In Episode 3 of Alumni Corner, we sit down with Sam Uzwack, University of Washington College of Education alumnus and Head of School at Eastside Preparatory School, to talk about what it means to lead, teach, and keep learning in an educational landscape that never stops changing.

From his early days teaching middle school in Alaska to leading a school community today, Sam shares how the classroom shaped the leader he became. At the center of his approach is a simple philosophy: meet people where they are. Whether working with students or helping educators grow in their own practice, he reflects on the importance of understanding who is in front of you and finding ways to help them connect, engage, and succeed.

The conversation also looks at what happens when the classroom itself begins to change. Sam discusses adapting teaching practices to reach different learners, navigating emerging technologies like AI, and why educators may need to rethink familiar approaches as the way students learn continues to evolve.

Along the way, Sam reflects on his time at the University of Washington, the lessons he carried from student to teacher to school leader, and why education is ultimately as much about being willing to learn as it is about teaching others.

Connect with the UW College of Education:

 Instagram: https://instagram.com/uweducation/
 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/school/uwcollegeofeducation
 Facebook: https://facebook.com/UWCollegeofEducation/
 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@UWCollegeofEducation 
 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/uwcollegeofed.bsky.social

Stay connected:
Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on new episodes, alumni stories, and upcoming events: https://education.uw.edu/news 

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In Episode 2 of Alumni Corner, we sit down with Dr. Roxana Chiappa, University of Washington College of Education alumna, Assistant Professor at Universidad de Tarapacá in Chile, and Research Associate at Rhodes University in South Africa.

Dr. Chiappa's career has taken her across continents, where her research explores higher education, inequality, and the experiences of scholars navigating academic spaces across borders. Drawing from both her personal journey and international research, she reflects on how language, identity, culture, and belonging continue to shape higher education around the world.

The conversation also explores her new co-authored book, Navigating Academia as a Transnational Scholar from the Global South: Treasuring All the Knowledges, written with Iris Viveros Avendaño. Together, they examine the lived experiences of scholars from the Global South, challenging traditional academic narratives while highlighting the value of diverse perspectives and knowledge systems in higher education.

Grounded in reflection, global perspective, and a commitment to educational equity, this episode offers an insightful look at the power of international collaboration and the importance of creating a stronger sense of belonging within higher education.

Learn more about Navigating Academia as a Transnational Scholar from the Global South: Treasuring All the Knowledges:

📚 University of Washington Bookstore

📚 Routledge:
https://www.routledge.com/Navigating-Academia-as-a-Transnational-Scholar-from-the-Global-South-Treasuring-All-the-Knowledges/ChiappaBaros-ViverosAvendano/p/book/9781032375212

📚 Barnes & Noble:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/navigating-academia-as-a-transnational-scholar-from-the-global-south-roxana-chiappa-baros/1146913901

Connect with the UW College of Education:

 Instagram: https://instagram.com/uweducation/
 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/school/uwcollegeofeducation
 Facebook: https://facebook.com/UWCollegeofEducation/
 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@UWCollegeofEducation 
 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/uwcollegeofed.bsky.social

Stay connected:
Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on new episodes, alumni stories, and upcoming events: https://education.uw.edu/news 

Follow, download, and share this episode to help amplify alumni voices shaping the future of education.

In the first episode of Alumni Corner, we sit down with two leaders shaping the future of public education in Washington state, Dr. Trevor Greene, Superintendent of Yakima School District, and Dr. Kelly Aramaki, Superintendent of Bellevue School District and a proud University of Washington College of Education alumnus.

Together, they reflect on their time at the UW College of Education and the pathways that led them into district leadership. From early influences to defining moments in their careers, both share how their experiences have shaped their approach to leading with purpose, navigating challenges, and serving diverse communities.

At the center of this conversation is their shared advocacy for more equitable K–12 funding across Washington. As part of a growing statewide effort to address disparities in how schools are funded, Dr. Greene and Dr. Aramaki speak to the real impact of these gaps on students, families, and educators. They break down what equitable funding means in practice, why it matters now, and how their collaboration is helping move this work forward.

Grounded in reflection, leadership, and community impact, this episode offers an inside look at what it takes to lead school systems today and why equity must remain at the forefront of education.

Connect with the UW College of Education:

 Instagram: https://instagram.com/uweducation/
 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/school/uwcollegeofeducation
 Facebook: https://facebook.com/UWCollegeofEducation/
 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@UWCollegeofEducation 
 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/uwcollegeofed.bsky.social

Stay connected:
Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on new episodes, alumni stories, and upcoming events: https://education.uw.edu/news 

Follow, download, and share this episode to help amplify alumni voices shaping the future of education.