Frances S. Johnson Junior Faculty Innovative Teaching Award

Since joining the College of Education in 2023, Hao-Jan Luh, assistant professor in Wellness & Inclusive Services in Education, has worked to revolutionize school psychology training by embedding evidence-based professional development intervention into the curriculum. His teaching philosophy centers on developing “scientist-practitioners,” graduates who can navigate the complex bridge between research data and school-based application. An associate editor of the Journal of Educational and Psychological Consultation who has published articles on gaps in school psychology training, Luh found that theoretical knowledge alone is insufficient for successful implementation. Instead, he says, success demands direct training, with hands-on practice, immediate feedback and structured support when school psychologists provide consultation. Departing from conventional pedagogy, he focuses on a “Tell-Show-Do” approach, group-based problem-solving with real-world application and integrated skill development as students practice being consultants with their classmates. With the workshop-based model, students improved research output and quality, received professional recognition, offered positive feedback and achieved a 100 percent institutional review board approval rate.