Alumni Stories

Share Your Story

Penn GSE welcomes news of how our alumni are educating, leading, and innovating to shape the future of education. We hope you will draw inspiration from the stories we’ve shared on Penn GSE social media and take a moment to share your work with us.


Learn More About Our Share Your Story Campaign

Four Penn GSE alumni working to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion
February 14, 2022
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Penn GSE Alumni Work to Support Students and Employees

Four Penn GSE alumni describe how they are striving to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion through their roles at a education nonprofit, a middle school, a state university, and a tech company

  • Race, Equity & Inclusion
  • Alumni
A professor wearing a white shirt and striped tie addresses a classroom of students who are listening and taking notes. The screen in the background has a large pi symbol] [Photo caption] Dr. Zachary Hermann is executive director of Penn GSE’s Center for Professional Learning, which offers virtual programs to support educators at various levels in the face of changing educational environments.
January 27, 2022
Supporting Educational Leaders: Penn GSE Launches Strategic Leadership Certificate Program

One of many virtual offerings of Penn GSE’s Center for Professional Learning, the Strategic Leadership Certificate program is helping educators strengthen their effectiveness and deepen their impact.

  • Higher Education
  • Leadership
  • Teaching & Learning
  • Alumni
Caroline Watts speaks at a panel event about mental health in student populations.
January 11, 2022
Panel addresses mental health in student populations

Speaking to an audience of Penn GSE alumni and friends, three mental health professionals shared ways in which they’re responding to students’ mental health during transitional times.

  • Counseling & Psychology
  • Alumni
  • Special Topic: COVID-19
Four tiled images include a professor speaking in front of a blackboard, Independence Hall against a clear sky, a white graphic illustration of the map of USA against a dark blue background, and protestors creating human rights signs. A large red block in the center reads “Education and Democracy.”
December 2, 2021
Education and Democracy: Penn GSE Faculty and Students Work to Advance Civic Life

As a complex era fuels urgent questions about the state of American democracy, faculty and students at Penn GSE are examining key issues of freedom, voice, and dialogue while helping foster respectful discussion within the classroom and beyond.

  • Education Policy & Analysis
  • Language, Literacy & Culture
  • Teaching & Learning
  • Alumni
A free-hand digital illustration of a clenched fist containing a bright, red-colored heart. Text says “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.”
October 28, 2021
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Penn GSE Alumni Work to Support Students and Employees

Penn GSE alumni in educational leadership roles are at the forefront of organizations’ efforts towards advocacy, overcoming barriers, creating paths to success, celebrating differences, and more.

  • Race, Equity & Inclusion
  • Higher Education
  • Alumni
A view behind several students in a classroom, each with a raised hand. Text reads “Multiple Pathways to Excellence.”
October 28, 2021
Multiple Pathways to Excellence: Penn GSE Prepares Teachers to Transform Lives

Recent graduates of Penn GSE’s three teacher education master’s programs are implementing what they’ve learned, showing a deep commitment to their students’ futures as they teach mathematics, English, and science.

  • Race, Equity & Inclusion
  • Teaching & Learning
  • Alumni
Circle-shaped headshots of three Penn GSE alumni appear against a white background with the headline “Preparing Future Citizens."
July 1, 2021
Preparing Future Citizens: Penn GSE Alumni Advance Education for Civic Life

By teaching, implementing curricula, creating experiences outside of the classroom, and engaging undergraduates in community service, these alumni are preparing the next generation for U.S. civic life.

  • Race, Equity & Inclusion
  • Teaching & Learning
  • Alumni
  • Special Topic: COVID-19
A silhouette of a student’s head in a graduation cap is filled with various images of the Penn GSE building, Penn campus views, students, and faculty. A headline reads, “The Future of Higher Education
July 1, 2021
The Future of Higher Education: Penn GSE Faculty, Students, and Alumni Look Ahead

Seeing hope amidst current challenges, Penn GSE professors, scholars, and graduates are examining the changing landscape of higher education and envisioning opportunities to advance educational opportunity and racial justice.

  • Race, Equity & Inclusion
  • Higher Education
  • Alumni
  • Special Topic: COVID-19
A photo of red and blue balloons with the Penn GSE logo appears beside a blue panel that says “Penn GSE Alumni Weekend 2021.”
June 21, 2021
Alumni share lessons from leading in times of uncertainty

Three distinguished Penn GSE alumni shared their perspectives on finding strength in the face of adversity, supporting mental health, and rallying to improve social justice.

  • Higher Education
  • Leadership
  • Teaching & Learning
  • Alumni
A digital world map lit up by several points of light against a navy blue background. Icons symbolizing people are linked by beams across the map and beyond. A headline reads, “Engaging Graduates.”
May 17, 2021
Engaging Graduates: Penn GSE Launches Alumni Leadership Board

Thirteen inaugural members are working to help Penn GSE create spaces for graduates to have meaningful engagement leading to continued professional growth.

  • Leadership
  • Alumni

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