We’re unveiling the science of learning.

At the Johns Hopkins School of Education, we are dedicated to advancing our understanding of how we learn. For one, technology is reshaping education, transforming the way we teach and engage with students every day. In parallel, breakthroughs in neuroscience are providing fresh insights into our cognitive processes, empowering us to optimize pedagogical approaches. Moreover, the evolving demands of our diverse student populations are driving us to uncover innovative strategies that promote inclusive and transformative learning environments.

Our mission extends beyond research alone. We are committed to equipping educators with evidence-based strategies through impactful curriculum development and comprehensive teacher preparation programs. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and partnerships, we strive to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in education, and build learning environments where every student can thrive and succeed.

PEOPLE OF SOE

Jonathan Plucker, PhD

Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs

“Society puts a premium on producing novel, useful ideas, and universities are building that into the curriculum. What we’re really talking about is creativity — the engine behind innovation — and we are identifying new ways to measure it.”

Jonathan Plucker headshot.

Jonathan Plucker is an educational psychologist whose research examines education policy and talent development. His work defining and studying excellence gaps is part of a larger effort to reorient the thinking of policymakers and educators toward promoting achievement for all children. He has long studied creativity and innovation, especially how to help students develop lifelong creative skills.

Our Learning and Instruction Experts

The Johns Hopkins School of Education is home to some of the nation’s top experts, thought leaders, and mentors in the fields of learning and instruction.

  • Marcia Davis, PhD

    Associate Professor (Research)
    Co-Director, Center for Social Organization of Schools
    Director of Research, Baltimore Education Research Consortium

    Affiliation

    Center for Social Organization of Schools, SOE Leadership

    Expertise

    Learning & Instruction, Research, Evaluation & Assessment

    Headshot of Marcia  Davis, PhD
  • James Diamond, PhD

    Assistant Professor

    Affiliation

    Counseling & Educational Studies

    Expertise

    Educational Technology, Learning & Instruction

    Headshot of James  Diamond, PhD
  • Hunter Gehlbach, PhD

    Professor
    Faculty Lead, PhD Program

    Affiliation

    Advanced Studies in Education

    Expertise

    Learning & Instruction, Measurement & Research Methodologies

    Headshot of Hunter  Gehlbach, PhD
  • Keri M. Guilbault, EdD

    Associate Professor
    Faculty Lead, Gifted Education Programs

    Affiliation

    Counseling & Educational Studies

    Expertise

    Gifted Education, Learning & Instruction

    Headshot of Keri M. Guilbault, EdD
  • Andrea Harkins-Brown, EdD

    Assistant Research Scientist

    Affiliation

    Center for Technology in Education

    Expertise

    Learning & Instruction

    Headshot of Andrea  Harkins-Brown, EdD
  • Affiliation

    Advanced Studies in Education

    Expertise

    Learning & Instruction, Mind, Brain, & Teaching

    Headshot of Ranjini Mahinda  JohnBull,  PhD
  • Jonathan Plucker, PhD

    Research Professor
    Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs
    Faculty Lead, Master of Science in Education Policy

    Affiliation

    SOE Leadership

    Expertise

    Education Policy & Politics, Gifted Education, Learning & Instruction

    Headshot of Jonathan  Plucker,  PhD
  • Laura Flores Shaw, EdD

    Assistant Professor
    Faculty Lead, Doctor of Education

    Affiliation

    Advanced Studies in Education

    Expertise

    Learning & Instruction

    Headshot of Laura Flores Shaw, EdD
  • Alexandra Shelton, PhD

    Assistant Professor

    Affiliation

    Innovative Teaching & Leadership

    Expertise

    Learning & Instruction, Special Education

    Headshot of Alexandra  Shelton, PhD