Archive Posts
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Autism Acceptance Month: Embracing Neurodiversity in a More Inclusive World
Diversity, Equity and InclusionAutism awareness has come a long way since University of St. Thomas professor L. Lynn Stansberry Brusnahan first went looking for help. “There was one book at the library when my son was diagnosed in 1991,” Stansberry Brusnahan said. “And it wasn't a good one.” Facing down that massive void, she went to work, not…
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MITIE Announces Inaugural Group of Research Fellows
St. Thomas 2025Three educators will dedicate themselves to yearlong independent research projects aimed at advancing the field and providing new tools to teachers and administrators seeking support and training in trauma-informed education. Jonathan Luknic, Caroline Toscano and Brandy Opse are the inaugural group of Research Fellows for the Minnesota Institute for Trauma-Informed Education (MITIE). MITIE was launched… -
Innovation Gets a Boost in Funding
Professional NotesA wave of federal grants is making an impact. If you ask Professor L. Lynn Stansberry Brusnahan about her life in the year 2016, you‘ll likely get the answer: “weeks of no sleep.” That was the year she applied for and received St. Thomas’ first major federal grant at or above $1 million. At the… -
CUGMEC Scholarship Prepares Educators of Color
AlumniSt. Thomas’ School of Education is constantly working to help increase the number of teachers of color in the classroom through various partnerships, including state-funded teaching preparation programs. One, the Collaborative Urban and Greater Minnesota Educators of Color (CUGMEC) scholarship program, is a private/public partnership designed to recruit, support and retain teachers of color and… -
In the News: Dr. Muffet Trout on MPS Students Returning to School
In the NewsSchool of Education Professor Dr. Muffet Trout spoke with KSTP News about the additional stress that Minneapolis Public Schools students may face as they return to school this week. Students did not attend school for two weeks during the teacher's union strike, and the school district has decided to extend school days for the remainder… -
In the News: Dr. Muffet Trout on the Pandemic and Toxic Stress
In the NewsProfessor of Teacher Education Dr. Muffet Trout joined "Minnesota Live" to discuss the topic of toxic stress among children during the pandemic. Trout described toxic stress as "when our bodies are on high alert for a prolonged period of time." She also explained how toxic stress can harm the development of a child and offered… -
Rewards of Teaching Led St. Paul Native to St. Thomas
Diversity, Equity and InclusionWhen he reflects on being born in St. Paul and living most of his life in the city, Martin Odima says, “It makes me feel good that I grew up in this area.” Odima, who received his master’s degree in education at the University of St. Thomas, has a sense of fulfillment knowing that he… -
In the News: Dr. Muffet Trout on Toxic Stress
In the NewsProfessor of Teacher Education Dr. Muffet Trout joined WCCO News to explain what toxic stress is and how it might be affecting children in America today. She explains how toxic stress can impact a child's ability to learn, and offers advice to parents on how to recognize and address the symptoms of toxic stress. Watch… -
Schools of Education, Social Work Receive $1.2 Million Grant from Department of Education
Health & EducationThe School of Education and the Morrison Family College of Health School of Social Work recently received a $1.2 million grant from the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) in the U.S. Department of Education. The grant supports the Trauma-Informed Interdisciplinary Practices (TIIP) project, a collaboration between the two schools. From this grant, eight education and eight social work students… -
Creative Thinking
Health & EducationBy being inventive, the School of Education tackles a critical teacher shortage in special education. Working in education gives Rania Paraskeva a sense of fulfillment. In her most recent position as a special education teacher at Island Lake Elementary, Paraskeva loves watching the children she works with learn new skills and discover their abilities. “I…