Research Interests
My primary research areas are philosophy of education; the ethics of communication; teaching through dialogue; and technology and education.
Awards and Honors
Outstanding Faculty Mentorship Award, College of Education, University of Illinois, Urbana/Champaign (2024).
David Zola Distinguished Teaching Career Award, College of Education, University of Illinois, Urbana/Champaign (2021).
Outstanding Faculty Leadership Award, University of Illinois, Urbana/Champaign (2015).
Fellow, International Academy of Education (2011).
Edward William and Jane Marr Gutgsell Professorship, University of Illinois, Urbana/Champaign (2009-present).
James and Helen Merritt Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Philosophy of Education (2004).
Grayce Wicall Gauthier Professorship, College of Education, University of Illinois, Urbana/Champaign (2002-2007).
Distinguished Senior College Scholar, College of Education, University of Illinois, Urbana/Champaign (2001).
University Scholar, University of Illinois, Urbana/Champaign (1998).
Selected as a “Young Leader of the Academy,” Change magazine (1998).
Distinguished College Scholar, College of Education, University of Illinois, Urbana/Champaign (1992).
Additional Campus Affiliations
Edward William and Jane Marr Gutgsell Professor Emeritus, Education Policy, Organization and Leadership
Recent Publications
Burbules, N. C. (2026). Why Philosophy of Education is Basic to Philosophy. Educational Theory, 76(1), 157-163. https://doi.org/10.1111/edth.70055
Burbules, N. C. (2025). Artificial Intelligence in Education: Use it, or Refuse it? Educational Theory, 75(4), 597-602. https://doi.org/10.1111/edth.70038
Burbules, N. C. (2025). The Communicative Dimensions of Social Epistemologies. Educational Theory, 75(2), 192-207. https://doi.org/10.1111/edth.70005
Hand, M., & Burbules, N. C. (2025). Symposium Introduction: Educating Responsible Believers. Educational Theory, 75(2), 188-191. https://doi.org/10.1111/edth.70011
Burbules, N. C. (2023). Critical Thinking and the Conditions of Democracy. Education Policy Analysis Archives, 31, Article 104. https://doi.org/10.14507/epaa.31.8062