Bringing new technologies into the classroom. Innovative programs to train more teachers. A renewed emphasis on making teacher education a university-wide responsibility. And a statewide focus on improving K-12 education.

These are just a few of the priorities of Ronald W. Marx in his position as Dean of the UA College of Education. Marx came to the UA in 2004 from a successful career at the University of Michigan. “I selected the University of Arizona because the College of Education is poised to make a difference in the state, the nation, and the world, and I want to be part of that transformation.”

The Office of the Dean manages the College, raises funds, fosters external relations, provides oversight for academic programs, and participates in University governance.

Here are just some of the initiatives we’re working on:

• Early childhood education. Preschool and parent education programs for teen mothers in foster care • Early childhood language learning and the role of early social interaction • Language issues confronted by non-English-speaking children • Outreach literacy initiatives for schools and community agencies, including the Center for International Children’s and Adolescent Literature, a nationally significant collection of literature.

• Teacher professional development. Field immersion experience at school sites • Short courses in Tucson Unified School District’s new-teacher induction program • The nationally recognized Southern Arizona Writing Project • A demonstration-teaching site school • Working with Pima Community College to provide a seamless transition to the university.

• Adolescent development and learning. Applying a more holistic and dynamic understanding of adolescent life • Counseling and mentoring college-bound students at their own high schools • Tutoring and mentoring opportunities for students at under-resourced schools.

• Community education and development. Creating an after-school setting within low-income communities • Academic writing and general academic skills program for under-represented students • Three-week intensive training in interpretation and translation for Spanish-speaking students.

• New learning technologies and 21^st century skills. An online streaming video tool to help current teachers in the mentoring and induction of students and novice teachers • Developing programs of research, instruction, and outreach to accelerate technology fluency.

• 12 policy and leadership. Working with TUSD to create a path from classroom teaching to educational leadership • Developing a math/science charter secondary school with a relationship to the UA • A cohort-based doctoral program for school district leaders.