Revisiting Emerging Research and Researchers Connected to Women’s History Month
A central theme of the February 2025 Emerging Research, discussing new scholarship connected to Black History Month, was that heritage months and related celebrations are not just “time-limited” observances or one-off events (Harvard University). Rather, they offer a starting point for recognizing “the histories and contributions of historically marginalized identities”; a jumping-off place for “learn[ing] more about the traditions, people, scholarship, history and current experiences of those who’ve overcome oppression to create opportunities for all”; and a reminder of the need to genuinely and openly delve deeper into other people’s experiences whenever possible (Harvard University). Furthermore, even once these periods reach their formal end date on the calendar each year, their observers are responsible for taking the lessons they gleaned from them and incorporating these ideas into their personal and professional lives. Regardless of the celebration at hand, the Office of K-12 Outreach is committed to honoring these observances in such a fashion, connecting education stakeholders with high-quality emerging research and salient resources germane to these events, and working to share knowledge acquired during them.
In March, the Office of K-12 Outreach, the broader Michigan State University community, and the world writ large had the chance to celebrate Women’s History Month. Each year, this observance “stands as an important reminder for the contributions women have made towards society, culture and history,” “celebrat[es] women’s achievements,” and “striv[es] for a world with gender equality” (USA Today). Especially relevant for the education-focused audience of the In Focus newsletter, this year, the National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA) shared the theme “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations” to guide folks’ celebrations throughout March. In communicating this unifying focus, the NWHA noted the unique chance to center reflections on “the powerful influence of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership,” and they called for observers to particularly think about the women they know who have served in these roles (NWHA).
Over the last few years, the K-12 Outreach team has developed a litany of resources perfect for just this purpose. These items are unified by a desire to connect students, educators, administrators, and families with emerging research and emerging and established researchers and practitioners relevant to Women’s History Month. For instance, the Office of K-12 Outreach previously compiled many Women’s History Month resources into a guidance document, including a brief history of the celebration, copious links to outside materials, and some next steps for educators who would like to incorporate women’s history into their classrooms to a greater extent (February 2024 In Focus newsletter; February 2023 In Focus newsletter; February 2022 In Focus newsletter). K-12 Outreach is also excited to share the annual spotlight on Women’s History Month events on campus from MSUToday each year. Through these two publications, readers can re-explore some of the happenings that characterized Women’s History Month celebrations in 2025, revisit some impactful and topical documents, and think about how they want to honor this celebration between now and the next Women’s History Month in March 2026.
With that, connected to past Women’s History Month celebrations and out of a desire to place the work of impactful women leaders in education center stage, the Office of K-12 Outreach previously developed a collection of videos worth revisiting called the “Eloquent Educators: In the Spirit of…” series. Through interviews with eight women who have flourished in their education-related careers, this collection of videos shares how these professionals have influenced education in Michigan and celebrates their contributions (March 2024 In Focus newsletter; February 2024 In Focus newsletter; February 2023 In Focus newsletter; December 2022 In Focus newsletter; April 2022 In Focus newsletter).
The Office of K-12 Outreach is grateful to have been able to celebrate Women’s History Month throughout the course of March and to have this space in Emerging Research to spotlight some excellent women-driven emerging research and a collection of incredible emerging and established researchers and practitioners who are women. As Women’s History Month 2025 comes to a formal close, hopefully, resources like the Office of K-12 Outreach’s Women’s History Month guide, MSUToday’s review of Women’s History Month events on campus, and the videos that comprise the “Eloquent Educators: In the Spirit of…” series can serve as a reminder of the many accomplishments of women across society and a call to continue elevating these perspectives. Additionally, ideally, this edition of Emerging Research will offer readers the chance to reflect on the “Women Educating & Inspiring Generations” referenced in the theme for this year’s Women’s History Month from the National Women’s History Alliance.
