Dr. Guy Trainin is a professor in the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His research primarily focuses on teacher education, the integration of literacy with technology and the arts, and innovative learning technologies.
Recently, Dr. Trainin has been studying innovative language learning and equity in Nebraska, India, and China, emphasizing topics such as computer science, mobile devices, artificial intelligence, and creativity. He has also served as the Department Chair.
Encouraged by his family and friends, he discovered his talent for education and soon became an influential figure in his field. What makes him truly remarkable, however, is not just his extensive research funding or scholarly output but his dedication to mentoring. Over the years, he has guided 29 doctoral students through their degrees and contributed as a committee member or faculty mentor for many others. His students consistently recognize him for his unwavering commitment to their well-being and academic success.
He has pioneered and collaborated on many projects. Key among these are Tech EDGE, a revised program in Elementary Education, AI in Education, and Artteams, all of which are particularly significant to him. He describes Artteams as his fourth and most meaningful art integration project, where he has learned to leverage multimedia for teaching and learning.
He credits two graduate students, Dr. Gray and Dr. Phillips, who are now his colleagues, with transforming his teaching significantly. They helped him develop democratic teaching practices for both undergraduate and graduate classes. Also, Drs. D’Adamo and Larsen taught him to incorporate artistic expression, joy, and movement into his work.
Dr. Guy has a unique approach to empowering both students and teachers to take ownership of their research by fostering independence and personal investment in the process. He emphasizes that students own their work, positioning himself as a guide and motivator rather than the main driver. He encourages curiosity by allowing students to pursue topics they are passionate about while providing scaffolded support for research skills and ensuring that the work remains manageable.
Dr. Guy advises leaders and those in leadership roles to maintain a positive outlook in their intentions, avoid toxic individuals, safeguard their students, generously offer their time, and keep in mind their "why"—every student and every interaction matters!
Dr. Guy is incredibly active in the graduate community at UNL. He leads by example and is fully engaged in the experience himself. When he’s not dancing, creating, teaching, or having meaningful conversations, he is quietly encouraging his students to reach their full potential. He attributes the greatest influence on his life to his family and students. He says he would love to be remembered as "Being a mentch, which is a Yiddish word that translates to a person who is honorable, kind, and has integrity, morality, and a sense of what is right and responsible."
If you’re curious about fun facts, he’s the man who can be spotted around the world in cowboy boots and hats—by the way, he has six pairs of them! The next time you see someone dressed like that on campus, be sure to wave at him.
Dr. Trainin is incredibly skilled at what he does, he is like a drop in a pond, creating ripples that extend far and wide. He truly embodies the spirit of our graduate faculty here at UNL. You can connect with him through his blogs at guytrainin@blogpost.com, his podcasts on tech-edge available on Apple Podcasts, and on YouTube at TechEdge01.
If you know anyone doing an incredible work in our graduate community, nominate them here