Josephine Sarvis

Josephine Tabet Sarvis, PhD, is a Professor and the Director of the School of Education at Dominican University, where she plays a key role in advancing the future of education through her academic leadership, research, and community initiatives. Dr. Sarvis is dedicated to shaping educational environments that promote academic excellence, equity, and inclusion, with a focus on ensuring all students have access to high-quality learning experiences. Dr. Sarvis holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and a Master’s degree in Education from Boston College in Chestnut Hill, MA. She earned her PhD in Philosophy and Sociology of Education from Loyola University Chicago. Dr. Sarvis teaches a range of courses, including History and Philosophy of Education, Foundations of Education, and Student Teaching Capstone Seminars. Her pedagogical approach emphasizes critical inquiry, cultural responsiveness, and a deep engagement with foundational educational principles. She has been recognized with the Excellence in Teaching Award for her dedication to student success and educational innovation. As a scholar, Dr. Sarvis’ research addresses critical issues in teacher preparation, inclusive and culturally responsive teaching, and gender-equitable pedagogy. She works to bridge the gap between theory and practice, equipping educators to create more inclusive and effective classrooms. Her work has contributed significantly to the reform of teacher education and policy. She has led impactful initiatives, including serving as Principal Investigator for Dominican University’s National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, STEM Stars: Strengthening the STEM Teacher Pipeline in Metropolitan Chicago, which seeks to enhance the representation and retention of underrepresented groups in STEM education. Dr. Sarvis also co-authored and served as Project Coordinator for the U.S. Department of Education Title V grant, Strengthening Advising, Teacher Education, and Our H.S.I. Identity, underscoring her commitment to improving student success in Hispanic-Serving Institutions. Her leadership extends to her work with the Science and Math Learning Collaborative through the Associated Colleges of Illinois (ACI), where she is involved in advancing pedagogical strategies for middle-grade STEM education. She is also an active contributor to the broader educational community, serving as an Academic Affairs Board Member at Chicago Jesuit Academy and as a member of the Illinois State Board of Education’s State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, where she influences policy and supports the development of future educators.