A pair of collaborative research projects between the NIU College of Education and the University of Tetova are accelerating toward final analysis and writing this spring. One study focuses on trauma-informed and resilience-focused practices in North Macedonian schools while the other focuses
Read moreCounseling faculty win national award for excellence in standards, innovation
When NIU received the national Robert Frank Outstanding Counselor Education Program Award this fall, Suzanne Degges-White was thrilled. But she wasn’t surprised. Just look at the facts, she says. The first in Illinois to receive the seal of approval from the Council
Read moreMary Earick fueled by first Tetova visit, ready to advance longtime partnership
One year after representatives from the University of Tetova visited DeKalb to nurture and advance the longtime partnership, an NIU delegation continued the discussions during a September trip to Macedonia. And, for new College of Education Dean Mary Earick, her first visit
Read moreAll-college: Dean Mary Earick outlines vision, map to thriving communities
Mary Earick is visibly excited and honored to become the new dean of the NIU College of Education. During the Aug. 19 all-college meeting, Earick told stories of many “critical incidents” in her life that led to DeKalb while also presenting her
Read moreSummer Camp 7.0 poses tough questions, encourages humanity
Exactly 12 hours later, the challenge to follow her example – and the fortitude, reflection, work and commitment that requires – was made plain. Michael Manderino, one of the four camp counselors with James Cohen, Joseph Flynn and Dana Isawi, delivered a
Read moreSummer Camp counselors savor opportunities to reflect, rejuvenate
James Cohen remembers well the closing moments of the first Social Justice Summer Camp for Educators in 2017. The plan for the future, as announced by Cohen and his fellow camp counselors from the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, was to host
Read moreSummer camp reflection: Michael Manderino writes of solidarity
by Michael Manderino I have had the tremendous fortune of being a NIU Social Justice Summer Camp co-counselor since Dr. Joe Flynn invited Dr. James Cohen and me back in 2016, and Dr. Dana Isawi in 2019, to help him build his
Read moreBluebirds Fly: Dana Isawi continues support group for grieving children
Like all human beings, children experience intense emotions. How they express those feelings is quite different than adults, however – and children in DeKalb County who are mourning the deaths of close family members have a strong advocate in Dana Isawi. The
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