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		March 2026

Dear GSE Alumni,

For those of us in the northern hemisphere, spring is popping up all around us. California poppies are beginning to dot the landscape, daffodils have sprouted, and tulips are adding myriad colors to lawns and garden beds. As the GSE heads to DC this weekend for Stanford Open Minds, we may be a little early to enjoy the cherry blossoms, but we are looking forward to seeing some of you. There is still time to reconnect with us if you’re in the area.

Reconnection is a recurring theme this month as students return home for spring break and many families get together for Easter and Eid al-Fitr. This past weekend on campus, we had 60 alumni and students participate in the Learning, Design and Technology (LDT) Energizer, with some flying in from abroad. We hope to keep the conversations going by inviting alumni to join the LDT LinkedIn and GSE Alumni & Careers LinkedIn groups.

This spring, the GSE is hosting events across California, starting with the GCE Faculty & Alumni Showcase at the end of the month on campus. We will then travel to Southern California for our annual alumni reception at AERA in LA, and we are again partnering with the Stanford Accelerator for Learning to host a reception in San Diego during ASU+GSV. Finally, we will wrap up the conference season by inviting GSE alumni to gather for a reception during the Black Alumni Summit in May. We hope to reconnect with many of you in the coming months!

Perhaps the epitome of reconnection is found in our alumni volunteers. This year, GSE alumna Mo Fong, '95, MA '96, will receive the Governors’ Award at the Stanford Associates Award Ceremony for her exemplary volunteer service to the university. Please join me in celebrating her by reading her story below and reconnecting to that feeling of being a part of something greater.

Warm regards,
Marly

Marly Solebello
She/Her/Hers

Director, Alumni Relations
(650) 497-1557 | marlys@stanford.edu
485 Lasuen Mall | Stanford, CA 94305-3009

Alumni Corner

This month’s alumni spotlight is

Mo Fong, '95, MA '96

Mo will be honored at the Stanford Associates Award Ceremony in April for her decades of volunteer service to Stanford University.

She graduated from the STEP program in 1996 and did her internship at Palo Alto High School, where she taught math and chemistry for three years at Monta Vista High School. She wanted to start a school for girls focused on STEM. She applied for an assistant principal position and became the youngest AP in the history of the district.

Read more about Mo here.

February's Connector posed the following Game Changer:

Q: The Stanford Open Minds event in Washington, D.C., explores the role universities have in shaping our future. Who will be moderating the faculty conversation?

A: The Faculty Conversation at Open Minds DC, “Open to Dialogue: Building a better tomorrow—the role of universities,” is being moderated by Condoleezza Rice.

4 key facts about climate change and school meal programs

From crop losses to rising food costs, climate change is testing the resilience of school meal programs. Research points to ways to protect children and build a more climate-smart food system.

Stanford microeconomist explores early childhood care inequality

Katharine Sadowski wants to build a child care economy that meets the needs of both families and workers. “Despite billions of dollars in public investment, access to child care remains highly unequal.”

AI+Education Summit addresses learning and equity.

Educators and researchers at the fourth annual summit explored how generative AI is reshaping assessments and impacting student creativity and human connection.

Professional learning opportunities

April 22, 4-5 PM | Zoom

Engaged Learning in an AI World

With AI reshaping the landscape of teaching and learning, how can educators keep student engagement, creativity, and dialogue at the center? In this session, held April 22 at 4 p.m. PT | 7 p.m. ET, we’ll examine current research on AI and student engagement, then dive into hands-on activities that demonstrate how AI can be playfully harnessed to personalize assessments. We’ll also explore practical moves that leverage classroom discourse as a key pathway for effective engagement. Learn More & Register Here →

News, stories, and updates

School’s In Podcast with co-hosts Dean Dan Schwartz and Denise Pope, ’88, PhD ’99: Kindergarten readiness: Bridging the gap | Listen Here →

Scenes from Family Weekend. Parents, siblings, and loved ones visited campus on Family Weekend, February 27–28, to engage with students and experience the Farm firsthand. | Read More →

How math learning disabilities affect problem-solving. New research from Stanford Medicine shows that children with math learning disabilities exhibit distinct brain activity patterns. The insights could pave the way for innovative support strategies. | Read More →

Engage with the GSE

April 10, 8:00 – 10:00 PM | Level 8, Los Angeles

GSE AERA Alumni and Friends Reception in Los Angeles

The GSE is hosting our alumni reception in LA during AERA. You do not need to attend the conference to attend.

RSVP

April 13, 4:30 - 6:30 PM | Horton Grand Hotel, San Diego

Conversation & Connection at ASU+GSV in San Diego

The Stanford Accelerator for Learning and the GSE Alumni Relations team invite you to join Dean Dan Schwartz and Executive Director Isabelle Hau for light refreshments and conversation reflecting on innovations in education, technological advances, and the latest evidence-based research. You do not need to attend the conference to attend.

RSVP

May 1, 4 - 6 PM | Kissick Family Alumni Gallery, ANKO, Stanford

GSE Reception at the Black Alumni Summit

GSE alumni, students, faculty, and staff are invited to gather together under this year’s summit theme, “Together, We Rise.”
We look forward to welcoming you to an unforgettable evening where we can empower one another and the next generation of leaders.

RSVP

Save the Date

March 27, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.: Stanford Global and Comparative Education Connections Faculty & Alumni Showcase. Learn more.

April 16, 5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.: POLS Virtual Community Conversation RSVP

May 7: Cubberley Lecture Learn more.

May 15, 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.: Welcome to Alumnihood Celebration

GSE Game Changer

Each month, we’re shaking things up with a fun challenge where your attention to detail, knowledge, and competitive spirit can win you exclusive GSE swag! Whether it's trivia, puzzles, or scavenger hunts, this is your chance to snag some awesome prizes. Get ready to play, have fun, and make a game-changing move! Don't miss out—it's the ultimate way to wrap up the newsletter each month.

March's Game Changer

What activity is GSE alumna Mo Fong known to weave into her workshops?

Submit your responses via email by Friday, March 27, for a chance to win exclusive GSE swag! Those who answer correctly will be entered into a raffle, with one winner drawn each month.

Stanford Graduate School of Education

485 Lasuen Mall, Stanford, CA 94305-3096

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