Ed&IS leaders join 34 exemplary scholars selected for prestigious honor
The American Educational Research Association (AERA) has announced the selection of 34 exemplary scholars as the 2026 class of AERA Fellows. This year’s class includes UCLA Education Department Chair Cecilia Rios-Aguilar and Megan Franke, professor of education and vice chair of professional programs at the UCLA School of Education and Information Studies.
“It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Cecilia and Megan on being named 2026 AERA Fellows — a distinction that reflects the very highest level of scholarly achievement in our field,” said Christina Christie, Wasserman Dean of the UCLA School of Education and Information Studies. “This recognition is a testament to the depth of their intellectual leadership and the rigor and care they bring to their work. UCLA is incredibly fortunate to have scholars of their caliber shaping the next generation of educational research.”
The AERA Fellows Program honors scholars for their exceptional contributions to, and excellence in, education research. Nominated by their peers, the 2026 Fellows were selected by the Fellows Committee and approved by the AERA Council, the association’s elected governing body.
“We are thrilled to honor the 2026 AERA Fellows as they join a distinguished community of scholars,” said AERA Executive Director Tabbye Chavous. “Their significant contributions to education research demonstrate the highest standards of academic excellence and scholarship.”
The new AERA Fellows will be inducted during a ceremony at the 2026 Annual Meeting in Los Angeles on April 9. With this cohort, the total number of AERA Fellows will reach 820.
About AERA
The American Educational Research Association (AERA) is the largest national interdisciplinary research association devoted to the scientific study of education and learning. Founded in 1916, AERA advances knowledge about education, encourages scholarly inquiry related to education, and promotes the use of research to improve education and serve the public good.