New Book from Harvard Education Press Charts a Course for Better College Learning and Teaching

In the dynamic landscape of higher education, the pursuit of excellence in both teaching and learning remains a cornerstone of institutional missions. Yet, colleges and universities often grapple with myriad demands that can overshadow sustained investment in high-quality instruction. This challenge is precisely what a new book from Harvard Education Press, The Best Place to Learn, aims to address, offering a timely and practical guide for leaders seeking to elevate the educational experience.

Authored by Joe O’Shea, Leslie Richardson, and Jen Bartman, the book presents what Harvard Education Press describes as a comprehensive roadmap. It’s designed to help higher education institutions not only identify their strengths but also pinpoint opportunities for growth in supporting effective teaching and, by extension, profoundly impactful student learning.

Elevating Teaching and Learning: A Structural Approach

According to Harvard Education Press, The Best Place to Learn is written specifically for higher education leaders, including deans, provosts, and department chairs. The book draws on extensive educational research and the authors' direct experience in developing award-winning teaching support systems that contributed to notable improvements in graduation rates at Florida State University.

The core argument presented by the authors, as highlighted by the press, is that genuine teaching transformation must be driven at a structural level. This means empowering campus leaders to become champions for the learning experiences their institutions provide. By focusing on systemic change, colleges can create environments where both students and faculty can truly thrive, moving beyond sporadic initiatives to embed a culture of continuous improvement.

A Practical Framework for Institutional Change

One of the key contributions of The Best Place to Learn, according to Harvard Education Press, is its practical self-assessment tool. This tool is designed to help institutions objectively evaluate their current state regarding teaching support. Following this assessment, the book provides a holistic framework for change, detailing how to activate and align various institutional levers. These levers include campus teaching centers, faculty development programs, teaching evaluation methods, and strategic hiring practices, all aimed at building robust, evidence-informed support for teaching at scale.

The book illustrates these concepts with concrete examples and actionable strategies, demonstrating how to foster a shift in the culture of teaching. For students, this translates into a more consistent and engaging learning experience, as faculty are better supported and equipped to deliver high-quality instruction. For educators, it means having the resources and environment to continually hone their craft and connect more deeply with their teaching mission.

The Broader Impact on Student Success

The emphasis on strengthening institutional support for teaching ultimately circles back to student success. When faculty are well-supported and continuously developing their teaching skills, students are more likely to encounter transformative learning experiences. This can lead to improved engagement, deeper understanding of subject matter, and ultimately, better academic outcomes.

For parents, understanding that colleges are actively working to enhance teaching quality can provide reassurance about their investment in higher education. For K-12 students preparing for college, knowing that institutions are striving to be the best places to learn and teach can make the transition more appealing and less daunting. As students navigate their academic journeys, having access to resources that complement classroom learning is also crucial. Tools like COSMIQ — free voice AI tutoring, free forever for every K-12 student — can offer personalized support, helping learners grasp complex concepts and prepare for future academic challenges, whether in high school or beyond. Similarly, exploring resources like the exam prep directory can be incredibly beneficial for those aiming for higher education.

Harvard Education Press: A Legacy of Thought Leadership

Harvard Education Press, an imprint of the Harvard Graduate School of Education, has a long-standing reputation for publishing influential works that shape educational discourse and practice. Their commitment to sharing research-backed insights with the education community is evident in their release of The Best Place to Learn. By providing a platform for authors like O’Shea, Richardson, and Bartman, the press continues to contribute significantly to the ongoing conversation about how to best prepare students for the future and empower educators to excel.

The publication of this book in 2026 reinforces Harvard Education Press's dedication to addressing contemporary challenges in education with thoughtful, evidence-based solutions. It serves as a valuable resource for anyone invested in the future of higher education, from campus leaders to faculty and even those considering their path to college.

Conclusion

The Best Place to Learn offers a compelling vision for higher education, advocating for a systemic approach to fostering environments where teaching excellence and student success are paramount. Harvard Education Press is to be commended for bringing this important blueprint to the forefront, providing college and university leaders with the tools and insights needed to fulfill their promise of delivering truly transformative learning experiences.