Faculty and research

Conducting and advancing educational research is at the core of our departmental mission. Our faculty are leading researchers in their fields. Their work is at the forefront of leading change in schools, preparing teachers for an evolving student population, and increasing educational success for all learners. As a department encompassing nine different academic divisions with a distinct focus, two research centers, and over 30 research faculty, our research opportunities and expertise are both broad and deep.

See our faculty areas of research expertise.

Research centers

As a student, you will have access to the research centers that are housed within the department. We focus on applied research that improves educational methods and learning outcomes for both students and teachers.

  • Center for Climate Literacy: The Center promotes universal climate literacy through research, outreach, and design solutions in K-12 classrooms. The focus of the center is about changing attitudes and values based on climate science to help people live sustainably in a changing planet.
  • Learning Informatics Lab: The Learning Informatics Lab uses learning sciences research and learning technology design to examine educational data generated by learning processes. The lab develops insights that lead to faster feedback and decisions, and ultimately, better learning outcomes.
  • Learning and Technologies Collaborative is a research and professional development center focused on PK-12 technology literacy and computer science.
  • YoUthROC is a community and University-connected youth research team that supports the growth of Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) and is committed to youth, kinship, and racial justice in education.

Student research

We are committed to fostering the next generation of educational researchers who are motivated to find ways to improve systemic disparities, improve teacher training, and create more inclusive opportunities for all learners. Learn more about the student research experience.

See examples of recent Curriculum and Instruction student dissertations by doctoral track.

presenting at research day
Presenting at CEHD research day.