EduDream

Today, as it was yesterday and will be tomorrow, my focus is on education news, research, challenges, policy and bright spots. EduDream will continue to support nonprofits, philanthropy, local and state education agencies, and above all communities in providing safe and high quality educational opportunities to our students. I’m sharing this op-ed on the importance of education to our economy; and yet, deprioritization of the issue for candidates and voters. https://lnkd.in/geTagY7Y

Today is #ElectionDay! Voting is a powerful way to ensure your voice is heard on key topics like education. Join the EduDream team as we head to the polls today. #Vote #Election2024

Living our core values at EduDream means shaping the next generation of researchers and #edleaders while producing quality community-centered research. Co-founders Monica and Michelle support this mission by empowering team members like Eliana Whitehouse to leverage their expertise through thought leadership. Eliana's piece for eSchool News discusses how the #edtech community can enhance AI to foster inclusive, meaningful learning environments for underrepresented students. Read her insights informed by EduDream's synthesis of 100+ sources on student motivation and AI expert interviews here: https://lnkd.in/ghsbGbYn #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Innovation

Can AI enhance students’ motivation and learning? This eSchool News article by Eliana Whitehouse, Research & Evaluation Associate, highlights the unique impacts of AI on students of color and offers key insights for educators and the #EdTech community.

Our latest blog explores how motivation issues didn’t begin with the pandemic—but addressing them now is essential, especially as we confront #learningloss, chronic absenteeism, and the urgent need for equitable support systems. Co-founder Michelle Oliva highlights three evidence-based actions that school and district leaders can take to re-ignite student motivation, persistence, and engagement. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gm2BHd6t #ChronicAbsenteeism #StudentWellbeing #StudentMotivation #Research

Part of collaborative leadership at EduDream means embracing the productive struggle as part of the process. Team members come with unique backgrounds and experiences and may, therefore, approach a task differently. At EduDream, we see that as an advantage to our work. Last week, the full team gathered in person to finalize EduDream's 2025 strategic action plan. As we each embraced the collaborative process by clarifying objectives, identifying key activities, and assigning priorities, the team left the retreat with renewed excitement for the new year. And we also managed to squeeze in a visit to Topgolf to celebrate. #CollaborativeLeadership #StrategicPlanning #ProductiveStruggle #Teamwork

Yesterday, Co-founder Monica Martinez and Communications Manager Elle Cumberbatch joined Illinois Action for Children (IAFC) at their 2024 A Time to Shine Annual Event to celebrate their 55th anniversary. It was an evening full of meaningful discussion and reflections on the power of storytelling, advocacy, and policy work. As a proud sponsor, we were honored to stand alongside fellow education and civic leaders to recognize IAFC's commitment to children and families across Illinois. 🌟 #ATTS2024

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with EduDream by checking out the virtual 'Nuestra Gente' art installation created by artist Bernadette Pena! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gtqcdYWk In Bernadette's words, "the cultural legacy and heritage of our ancestors bridge the generations of the past and present. By honoring the contributions and narratives of our diverse community, we empower the innovators and dreamers of tomorrow." One of our team members, Sophia Velez, had the privilege of hearing Bernadette share about the vision for 'Nuestra Gente' and experienced the installation in person at the 2024 Hispanas Unidas Conference in San Antonio, TX. We hope you enjoy the installation as much as we did! #LatineHeritageMonth #CelebrateDiversity

In 2019, Michelle Oliva and I led a comprehensive needs assessment of Chicago's Latine community for a non-profit organization (https://lnkd.in/gpXjyZDW). We focused on seven predominantly Latine neighborhoods, examining data trends to better understand the educational challenges and opportunities in each community. As a Spanish-speaking Latina researcher and Chicago native, this project was especially meaningful to me. It underscored the importance of culturally relevant research. By engaging with community leaders, teachers, and parents, we gained valuable insights into the unique assets and aspirations of these communities. Connecting with these communities—both through shared language and lived experiences—allowed us to build trust and foster meaningful connections. This trust shaped our findings and strengthened the impact of our work. As we near the end of Hispanic Heritage Month, I'm reminded of why EduDream's community-centered approach is necessary. It highlights the power of diverse leadership in research and education as we work toward a more equitable and inclusive education system.

What does collaborative leadership look like at EduDream? This week, part of our team met in person at WeWork Uptown to reflect, plan, and prepare for 2025. In two weeks, the entire team will gather in the Chicagoland area to finalize our action plan. Our co-founders, Michelle and Monica, have created a culture that encourages open dialogue, shared responsibility, and collective decision-making. EduDream's end-of-year team retreat is one way our core values come to life. #CollaborativeLeadership #StrategicPlanning #Teamwork