Loyola’s School of Education Honors 2026 Graduate Emily Esbri with Wise Medal

Loyola University Maryland’s School of Education proudly announces Emily Esbri, a 2026 graduate of the Curriculum and Instruction for Social Justice program, as the recipient of the Reverend John E. Wise, S.J., Medal for Distinguished Achievement in Education. The award was presented at Loyola’s annual Emerging Scholars event on April 17, 2026, an event highlighting the scholarly work of Loyola’s graduate community. 

The Wise Medal is named for Father John E. Wise, a priest committed to social responsibility, author of multiple textbooks and journal articles, and beloved figure in Loyola’s history. It is awarded annually to a graduate student in the School of Education who has achieved academic excellence and demonstrated exceptional service with professional, religious, community, or civic organizations.  

Emily teaches developmental kindergarten at Oak Ridge Elementary, a public school outside of Detroit, Michigan. Developmental kindergarten serves kindergarten-age students who benefit from additional time and individualized support before entering traditional kindergarten.  

For Emily, it is exactly where she wants to be. 

“I love that I am my students’ first experience in school,” said Emily. “I’m setting the precedent for how they will feel about going to school, and I take that responsibility seriously.”  

“My favorite part of my job is helping to build my students’ confidence, develop their love for learning, and making learning fun.” 

The commitment to the whole child is evident in her classroom every day. Rather than measuring success solely through academics, Emily prioritizes social-emotional learning as the foundation of her students’ growth.  

“I’ll see a child choose to use a breathing strategy when they are feeling upset, or confidently and calmly approach a classmate to resolve a conflict and explain how they are feeling, or beam with pride when they follow an organizational strategy to put all of their school supplies away independently, or notice when someone is feeling lonely and offer to play with them,” she said.  

“The social emotional skills we learn are transferable anywhere and will help make my students regulated, confident, and empathetic citizens of any community they are a part of.” 

After completing her undergraduate degree at Oakland University, Emily was looking for a graduate program with a specific focus – one that combined education and social justice. After attending a prospective student event and meeting the faculty firsthand, her decision to attend Loyola was clear.  

“I wanted to step outside of my comfort zone and learn from new people in a new place,” said Emily. “After attending a meeting for prospective students and seeing how passionate and welcoming the faculty at Loyola were, I knew that I wanted to study here!”  

As an online, out-of-state student, Emily built her skills and her sense of community from a distance and found both in abundance. She credits the program's breadth for preparing her to lead in whatever direction her career takes her next. 

“I’ve learned about how the education system in the United States evolved into where we are today, instructional practices, designing inclusive learning environments, leadership, reflection, trauma-informed practices, and much more,” Emily said. “I feel that having this degree will make me a versatile leader going forward.” 

Beyond the classroom, Emily has taken on a leadership role in her school’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) student club. Under her guidance, the club launched its first major initiative: translating the school’s wayfinding signs into all the languages spoken by families in the school community.  

“Our JEDI club members are forging stronger connections with the classmates and families that they seek to represent,” she said.  

“These young leaders are learning to value the knowledge that people different from themselves bring to the table while also building the skills to take action against the injustices they notice and build more inclusive communities.” 

When reflecting on receiving the Wise Medal, Emily kept the focus where she always does, on the people around her.  

“Receiving this medal is exciting and validating, but it’s not why I do what I do,” she said. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the supportive community of Oakland University, Oak Ridge Elementary, and now Loyola. It truly takes a village, and I am grateful to be surrounded by such passionate educators.” 

For prospective graduate students considering the School of Education at Loyola, Emily’s advice is straightforward.  

“I would encourage coming to Loyola,” Emily said. “All of the professors I have worked with have been so welcoming, easy to talk to, knowledgeable, and give detailed feedback on assignments. Plus, all of the classmates I have met have been so encouraging and helpful.” 

“Even though I am an out-of-state student and I took all my classes online, I got the impression that the Loyola School of Education is a close-knit community.” 

Are you ready to make a greater impact in education? Explore Loyola’s graduate programs in education and take the next step in your career.