Rockford RISE has graduated 18 new teachers. Launched in 2024, the “Rockford Inspiring School and Community Excellence” initiative to turn Rockford Public Schools paraprofessionals into licensed teachers is the result of a grant from Grow Your Own Illinois, a long-time nonprofit organization
Read moreNIU PLEDGE-Elgin Community College graduates learn of their power, mission in the nurture of thriving communities
Nicole Morys knows what kind of teacher she will become this fall. “I want to teach because I want to inspire kids to grow and to be the best version of themselves, and also to just make my teaching environment comfortable for
Read moreNew Teacher Send-off instills graduates with appreciation of impact on students
Please think, Graham Davis instructed his audience of future teachers, of a time when they struggled yet persevered. Next, think of a time when they impacted someone in a way that was personal, not educational. Finally, think about a time when they
Read moreCongratulations!
Congratulations to these members of the NIU College of Education family! College of Education shines in 2026 Presidential Commission Awards The NIU Presidential Commissions play a vital role in shaping a campus where everyone feels seen, supported and valued. Serving as advisory
Read moreNIU celebrates spring commencement
Congratulations to our newest NIU College of Education alumni! Two of our graduates were featured in videos shown during the ceremony. First, meet Kaci Luptak, who earned her B.S. in Sport Management. Next, meet Kendra Owens, who completed her M.S. in Kinesiology
Read moreStudent Research Symposium provides glimpse of questions, answers, learning
In Alya Khan’s daily work as a registered behavior technician at a children’s therapy clinic, she experiences an aspect of autism that she wants to understand better. Many of her young clients present with a large deficit in communication skills, whether that
Read moreMary F. English Scholars present work during Student Research Symposium
College of Education students in pursuit of teaching professions can apply for the Mary F. English Technology Award, which supports and encourages them in that goal while also furthering their use of classroom technology. Participants – called Mary F. English Scholars –
Read moreAspiring superintendents learn about AI, responsible implementation in schools
Developers of an NIU initiative that empowers K-12 students with rigorous and inclusive learning in the era of artificial intelligence took their message April 7 to a key audience. Aspiring superintendents. NIU College of Education faculty Eric Junco and Razak Dwomoh were
Read moreKNPE career fair matches employers, students for potential internships, jobs
Jazmin Villa hit the gym floor moments after approaching the D1 Training table inside Anderson Hall for the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education’s annual job and internship fair. She took a plank position. Three flat, circle-shaped lights lay in front of
Read moreUG Student Research Spotlight locates Tommy Jonen, special education major
Although Tommy Jonen is in the early stages of his journey to becoming a teacher, the junior Special Education major is familiar with the workplace. Education, he says, “requires collaboration and consistent development among all members.” The purpose of that teamwork is
Read moreUG Student Research Spotlight shines on Lexi Koehl, special education major
When Lexi Koehl began her research on federalism and education policy, it started as an honors component for her Political Science course. As the project developed, however, it became clear that her work addressed timely and meaningful issues with lasting relevance, especially
Read moreKNPE doctoral students plan, carry out annual MSEPS conference’s NIU debut
Twenty-five students in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education planned and hosted the 2026 Midwest Sport and Exercise Psychology Symposium (MSEPS), which came to NIU for the first time in the event’s 35-year history. Held March 6 and 7, the student-led,
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