. The genesis of our school came during several major inflection points in our nation’s history. In 1918, World War I was coming to an end, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution granting women the right to vote would soon be adopted, the pandemic caused by Spanish influenza was claiming countless lives, and race riots were occurring in several cities as Black veterans returned home to violence, discrimination and segregation throughout our nation.

It’s helpful to remember that the “good old days” were a mixed bag, so it’s good to keep in mind that our nation has faced significant challenges as we contemplate those we face now. USC Rossier has always distinguished itself by a relentless commitment to hope and innovation. Our faculty and students consistently work to address systemic issues in education and engage in practice that enhances teaching and learning for all. They understand that this work is fluid and regularly involves the adoption of new technologies and approaches to meet the needs of our students.

Schools of education have been a fundamental part of society for centuries, and many consider them an essential requirement for a healthy and vibrant society. So why, then, has a recent Gallup poll shown that public confidence in institutions of higher education has dropped to a concerning 36%, down from 57% in 2015.

Nationally, enrollment is in decline at schools of education, particularly in teacher education programs. As fewer Americans choose careers in education, the future of schools of education is being called into question. Influential schools like ours must answer these questions directly. Throughout this issue, you will gain an understanding of the challenges confronting schools of education and learn about what USC Rossier is doing to lead by example at this time. In these pages, you will learn about what we are doing to address the rising costs of teacher education through initiatives like our teacher residency program, which covers tuition and provides a living stipend to students while making it possible for them to gain classroom experience. You will also hear about the new degree programs, classes and research initiatives we have created to address the critical issues and challenges of the current period. At USC Rossier, we are committed to providing our students with knowledge that is timely and relevant so that they can succeed after graduation.

Countless studies show that economic growth, public health, civic participation, social solidarity and collective happiness in a society are all enhanced by robust and thriving education systems. For over a century, USC Rossier has been a leader in defining what a school of education can be. This spirit of innovation and the audacity to aim high and reach new milestones continues to animate our work and pushes us to excel. We hope that you will appreciate our pragmatic yet optimistic approach as we work to further the USC Rossier mission for years to come.

Fight On!

Pedro A. Noguera, PhD