Research Centers & Institutes
Research is at the center of the student and faculty experience in the College of Education. Designated as a “Preeminent State Research University,” the Tampa campus is one of the nation’s top public research university campuses and one of only 56 public research university campuses classified by the Carnegie Foundation as both a Doctoral University with “Highest Research Activity” and as a “Community Engaged” institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
- Center for Migrant Education
- David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching
- Gus A. Stavros Center for Free Enterprise and Economic Education
- Institute for School-Community Partnerships, Integrated Services, and Child Mental Health and Educational Policy
- The School Mental Health Collaborative (SMHC)
- Preschool for Creative Learning
- Center for Research, Evaluation and Measurement
Research News
How AI-generated podcasts could transform – and complicate – research communication
Researchers in the USF College of Education tested emerging AI podcasting tools and uncovered a surprising truth: the power of generative AI in health research communication depends less on the technology and more on the humans shaping it.
Research Centers & Institutes
Center for Migrant Education
The Center for Migrant Education partners with local, state and national agencies to improve learning opportunities and related services for migrant children and their families. By developing and studying programs tailored to unique needs, the Center empowers students from farmworker families to thrive. Support includes outreach for individuals who have left school, guidance for students transitioning into and completing their first year of college, and resources for those pursuing degrees in education.
David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching
The David C. Anchin Center works side-by-side with K–12 educators to reimagine schools in ways that elevate student learning and strengthen the teaching profes-sion. By fostering partnerships with schools, business and industry, and the broader educational community, the Anchin Center develops innovative strategies that attract, retain and support exceptional teachers—driving lasting improvements in the quality of education.
Gus A. Stavros Center for Free Enterprise and Economic Education
The Gus A. Stavros Center advances the teaching of free enterprise, financial literacy, entrepreneurial thinking and other essential “global literacies” in K–12 class-rooms. Serving educators from six Florida school districts—Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota—the Center provides exemplary professional development, curriculum development and innovative teaching strategies. These efforts ensure students graduate with the knowledge and skills to succeed in an interconnected global economy.
Institute for School-Community Partnerships, Integrated Services, and Child Mental Health and Educational Policy
Nationally recognized for its research and training, the Institute provides technical assistance to school districts and service leaders across the U.S. Backed by $20 million in grants from federal, state, and private sources, the Institute’s work envisions a Florida where every school fosters a safe, effective and supportive learning environment. Its initiatives focus on strengthening academic, social and emotional growth for all students—while actively engaging families and communities in the educational process.
Learn More about the Institute for School-Community Partnerships
School Mental Health Collaborative
Established in 2022 by faculty in USF’s School Psychology Program, the School Mental Health Collaborative (SMHC) promotes access to high-quality, evidence-based school mental health practices across Florida and the nation. With $15 million in funded projects from national and state agencies, the SMHC addresses positive psy-chology interventions, suicide prevention, school threat and violence reduction, resilience-building and mental health assessment. The Center also plays a vital role in preparing the next generation of school mental health leaders. To learn more or explore partnership opportunities, contact smhc@usf.edu, Director David Wheeler, or Co-Directors Nate von der Embse, Shannon Suldo and Evan Dart.
Preschool for Creative Learning
The Preschool for Creative Learning provides a nurturing, play-centered environment for children ages two to five. Located on the USF Tampa campus, it blends hands-on exploration, creative projects and social-emotional learning to support the whole child. As part of the College of Education, the preschool also serves as a training and research site for future early childhood educators, offering a model of high-quality, developmentally appropriate practice where children learn through curiosity, collaboration and discovery.
