Dr. Son Pham, Research and Operations Director at the Nha Viet Institute, has been selected to participate in the inaugural Inquiry Initiative sponsored by the Association of Teacher Educators (ATE). He is among only 80 university- and school-based teacher educators and education scholars from across the United States chosen to join this prestigious program. The three-year initiative is designed to cultivate and support collaborative research inquiries across diverse geographic and institutional contexts. Unlike traditional “drive-thru” professional engagements typically offered by academic conferences, the Inquiry Initiative promotes sustained, meaningful partnerships that drive pedagogical innovations, generate impactful research, and shape education policy.
The Initiative represents a pioneering effort to explore teacher education practices and address critical opportunity gaps in education. These gaps refer to the unequal or inequitable distribution of resources and opportunities that individuals or groups encounter in schools, higher education institutions, and professional contexts. Through this collaborative effort, participants work to identify solutions that advance equity and inclusion across education systems.
Dr. Pham’s selection highlights his diverse research portfolio, which includes groundbreaking work in Artificial Intelligence for Workforce Preparation, AI for Special Education, Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIED) for Teacher Preparation, and the Philosophy of Technology in Education. These areas of focus reflect his commitment to leveraging emerging technologies to address pressing challenges in education and workforce development. As part of the Inquiry Initiative, he will collaborate with a diverse group of educators and researchers to investigate critical issues impacting educational equity and innovation.
In his role at the Nha Viet Institute, Dr. Pham has been instrumental in advancing inclusive education practices through research and operational leadership. His expertise in integrating AI tools and frameworks into teacher preparation programs, supporting special education through adaptive technologies, and examining the ethical implications of technology in education aligns seamlessly with the goals of the Inquiry Initiative.
“I am honored to be part of this initiative and look forward to collaborating with fellow educators to address critical challenges in our education system,” Dr. Pham shared. “The Inquiry Initiative provides a unique platform to develop meaningful solutions and foster a community dedicated to educational equity and innovation.”
Dr. Pham’s involvement underscores the importance of research-driven strategies in creating equitable learning environments. By participating in this groundbreaking program, he aims to further enhance his contributions to education, particularly in bridging opportunity gaps and advancing innovative teaching methodologies.
The Association of Teacher Educators, the nation’s oldest professional organization dedicated to teacher preparation, promotes advocacy, equity, leadership, and professionalism among teacher educators in all settings. Through exemplary clinical practice and cutting-edge research, ATE strives to ensure access to quality education for all learners. The Inquiry Initiative exemplifies this mission, offering a transformative approach to professional engagement that has the potential to shape the future of teacher education.