But newly elected SOE Senator Demar Goodman is determined to change that narrative and bring the school's unique challenges into the campus spotlight.
Goodman, BA '27, a Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics & Government major in the School of Public Affairs with an Education Studies minor in the Politics, Policy and Law Scholars program, was recently elected to represent the School of Education in the American University Student Government.

Experience in Advocacy

Goodman brings concrete experience to his new role. As an RA for Letts Hall and a member of the Student Staff Advisory Board to the Director of Housing and Residence Life, he's already well-versed in navigating administrative channels.

"I am proud to say that I already have experience advocating for students here on campus," Goodman said. "I routinely am face-to-face with upper administration about the student experience here at AU."

Voicing Overlooked Challenges

For Goodman, representation means more than just filling a Senate seat. He's already identifying SOE-specific issues that fly under the radar of the broader AU community.

"A lot of SOE students have expressed concerns about the real lack of flexibility with SOE requirements and broader AU requirements such as required practicums and placement classes, which can clash with student availability to fulfill other general requirements such as Habits of Mind," Goodman said. "As educator courses tend to be a lot more experience and certification based, this puts a more unseen strain on our SOE students that the wider community may have not accounted for."

The financial burden is another pressing issue. "Much of the payment for these certification programs and transport to the more underserved schools in Washington, DC, come out of pocket for a lot of SOE students which is yet another strain," he noted.

A Campus-Wide Vision

While committed to his SOE constituents, Goodman's platform extends beyond education-specific issues. His priorities include "pushing safety, security, and conduct reform in our residence halls, pushing for a standardized Canvas layout for all courses, or for increased visibility and awareness of all the resources here at AU."

He emphasized a fundamental principle guiding his approach: "I think it is essential for SOE to have our voices be accounted for in the wider university community which is why in my term, one of my main goals will be to foster more civic engagement within SOE students to always have our voices be heard by AUSG and administration."

Goodman's connection to SOE runs deep. His favorite memory in the school was "the SOE deans list reception last year where I heard Interim Dean Hopson speak about the incredible promise and new horizons of SOE immediately after the donation from Professor Kent Baker. That was quite a time to be in SOE as it put on full display the pride we have in the School of Education."

An Open-Door Policy

Defining the role of the student senate, Goodman was clear about his mission: "The student senate's role is to be the true ombudsman for all of our students. It is for us and by us. The most important role of a student senator is to improve the student experience in all facets of being in order to make AU better tomorrow, bit by bit."

In honoring his feelings on accessibility, Goodman encourages students to reach out to him directly through multiple channels—his Instagram (@thegoodman4you), email, or in-person conversations.

"I am committed to student voice in AU which is why I will be near constantly taking in student feedback and suggestions," he said. "Tell me what I can do for you and I'll get to work!"

With his combination of administrative experience, clear priorities, and commitment to accessibility, Goodman is poised to ensure that the School of Education's voice resonates far beyond the Spring Valley shuttle stop.
 

Learn More:

• The Education Studies minor in the School of Education
• The Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics & Government major in the School of Public Affairs
• The Politics, Policy and Law Scholars program