Dear Members of Division G:

Message from the Division - G Vice President – Dr. Cleveland Hayes

As we transition into the new academic year, I want to take this opportunity to warmly welcome both new and returning members to the Social Context of Education Division. I am honored to serve as your Vice President, and I look forward to working alongside you as we advance the crucial work of understanding how education is deeply intertwined with the broader social, cultural, and political contexts in which it exists.

Our Division continues to grow and evolve, reflecting the diversity of perspectives and expertise that each of you brings to this community. Our collective research shines a light on the ways that education shapes and is shaped by factors such as race, class, gender, immigration status, and policy decisions, among others. The contributions of this Division are critical in providing the insights needed to push forward more equitable and inclusive educational practices.

 A Few Key Priorities for the Year Ahead:

 1. Fostering Collaboration and Community 

   As a Division, we are dedicated to creating spaces for collaboration, both virtually and in person. I encourage you all to engage with our members, participate in discussions, and contribute to the collective body of knowledge we are building. Together, we can generate ideas and strategies that challenge inequitable systems and practices.

 2. Supporting Early-Career Scholars and Graduate Student Mentorship 

   One of our ongoing goals is to nurture the next generation of researchers. I invite senior scholars to actively mentor and support emerging voices in our field, and for early-career scholars to take advantage of the resources and networks within our Division.

3. Engaging in Timely and Impactful Research

   We are witnessing unprecedented challenges and changes in the educational landscape, both in the U.S. and globally. From the impact of the pandemic to ongoing racial and economic disparities, it is imperative that our research remains timely, relevant, and action-oriented.

 Looking Ahead

I am excited for the year ahead as we work together to continue advancing knowledge in the social context of education. The work you do in researching the intersectionality of education with social forces helps inform both policy and practice in ways that can lead to meaningful change. 

Please stay tuned for upcoming announcements about our annual meetings, webinars, and other opportunities to connect. I encourage all members to participate actively in these events to further engage with this incredible community of scholars.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment and contributions to the Social Context of Education Division. I look forward to the impactful work we will continue to do together.

Sincerely, 

Cleveland Hayes, PhD
Associate Dean, Academic Affairs
Professor, Urban Teacher Education
Adjunct Professor, Africana Studies
Indiana University – IUPUI
Division G Vice President, American Education Research Association