We are proud of the many graduates who completed their Masters’ and Doctoral Degrees this year. We wish you the very best in your future endeavors!
Professor Oren Pizmony-Levy with the new graduate Lindsey Cunningham, who is now working at the International Rescue Committee (IRC)
This story celebrates the newly graduated cohort of the International and Comparative Education (ICEd) program. From sharing the video of the speech our now new alumnae Kella Merlain-Moffat delivered during commencement, to featuring some new graduates’ profiles, we celebrate your time at Teachers College (TC), your successes, and the bright future ahead of our alumni.
Professor S. Garnett Russell (Program Director) and Professor Oren Pizmony-Levy with the new graduate Kella Merlain-Moffat
During the TC Commencement Ceremony, Kella Merlain-Moffatt, who received the Master of Arts (MA) in International Education Development, addressed the audience with an inspiring speech. She asked everyone: “Do your goals align with liberation or do they further perpetuate the oppression of others?” This question speaks about the lessons we aim to share in our ICEd program. Merlin-Moffatt reminded us to “center the voices that are oftentimes disregarded,” and to “remember the small things are worth celebrating. They always will be.” Her entire speech is available here.
Professor Oren Pizmony-Levy and the new graduate Keyi Ding
We asked some new alumni to share their next steps and most important learning outcome from TC and the program. We thank them for their contributions!
Sumit Karn
What is your next professional step now that you have graduated? I will continue to embark on an awe-inspiring academic odyssey at TC, pursuing a Ph.D. in Comparative and International Education beginning in Fall 2023. Simultaneously, I will work as a Graduate Research Assistant within the Organization and Leadership Studies department at TC.
Under the guidance of Dr. Oren Pizmony-Levy, a luminary in the field, my scholarly pursuits will delve deep into public opinion's sway on education-related policy-making in low- and middle-income countries, primarily in South Asia and discerning the deeply interwoven sociopolitical, economic, and religious forces that intricately shape these opinions and, in turn, influence the consequential decision-making processes.
What is one learning outcome that you got from your master's degree that you think prepared you well for your career and life? During my time pursuing a master's degree at TC, I have gained a plethora of invaluable learning outcomes. However, if I had to select just one, it would undoubtedly be the development of Critical Consciousness, which has fostered my ability to critically evaluate and challenge dominant narratives and practices within education. I have learned to question assumptions, uncover hidden biases, and confront systemic injustices perpetuating educational inequities. I have realized that success in education is influenced by numerous factors, such as socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, and gender, rather than just an individual's ability. This realization has motivated me to support equal access to quality education for everyone, regardless of their background or situation. This invaluable skill set will continue to guide my efforts as an educator, researcher, and advocate for educational reform in an increasingly interconnected and diverse world.
Claudia Hui
What is your next professional step now that you have graduated? I have joined the Brookings Institution's Center for Universal Education as a Research Analyst and Project Coordinator and will be working with the Gender Equality In and Through Education Team.
What is one learning outcome that you got from your master's degree that you think prepared you well for your career and life? One valuable learning outcome I got from my master's degree was the ability to critically interrogate gaps in understanding surrounding complex global challenges young people face today. Through research and service, I was exposed to a diverse range of ideas that pushed me to think deeper on issues of identities, citizenship, and human rights as they relate to conflict-affected communities. I look forward to continuing the conversations I have had with my peers on creating a more just world!
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