Education is a cornerstone of human civilization, serving as a vital tool for societal advancement. At the University of Michigan’s Marsal Family School of Education, innovative research efforts are reshaping the landscape of learning and teaching to create more effective and empowering educational experiences for all.
The Marsal Family School of Education is at the forefront of educational transformation, focusing on how people best learn and teach. This responsibility drives their commitment to research that enhances educational practices and outcomes.

The Marsal Education team has implemented numerous initiatives aimed at uplifting communities through strategic educational interventions.
Marygrove Learning Community: A Vision for the Future of Education
The Marygrove Learning Community is a testament to the transformative power of integrating education with community revitalization. Formed through the Detroit P-20 Partnership in 2018, this collaboration brings together Marsal Family School of Education, Detroit Public Schools Community District, and other organizations to create a comprehensive learning environment from pre-natal to college that focuses on the needs of children, families, and teachers.
With project- and place-based learning at its core, this initiative aims to cultivate student knowledge, skills, and engagement while promoting educational equity. It also features the country’s first Teaching School, where early-career teachers engage in a three-year residency, gaining hands-on experience while receiving support from Marsal faculty and experienced educators.
Students benefit from an array of services that ensure their well-being and learning, as Marsal Education actively studies and refines their methods to create scalable and effective educational models.

Empowering Educators for Future Generations
Quality teaching is pivotal for student success, and Marsal is dedicated to preparing exceptional educators. By admitting first-year undergraduates into its educator preparation programs, Marsal extends the duration and depth of teacher training, promising transformative impacts on the profession.
This innovative seven-year training model combines four years of education with a subsequent three-year residency at Marygrove, enhancing the typical teacher preparation timeline significantly. Marsal also emphasizes accessibility, offering financial support through the Go Blue Guarantee and scholarships to ensure affordability for aspiring teachers.
LEAPS: Undergraduate Pathways to Change
LEAPS, which stands for Learning, Equity, and Problem Solving for the Public Good, represents a pioneering undergraduate degree focusing on fostering collaboration and leadership skills critical for societal improvement. Students in the LEAPS program develop an in-depth understanding of social dynamics, history, and policy, equipping them to become effective change-makers in various industries.
The program combines the strengths of the University of Michigan with community-based learning at Marygrove, allowing students to engage deeply with real-world challenges and opportunities.

Advancing Human Learning Through Research
The Eileen Lappin Weiser Center for the Learning Sciences is dedicated to enhancing human learning capacities. By exploring AI applications, environmental justice, and educational app evaluations, the center aims to advance innovative learning strategies and foster engaging educational environments.
The center serves as an incubator for pioneering ideas and partnerships, promoting community engagement and co-designed learning practices that empower students and educators alike.
Transforming Postsecondary Education
The Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education at Marsal is committed to improving global postsecondary learning. Through research on topics such as community colleges and career education, faculty members provide valuable insights that shape policy and educational practices worldwide.
Researchers like Dr. Jeremy Wright-Kim and Dr. Walter Ecton are leading efforts to enhance access and quality in higher education, contributing to a more equitable and effective educational landscape.
Marsal: Leading Educational Transformation
Marsal Family School of Education exemplifies excellence in education through initiatives that are evidence-based, community-engaged, and educator-powered. As they continue to innovate and collaborate, Marsal remains a pivotal force in advancing education for the betterment of society.



