Class of 2025: Allison Ward-Seidel

Allison Ward-Seidel always knew her calling was in education. After serving for six years as an elementary school classroom teacher and earning her master’s degree from Harvard University, she enrolled at UVA for her doctoral program. Her research focuses on social-emotional learning and critical consciousness development among teachers and students.

During her time at UVA, she has served on several leadership roles within the School of Education and Human Development, including Education Council, the Hunter Student Research Conference planning committee, and the SEEDS4Change steering committee.

Q: What inspired you to choose a career in education?

I've wanted to be a teacher my entire life. I loved school, and I wanted to make school an experience that other kids enjoyed as much as I did. I applied to my undergraduate teacher education program with an essay about how we could make school better, more equitable, and more fun, while more holistically supporting the various needs of many students.

Q: Why did you choose the UVA School of Education & Human Development for your program?

I'm honored to be a part of the UVA EHD community! This is a great school of education, and I knew I would get the rigorous training I needed to be successful in academia or doing research and training future educators.

Q: What is the most significant thing that has shaped your time here?

I am so grateful for my friends and my incredible support system of colleagues here going through the Ph.D. program. The collaborative and meaningful relationships developed here will last a lifetime. I look forward to working with some of my friends in the future and seeing their great accomplishments in education research!

Q: What is one thing you learned during your studies that surprised you most?

The feeling when it is all finished (getting your Ph.D.!) is such a big milestone that we've worked toward for so long. And yet, it still feels unreal once it happens. It feels like another push to continue the important work of supporting education and human development at its best.

Q: If you can, name one person who has made a special impact during your studies and how?

I've said it a million times, and a million more to come — this is a team sport! I'm quite sure that I could not have done this work without my colleagues Dr. Dan Moore-Lewis, Dr. Ryan Burke, Analia Marzoratti, Dana Sox, Dr. Sarah Beach, and Dr. Helen Min.

Q: What will you be doing next?

Post-graduation I will continue to advocate for school conditions that support sociopolitical development and holistic thriving among all youth. I will support teachers, schools, students and other organizations through developing the types of environments where people are compassionate and motivated for the greater good!

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you, EHD! To the Ed Council, SEEDS4Change, Critical Whiteness Study Book Group, Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion, and Dean's Office who create opportunities for students to lead and succeed — thank you!