Advance Social Innovation & Community Engagement Through Teaching at Tulane
“Over the past few months, I have gained valuable insight into New Orleans schooling, positive teaching styles, and different techniques to better serve students. Being able to apply what I am learning in class to my service learning at Lake Forest Charter School has been an extremely rewarding experience for both myself as a mentor, and the class that I mentor!“
Initiatives
Education and Leadership Courses
The Cowen Institute is dedicated to promoting educational success among New Orleans students. The Institute’s Executive Director, Dr. Amanda Kruger Hill, teaches education and leadership classes at Tulane. Additionally, she helped to design and launch the Master of Education program at Tulane's School of Professional Advancement and she coordinates the Educational Leadership specialization within that program.
Social Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking
As the Jill H. and Avram A. Glazer Professor of Social Entrepreneurship at the Taylor Center, Dr. Hill deepens the connection between university learning and community impact. She integrates design thinking and entrepreneurial approaches into her courses to equip students with tools for social innovation and support leaders in developing creative solutions to persistent educational challenges.
Community Engagement and Service Learning
Dr. Hill's teaching includes active community engagement and service learning. In collaboration with the Center for Public Service, she facilitates service-learning opportunities in schools and non-profits across the city. These courses require a robust service-learning component through which Tulane students collectively engage in over 1,000 hours of service in local organizations each year.
Impact and Presentations
Annually, over 500 Tulane students read Cowen Institute publications in their classes, deepening their understanding of local educational issues. Our team also provides multiple presentations each year on the state of public education, engaging the Tulane community in critical conversations.
To request a presentation on their poll findings or New Orleans education system, please email vrossmei@tulane.edu.
“Through our partnership with the Cowen Institute, we’re expanding the reach and depth of our programs, ensuring that every young leader we serve is equipped with the skills, support, and vision to thrive in the school, in their communities, and in life.”
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1,000+Annual hours of Community service and mentorship from Tulane students
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500+Tulane students engaged with our publications