Hilary E. Hughes

Professor with a deep interest in advancing educational practices, Hilary E. Hughes serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Theory and Practice at the Teaching and Learning University of Georgia, Athens, GA. With a Ph.D. in Middle Grades Education from the University of Georgia, completed in 2011, she has dedicated her career to exploring the intricacies of middle grades leadership and the transformative potential of equity-based educational frameworks. Dr. Hughes's research is deeply rooted in justice and equity-oriented teacher education, focusing on how these principles can be effectively integrated into middle grades leadership practices. Her work is particularly concerned with the operationalization of equity-based leadership in high-poverty middle schools, a setting where educational disparities are often most pronounced. Through her research, she seeks to uncover the challenges and opportunities that arise in justice-oriented teacher education, aiming to equip educators with the tools necessary to foster inclusive and equitable learning environments. In addition to her research on leadership practices, Dr. Hughes is passionate about the role of teachers as curriculum designers. She believes that empowering teachers to take an active role in curriculum development can lead to more relevant and engaging educational experiences for students. Her work in this area examines the potential for teachers to innovate and adapt curricula to better meet the diverse needs of their students, thereby enhancing educational outcomes. Throughout her career, Dr. Hughes has been recognized for her contributions to the field of education. She was honored with the Faculty Senate D. Keith Osborn Award for Teaching Excellence in 2018, a testament to her commitment to high-quality teaching and mentorship. Her dissertation work also received acclaim, earning the Middle Level Education Research Special Interest Group Dissertation Award in 2012. Beyond her academic pursuits, Dr. Hughes is actively involved in various educational initiatives and collaborates with fellow educators to promote best practices in teaching and learning. Her dedication to fostering a more equitable and just educational landscape continues to inspire her colleagues and students alike, as she works tirelessly to shape the future of education through her research and teaching.