2026 Award Announcements:

• Sylvia Scribner
• Jan Hawkins
• Early Career Award
• Research Excellence Award 

AERA Division C 2026 Sylvia Scribner Award 

Call for Nominations  

K. Ann Renninger and Suzanne E. Hidi (Co-Chairs), 

DEADLINE: January 24, 2026 

Nominations are open for the 2026 Sylvia Scribner Award of Division C, Learning and Instruction, of the American Educational Research Association (AERA). The award recognizes an established program of work that has significantly influenced thinking and research in the field of learning and instruction. In particular, the annual award is designed to honor current research (i.e., within the last ten years) that represents a significant advancement in our understanding of learning and instruction. The recognized work may include but is not limited to research articles, paper series, monographs, book chapters, media productions, or books. This includes collaborative teams as well as individuals. The nominee(s) must be Division C members.  

The work of the late Sylvia Scribner, for whom the award is named, reflects a wide range of research concerns within the field of cognition, learning, and education. Her research focused on the relation between cognition and culture. The research involved innovative mixing of methods, including ethnographic fieldwork and experimental simulations of everyday cognitive tasks. Scribner’s work cut across disciplinary boundaries, addressed multiple sites for learning and development, and included older and younger learners.  

The nominator should send the following:  

1) The complete bibliographic citation of a single publication designated by the nominator as illustrative of the nominee's larger research program and contribution. The publication date of the designated work should be within the last decade (i.e. with a publication date of 2016 or later). The nominator also should submit a copy of the representative publication. If the publication is a book or monograph, the nominator should indicate which portion of it (approximately 25 pages) should be reproduced for dissemination to the award committee. An electronic version of the representative publication is required. 

2) Complete bibliographic citations of up to five additional relevant publications of the nominee. (There are no publication date restrictions for these citations.) 

3) A supporting statement of no more than 500 words. 

4) An additional letter of support. 

5) Vita of the nominee. 

Submission Information:  

All nominations must be submitted electronically to the following Google Form: AERA Division C 2026 Sylvia Scribner Award Nomination Form

The submission deadline is January 24, 2026.

 Self-nominations are welcomed.

For questions regarding the AERA Division C 2026 Sylvia Scribner Award, please reach out to one of the Co-Chairs: K. Ann Renninger, krennin1@swarthmore.edu, or Suzanne E. Hidi, suzannehidi@gmail.com

Jan Hawkins Award

AERA Division C 2026 Jan Hawkins Award 

Call for Nominations

Daryl Tate (Chair)

DEADLINE: January 24, 2026 

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Jan Hawkins Award for Early Career Contributions to Humanistic Research and Scholarship in Learning Technologies.

Dr. Jan Hawkins (1952-1999) was a developmental psychologist with a cognitive, cultural, and social-interactionist orientation, and was well known for her respectful, humanistic conceptions of appropriate roles for using technology in K-12 learning environments. Her work illustrates the balance that can be achieved in recognizing the innovative, emergent properties of new technologies while simultaneously respecting the individuals and conditions of the learning environments in which these new technologies are being used. She was also concerned with how complex social systems interact with emerging technologies to provide or prevent access to information for various groups of people based on gender, race, and cultural and ethnic background. Her work helped researchers, practitioners, and policymakers alike to think critically about technologies and learning, encouraging them not to seek out technology as a panacea or avoid it as a deterministic influence. She was also exemplary in her nurturing of young research scholars in learning technologies, and has been a model for them through her research and leadership. 

This award recognizes an early-career individual or small collaborative team that is engaged in research that combines practice and advocacy. While research must play a central, informative role in the work of the nominee, the nominated individual or group may include practitioners, directors of innovative educational programs or individuals in informal or non-traditional educational environments. 

The award is intended to recognize a body of work that: 

• Explores and demonstrates powerful new ways to think about technologies in contexts of learning and education, and uses innovative research methods to understand the impact of those technologies 
• places young people and/or practicing educators at the center of the problem solving process by making their meaning-making process, their needs and constraints, and their priorities central to the project 
• strikes an effective balance between innovation -- inventing new approaches to K-12 learning with technologies -- and understanding -- examining existing educational environments and changes that occur when technologies are introduced 
• uses technology to bring about broad improvements in educational systems by addressing equity, diversity, culture, relations of power, and/or learning for all
• is relevant and responsive to the current social context where society is looking to new technologies to address the landscape of education transformed by the pandemic and fighting systemic racism 

Nomination Process and Award Information 

The Jan Hawkins Award of Division C of the American Educational Research Association is given for Early Career Contributions to Humanistic Research and Scholarship in Learning Technologies. The award is an early-career contribution with the above orientations and as such will emphasize recognition for those individuals who are at the pre-tenure stage in academic careers, or pre-tenure-level equivalents in non-university contexts. The award carries a stipend of $500, a plaque, and the opportunity to present a talk at the award session at AERA in the following year. 

Any member of Division C may make a nomination, including self nominations. The recipient(s) of the award need not belong to Division C. The nomination process includes the following information: 

1. LETTER: A nomination letter introducing the nominee or small team, detailing how this nominee’s work relates to the themes identified above (including how the work combines research and advocacy). 
2. VITA: The vita of the nominee (for individual nominations) or a description of the team, its history, and a vita for team members (for small group nominations). 
3. REPRESENTATIVE WORK: One to three examples of written work (research papers, publications, etc.) that demonstrate the key contributions of the nominee's recent research. The submission may also include supplemental documentation or examples, such as videos, project URLs, software, etc., if applicable. For a small group, the examples of representative work should consist of collaborative work authored by the team. 

Submission Process:

All submissions must be submitted to the following Google Form: AERA Division C 2026 Jan Hawkins Award Nomination Form

The submission deadline is January 24, 2026.

For any questions regarding the AERA Division C 2026 Jan Hawkins Award, please reach out to: Daryl Tate (Chair), datate@ualr.edu 

 Early Career Award

AERA Division C 2026 Early Career Award 

Call for Nominations  

Meca Williams-Johnson (Chair)

DEADLINE: January 24, 2026

Nominations are open for the 2026 competition for the Division C Early Career Award. The award will recognize emerging scholars in the area of learning and instruction. One award will be given each year, if an outstanding candidate is in the pool of applicants.  

Selection/Eligibility  

In selecting a nominee to put forward, please use the following guidelines:  

• The nominee’s work must be judged to be of high quality and to significantly contribute to the field by the Division C Early Career Award Committee. 
• The nominee must have three original empirical or theoretical articles published in peer-reviewed journals where the nominee is the sole or first author on at least two of these. 
• The nominee’s doctorate must have been awarded in the last six years from the time of nomination. 
• The nominee should have a demonstrated record of involvement in AERA (such as presenting at the annual meeting, publishing in AERA journals, or service to the organization). 
• The nominee must be a member of Division C of the American Educational Research Association. 

Nomination Process  

The nomination must include the following four items:  

1. A letter of nomination from a professional colleague who is an AERA Division C member. 
2. Two additional letters of support that address the nominee’s contribution to the field and the reasons why the nominee’s work represents a significant contribution to the field. 
3. Three original articles where the nominee is the sole or first author on at least two. 
4. The nominee’s current curriculum vitae. 

All nomination materials should be submitted electronically by January 24, 2026 to the following GoogleForm: AERA Division C 2026 Early Career Award Nomination Form.

For any questions regarding the AERA Division C 2026 Early Career Award, please reach out to: Meca Williams-Johnson (Chair), mecawilliams@georgiasouthern.edu

Research Excellence Award

AERA Division C 2026 Graduate Student Research Excellence Award

Call for Nominations  

Tzu-Jung Lin (Chair)

DEADLINE: January 24, 2026 

Division C of AERA invites current and recent graduate students to submit papers (a journal length empirical study) for the 2026 Division C Graduate Student Research Excellence Award. This award represents Division C’s continuing efforts to promote and support the professional development of its graduate students and to recognize excellence in graduate student research. The award winner will be recognized at the division’s annual business meeting at the 2026 AERA conference and will receive a stipend of $500 and a commemorative plaque. To be eligible for the award:  

1. paper(s) must already be officially accepted by Division C for presentation at the 2025 or 2026 AERA annual meeting; 
2. research must have been conducted while the candidate was a graduate student; 
3. the candidate must have been the primary researcher and, if a paper is co-authored; the candidate must be the first author; 
4. The submitted paper(s) must represent original, unpublished work. The work must not have appeared in any previous journal, book chapter, conference proceedings, or similar peer-reviewed forum;
5. the candidate must be a member of Division C. 

The following criteria guide paper award selection:  

• importance of the problem 
• relation of the study to previous work in the field 
• clearly stated research questions or hypotheses 
• appropriateness of the methodology (e.g., sampling procedure, study procedures employed) 
• appropriateness of the analysis(es) conducted 
• clear interpretations of the study results 
• acknowledgment of study limitations 
• clear description of the importance of the study findings 
• and formatting adheres to APA style, 7th Edition 

To submit a paper for consideration, please assemble and submit the following materials electronically via GoogleForm (linked below)

1. SEPARATE COVER SHEET: A cover sheet as a separate document that includes: 
   1. paper title 
   2. author’s/authors’ name(s), and 
   3. first author’s address, phone, and email. 
2. PAPER: Include a publishable version of the paper prepared for blind review (as a .pdf), following APA 7th Edition style guidelines. Papers must not exceed 30 pages double-spaced, including text, tables, and figures, but excluding references and appendices. Papers exceeding the maximum page length will be disqualified. The submitted paper must be based on the paper accepted by Division C at the AERA 2025 or 2026 Conference. Provide a full version of the paper that is ready to be submitted for publication. Previously published papers should not be submitted for this award. RESEARCH ADVISOR/MENTOR LETTER: A brief letter as a separate document from the research advisor/mentor acknowledging that the author was the primary researcher, that the student’s research was conducted in 2024 and/or 2025 while the candidate was a graduate student, and that the student is a member of Division C.
3. AERA, DIVISION C ACCEPTANCE LETTER: An electronic copy of the AERA, Division C acceptance letter for the 2025 OR the 2026 annual meeting. 

Submission Process:

All submissions must be submitted to the following Google Form: AERA Division C 2026 Graduate Student Research Excellence Award Submission Form

The submission deadline is January 24, 2026.

We at Division C strongly encourage all eligible contributors to participate!

For any questions regarding the AERA Division C 2026 Graduate Student Research Excellence Award, please reach out to: Tzu-Jung Lin (Chair), lin.1653@osu.edu 

Announcement

Division C Events - Annual Meeting 2025

The 2025 Annual Meeting is just around the corner! Check out our major Division program events! 

Join us for Preparing for the Future: An Academic & Industry Job Market Workshop on Wednesday, April 23, from 4:20 to 5:50 p.m. MDT at the Colorado Convention Center, Terrace Level, Bluebird Ballroom Room 3B. Hosted by Danielle Berry and Rebecca Myers, this interactive session features a distinguished panel of scholars—Cristina D. Zepeda (Vanderbilt University), Benjamin C. Heddy (University of Oklahoma), Joseph Eisman (University of Pennsylvania), Margaret Wallace (Washington University in St. Louis), Allison Zengilowski (Lehigh University), and Alexandra A. Lee (Instructure). With a focus on uncovering the hidden curriculum surrounding the academic and industry job market, the session will begin with a panel discussion exploring key questions and personal insights related to research, teaching, postdoctoral, and industry roles. Attendees will then break into interactive, position-specific workshop groups, gaining direct access to panelists’ expertise and practical strategies for navigating the job search process with confidence.

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Join us for Resistance, Survivance, and Thrivance in the Era of the Professor Watchlist on Thursday, April 24, from 9:50 to 11:20 a.m. MDT at the Colorado Convention Center, Terrace Level, Bluebird Ballroom Room 3C. Organized by Amy Lynn Jasmin Mueller (University of Oklahoma), this timely panel features esteemed scholars Gloria J. Ladson-Billings (University of Wisconsin–Madison), Francesca López (Pennsylvania State University), and Jessica T. Decuir-Gunby (University of Southern California). In an age of intensified scrutiny and shifting legislation, this session creates space for scholars engaged in critical and DEI work to share powerful narratives of resistance, resilience, and empowerment. Attendees will hear firsthand how these trailblazers have navigated academia, policy, and political resistance—emerging not only as survivors but as leaders who thrive. Whether you're already immersed in this work or preparing for what's ahead, this session offers community, insight, and a call to collective action. Let your voice be part of this essential conversation.

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Join us for the Div C Fireside Chat: From Proposal to Defense—Navigating the Ph.D. Dissertation Journey on Thursday, April 24, from 9:50 to 11:20 a.m. MDT at the Colorado Convention Center, Ballroom Level, Mile High Ballroom 4CD. Hosted by Danielle Berry and Rebecca Myers, this session addresses the significant challenge of Ph.D. attrition in the U.S., which hovers between 30–50%, with the dissertation process often cited as a major hurdle. Panelists Molly L. Taylor (Virginia Commonwealth University), Jaylene Patterson (University of Kentucky), Elise C. Allen (University of Northern Colorado), Annabel Stoler (Boston University), and Stephen P. Tarsitano (Montclair State University) will candidly share their experiences navigating the dissertation journey—from proposal to defense. This intimate conversation will illuminate common barriers, strategies for success, and lessons learned, followed by an open Q&A where attendees can engage directly with the panel. Whether you're early in your program or approaching the finish line, this chat offers valuable guidance and peer support for every step of the doctoral journey.

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Join us for the symposium Applying Complexity Frameworks to Self-Regulated Learning Research: From Theoretical Models to Practical Tools on Thursday, April 24, from 9:50 to 11:20 a.m. at the Colorado Convention Center, Meeting Room Level, Room 103. Organized by Megan Wiedbusch (University of Central Florida), Daryn Dever (University of Florida), and Roger Azevedo (University of Central Florida), with Jonathan C. Hilpert (University of Nevada–Las Vegas) serving as discussant, this session brings together four papers that explore the dynamic, non-linear nature of self-regulated learning (SRL). The symposium includes two empirical studies utilizing trace data to capture SRL engagement across both single lessons and week-long learning experiences, as well as two conceptual papers that delve into theoretical models of metacognition in team contexts and propose new analytical methods for studying the emergence of SRL processes. By bridging theoretical insights with practical tools, this session offers a compelling look at how complexity science frameworks can advance our understanding and measurement of SRL.

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Join us for The Art of Writing Theory: Insights and Supports for Aspiring Authors in Educational Psychologist on Thursday, April 24, from 1:45 to 3:15 p.m. MDT at the Colorado Convention Center, Meeting Room Level, Room 605. This session offers invaluable guidance for scholars—especially early-career researchers and graduate students—interested in developing and publishing theoretical work in Educational Psychologist. Attendees will gain insider perspectives on what makes strong theoretical writing, how to craft compelling arguments, and how to navigate the publication process. Whether you're refining a manuscript or just beginning your journey as a theory-driven scholar, this session provides practical insights and support to help elevate your work and contribute meaningfully to the field.

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Don’t miss the sixth annual Division C Shark Tank: Graduate Students Pitch Equity and Inclusion–Focused Research Designs (for Money) on Thursday, April 24, from 3:35 to 5:05 p.m. MDT at the Colorado Convention Center, Terrace Level, Bluebird Ballroom Room 2C. Co-hosted by Whitney N. McCoy (Duke University), Danielle Berry, and Rebecca Myers, this exciting event is a collaborative effort between the Division C Equity and Inclusion and Graduate Student Committees. Inspired by the popular TV show, this research design competition invites graduate students to pitch their equity- and inclusion-focused research proposals for the chance to receive funding. Proposals must explore issues of learning and instruction, with an emphasis on the experiences of underrepresented groups and/or international populations through culturally relevant constructs or theoretical frameworks. Judges Kamden Strunk (Virginia Commonwealth University), Taylor Payne (Rice University), and Korinthia D. Nicolai (Indiana University) will provide feedback and select proposals for funding. Come support these emerging scholars and witness innovative research ideas take shape in real time!

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Join us for How to Create Environments of Belonging for Students: New Perspectives on School Belonging Research on Thursday, April 24, from 5:25 to 6:55 p.m. at the Colorado Convention Center, Terrace Level, Bluebird Ballroom Room 3C. Organized by Carlton J. Fong (Texas State University) and Chris Rozek (Washington University in St. Louis), and featuring DeLeon Gray (North Carolina State University) as discussant, this session brings together authors of 12 papers to explore the latest advancements in school belonging research. Drawing on diverse perspectives—including social and educational psychology, PK–12 and higher education research, as well as observational and intervention studies—this session addresses key issues such as defining and measuring belonging, its links to constructs like motivation and achievement, and evidence-based strategies to foster belonging in educational settings. The conversation will synthesize current models, methods, and theories while highlighting future research directions, offering attendees a rare opportunity to engage with a comprehensive and interdisciplinary view of belonging in schools.

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Join us for Advancing Equity for Early-Career Scholars: Funding Pathways to Explore Justice-Centered Learning Environments on Friday, April 25, from 9:50 to 11:20 a.m. MDT at the Colorado Convention Center, Terrace Level, Bluebird Ballroom Room 2C. Chaired by Whitney N. McCoy (Duke University), this session features Terrell R. Morton (University of Illinois at Chicago), Misha N. Inniss-Thompson (Cornell University), and Lora Henderson Smith (University of Virginia), with Marketa Burnett (University of Connecticut) serving as discussant. As systemic inequities continue to shape access to inclusive and high-quality learning environments, this panel provides essential guidance for early-career scholars seeking funding to support equity-centered educational research. Attendees will gain actionable strategies for securing grants from agencies such as the NSF and Spencer Foundation, building community partnerships, incorporating local feedback into proposals, and aligning research goals with justice-focused funding priorities. This session empowers emerging scholars to design transformative learning environments and develop research portfolios that advance educational equity and drive lasting change.

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Join us for Navigating Educational Research: Key Decisions, Challenges, and Ethical Choices in Messy Data Collection and Analysis on Friday, April 25, from 11:40 a.m. to 1:10 p.m. MDT at the Colorado Convention Center, Meeting Room Level, Room 102. Organized by Xiao-Yin Chen (University of Tennessee), Korinthia D. Nicolai (Indiana University), and DeLeon Gray (North Carolina State University), with contributions from Dr. Carlton Fong, Dr. Daniela DiGiacomo, and Ph.D. candidates Taylor Cummings and Destiny Williams-Dobosz, this session dives into the often-unspoken realities of educational research. Especially when centering equity or challenging systems of power, research can feel “messy”—a complexity rarely addressed beyond the limitations section of published work. This session encourages researchers to embrace that messiness as a source of growth and transformation. Through open dialogue and reflexive practice, participants will explore innovative strategies to navigate methodological and ethical challenges, fostering research that adapts to shifting sociopolitical landscapes and supports more just and impactful scholarship.

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Join us for Uncovering the Hidden Curriculum: The Past, Present, and Future of Theory Development in Educational Psychology on Friday, April 25, from 3:20 to 4:50 p.m. MDT at the Colorado Convention Center, Terrace Level, Bluebird Ballroom Room 2B. Chaired by Jeff A. Greene (University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill) and Krista A. Robinson (McGill University), this session brings together a distinguished panel of leading scholars—including Reinhard Pekrun, Sarit Barzilai, Clark A. Chinn, Panayiota Kendeou, Jessica T. Decuir-Gunby, Paul A. Schutz, Karen R. Harris, Richard E. Mayer, Doug Lombardi, Gale M. Sinatra, Janelle M. Bailey, Lucas Payne Butler, Patricia A. Alexander, and P. Karen Murphy—with Francesca López (Pennsylvania State University) serving as discussant. Building on a recent collection in Educational Psychology Review, this session tackles the field’s ongoing “theory development malaise” by uncovering the often-overlooked processes, decisions, and philosophies that shape theoretical innovation. Through an interactive panel discussion, attendees will gain critical insight into the “hidden curriculum” of theory-building, with the goal of inspiring and equipping the next generation of educational psychology theorists.

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Join us for the Division C Sylvia Scribner Award Session on Saturday, April 26, from 9:50 to 11:20 a.m. MDT (11:50 a.m. to 1:20 p.m. EDT) at the Colorado Convention Center, Terrace Level, Bluebird Ballroom Room 3D. This prestigious session honors the legacy of Sylvia Scribner by recognizing outstanding scholarship that bridges theory, research, and practice in learning and instruction. The award highlights contributions that exemplify Scribner’s commitment to understanding the cultural and cognitive dimensions of learning. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from the award recipient(s), engage in thought-provoking dialogue, and celebrate impactful work that continues to shape the field of educational psychology. This session is a must-attend for scholars interested in transformative, equity-centered research and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.

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Celebrate emerging excellence in educational research at the Division C Jan Hawkins Award and Outstanding Early Career Scholar Award Session on Saturday, April 26, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. MDT (3:30 to 5:00 p.m. EDT) at the Colorado Convention Center, Terrace Level, Bluebird Ballroom Room 3D. This special session honors early career scholars whose innovative and impactful research is shaping the future of learning, instruction, and technology. The Jan Hawkins Award recognizes contributions that reflect a deep commitment to social justice and the transformative use of technology in education, while the Outstanding Early Career Scholar Award celebrates promising scholarship across diverse areas of educational psychology. Join us as we hear from this year’s awardees, learn about their groundbreaking work, and support the next generation of thought leaders in the field.

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Join us for Co-Constructing the Future of Division C: Aligning Structure With Contemporary Scholarship on Saturday, April 26, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. MDT (3:30 to 5:00 p.m. EDT) at the Colorado Convention Center, Meeting Room Level, Room 605. This interactive session invites Division C members to engage in a collaborative dialogue about how the division's current structure can better reflect and support the evolving landscape of educational research. As scholarship becomes increasingly interdisciplinary, equity-centered, and innovative in methodology, this session offers a space to reimagine how Division C can grow and adapt. Attendees will explore ideas for organizational change, share feedback, and help shape a more inclusive, forward-thinking framework that honors both longstanding traditions and emerging directions in the field.

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All Division C members are invited to attend the Division C Business Meeting and Reception on Saturday, April 26, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. MDT (9:00 to 10:30 p.m. EDT) at the Colorado Convention Center, Bluebird Ballroom Room 3BC. This annual gathering provides an important opportunity to reflect on the past year’s accomplishments, recognize award recipients and outgoing leaders, and discuss the future directions of the division. Following the meeting, enjoy a lively reception where members can connect, network, and celebrate the vibrant Division C community. Whether you're a long-time member or newly engaged, this event is a great way to stay informed, get involved, and build meaningful connections within the field of learning and instruction.

More info on the Annual Meeting can be found here: https://www.aera.net/Events-Meetings/AERA-2025-Annual-Meeting