Below are remarks that Dean Michelle D. Young delivered at the BSE's new student orientation on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2024.
It is such an honor and a joy to welcome each and every one of you to the Berkeley School of Education. Today is a truly historic day, as we come together not just as a community, but as a newly expanded community. For the very first time, we are welcoming undergraduate students to our brand-new Educational Sciences major. So, to both our undergraduate and our graduate students, welcome to your new academic home.
Together, we stand at the threshold — of an incredibly exciting adventure. As educators, researchers, innovators, and future leaders, you are committing to a path that is essential — not only for individual growth and opportunity but also for the health and vitality of our nation’s democracy.
The field of education has always been a cornerstone of democratic societies. It is through education that we foster critical thinking, nurture curiosity, and cultivate a sense of possibility. Education does so much more than providing essential skills in reading, writing, mathematics, science and the arts; it empowers individuals to engage in thoughtful debate, to understand the complexities of our world, and to drive social change. It prepares us not just to face the future but to shape it. And now, more than ever, the role of education is critical in ensuring that democracy remains vibrant, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all people.
Yet, as you embark on this journey, we must also acknowledge the mounting challenges in education today. The field you are entering is at a crossroads. We are experiencing a historic shortage in education, of teachers, leaders, school psychologists, and other essential educational personnel, and this is occurring at a time when we need them and their expertise most. We are also navigating complex cultural wars, with debates around curriculum, around the books in our libraries, and around research-based practices for including and supporting students of all races, genders, and sexuality, creating divisions and leading to policies that silence important conversations.
These and other challenges are real, and they are daunting. But they also present an opportunity — a call to action for all of us here today to ensure that we (and that we includes you, our faculty, our staff) — that we do everything possible to ensure that when you graduate from Berkeley, you are prepared to address and navigate challenges with courage, confidence, a deep commitment to justice, and a wealth of knowledge, skills, and understanding.
As the newest members of the Berkeley School of Education, you are stepping into roles that have the power to transform. You will be the teachers who educate and inspire the next generation, the community members who put youth at the center of our nation’s priorities, the researchers who create educational innovations and discover new insights, and the leaders who advocate for change. The work will not always be easy, but it will be profoundly meaningful.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Look around you. This room is filled with individuals who share a similar passion and purpose. Human flourishing in one manner or another is a central concern of everyone here. This means you have a community here — of peers, faculty, and staff — a community who are and who will continue to be ready to support you, challenge you, and cheer you on. Lean on each other, learn from each other, and together, let’s make a difference.
As you embark on this new academic year — this new academic journey — I encourage you to embrace every opportunity with enthusiasm and curiosity. Engage fully in your classes, arrive prepared to engage, connect with your peers, and take advantage of the rich resources that Berkeley has to offer. Be bold in your thinking, courageous in your actions, and always remember why you chose this path.
You are here to make a difference, to leave a mark on the world, and to help shape a brighter, more just future. And I have no doubt that you will do just that.
Welcome to the Berkeley School of Education, and to the next chapter of your educational journey.
