Maria Hantzopoulos, Professor of Education, Coordinator of Secondary Teacher Education, and Director of International Studies, co-edited the recently published book Partnering for Transformation in Schools and Beyond: Community-Engaged Learning in Peace, Social Justice, and Human Rights Education (Teachers College Press, 2026).

Focusing on educational partnerships across the globe, the book highlights the possibilities for justice and community transformation when educators and researchers join together with artists, students and community-based organizations to center marginalized voices and build bridges that connect local knowledge and priorities with liberatory practices. From Bolivia to South Carolina and through activities ranging from soccer to participatory filmmaking, each chapter explores how and why community-engaged learning can promote peace, justice and human rights.

Maria co-authored one of her chapters, entitled “Community-Engaged Praxis on Human Rights Education and Migration: Building Relationships Between Colleges and Local Public Schools,” with former Vassar students Melanie Hidalgo and Arlene Chen. Co-authors on the chapter “Equitable Futures: Antiracist Praxis Through Community and Higher Education Collaborations” included Vassar professors Taneisha Means, Shona Tucker, and Eva Woods Peiró, and Leonisa Ardizzone authored the chapter “Starting From Scratch? The Challenges and Rewards of Starting a Place-Based Peace Education Center.”

Vassar faculty, staff, and guests hosted a book launch for Partnering for Transformation in Schools and Beyond earlier in the year, followed by a panel discussion on community-engaged praxis. Joining Maria on the panel were multiple Vassar faculty and administrator colleagues as well as external professors of human rights and peace and justice studies.