These achievements are a fitting tribute for an academic whose research in democratic citizenship education continues to inform policy and inspire students and educators worldwide.
With his election to the prestigious National Academy of Education, Westheimer joins a distinguished list of academy members chosen for their exceptional scholarship. Membership in this society is considered the highest academic honour in the discipline and Westheimer’s nomination by NAEd members attests to the impact of his work. His induction will take place this fall during the organization’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C.
Westheimer’s second accolade comes from the American Educational Research Association, the largest scholarly society of its kind in North America. Westheimer was nominated by AERA members, who emphasised the difference his research makes in the world of education. The induction ceremony for the 2024 AERA fellows will be held this April in Philadelphia.
“I am honoured to be elected a member of the U.S. National Academy of Education and named as a fellow of the American Educational Research Association. It is a wonderful affirmation to be recognized by one’s peers in the profession,” says Westheimer.
“This would not have been possible without the brilliant colleagues with whom I have collaborated here at the University of Ottawa, as well as nationally and internationally. At this critical time of backsliding democracies worldwide, I will continue to work on furthering democratic goals and commitments in education and these honours will support that work.”
Westheimer’s past distinctions include a 2009 Canadian Education Association Whitworth Award, a Faculty of Education Excellence in Research Award and recognition as one of 60 Kappa Delta Pi laureates, placing his name on a roster of eminent educational theorists such as John Dewey and Jean Piaget.
“At this critical time of backsliding democracies worldwide, I will continue to work on furthering democratic goals and commitments in education and these honours will support that work.”
Joel Westheimer
— Full Professor, Faculty of Education
A voice for democratic citizenship education
“Can education transform the world?” Westheimer has spent the better part of his academic career exploring this question. The reach of his work is broad. Westheimer’s writings on democratic citizenship education and civic engagement have been cited over 9,000 times.
Westheimer is the author of numerous bestselling books, including What Kind of Citizen? Educating Our Children for the Common Good, whose second edition will be published this spring. He’s the former University Research Chair in Democracy and Education at the University of Ottawa and a familiar voice on the air as education columnist for CBC Radio. His recent appearance as an expert panellist on the CBC Ideas podcast episode “What are universities for?” and his TEDx talk “The Role of Schools in Democratic Societies” have continued the conversation on the transformational power of education.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have Joel Westheimer as a member of our faculty,” says Jess Whitley, vice-dean, research and professional development in the Faculty of Education. “His passion for advancing our understanding of democratic education and, more importantly, its realization in classrooms globally, is an inspiration for all of us who work to effect positive change for children through education. I join my colleagues in offering sincere congratulations to him!”
Learn more about Westheimer's contributions to the field of education research.