Meghan Phadke, PhD candidate in Culture and Teaching in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, shares her experience coming on board and settling in to a doctoral program that values challenging conventional thinking, educational equity, and social justice.

What interested you in the PhD program in Curriculum and Instruction?

To be honest, I probably wouldn’t have looked here if I didn’t have some family locally that pushed me to consider it. I was surprised at how well a fit it seemed to be once I looked closer.  I was looking for a program that could connect my interest in larger discourses, systems, and structures to the day-to-day work of teaching. I wanted a program that explicitly located itself in equity and social justice frameworks. And I knew that I wanted a program that was embedded in a teacher-preparation institution. Maybe unsurprisingly, there aren’t that many programs out there built this way – never mind in a place that I could imagine living for at least five years. Once I visited and connected with my future advisor [Professor Nina Asher], I just knew it was the right place for me.

What did you hope to get out of your educational experience?

I hoped to find like-minded people that could push my thinking and a supportive and collaborative community with which to do my work.

Were there any surprises and challenges along the way?

I think I underestimated how difficult settling into a new location and settling back into being a student would be. This political moment – the Trump election in November of my first year, in particular – has been both surprising and challenging. There were a lot of days when I felt like this intellectual work was self-indulgent, and that I could be doing more in a classroom somewhere. And even beyond that, there were definitely a lot of days when I wasn’t quite sure this path was the right one. It helped that I have a very tight-knit cohort and we were able to support each other through these shared challenges.

What has been your experience with the faculty?

 As far as the program faculty in my focus area, culture and teaching, I would say my experience has been overwhelmingly positive. Faculty have been quick to respond to emails and meet one-on-one, generous with their time, and supportive of me, my thinking, and my interests.

What is your research focus?

I am thinking about citizen-making and nation-building in the context of everyday elementary school teaching and learning.

Which resources have you found through the program to help with your research?

I’m only now moving more solidly into my research, so I’m not quite sure I have the best answer to this questions. My research interests have definitely been pushed along by ongoing conversations with peers in my cohort – and certainly by the ability to meet with faculty, ask questions, and be pointed to different resources – whether they be courses, other faculty, readings, or experiences.

What do you hope to do after graduation?

I hope to continue to work with future elementary school teachers!

Learn more about the PhD programs in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.