Dear College of Education team, As we move deeper into the spring semester, I’m struck by how quickly these weeks are flying by. Each day, I continue to be in awe of the remarkable work happening across our college. The dedication, creativity
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College of Education Team, It was truly a privilege to host our group of administrators, faculty, staff, community partners, district liaisons, local teachers and graduate assistants at last week’s National Association of School-University Partnerships (NASUP) Conference. Bringing a diverse team was intentional
Read moreAll-college meeting digs deeper in ‘1-3-5’ action plans for thriving communities
Dean Mary Earick provided a deeper look at her “1-3-5” action plan pathways Jan. 7 during the All-College Meeting. Progress on the college’s roadmap toward thriving communities is “grounded in our Strategic Action Planning Framework,” said the dean, who showed how this
Read moreMessage from the Dean
Dear College of Education team, As we close out the semester, I want to take a moment to thank you for all that we have accomplished together. This past weekend, I had the privilege of attending commencement for the first time as
Read moreRockford LEAP graduates celebrate bachelor’s degrees in special education
Andria Williams stepped behind the podium, smiled and raised a victorious fist in the air. “We did it, y’all!” The new graduate of the NIU College of Education’s LEAP (Licensed Educator Accelerated Pathway) program with the Rockford Public Schools served as the
Read moreNew Teacher Send-off urges graduates to ‘just remember why you’re doing it’
Graham Davis felt ready to become a teacher. His NIU College of Education curriculum. His clinicals. His student-teaching. He was prepared. But then came job interviews, followed by an unexpected thought: “I don’t know what I’m doing.” “After that third interview, I
Read moreAlumni stars of ‘A Teacher’s Shoes’ talk educational philosophies at film’s debut
NIU College of Education alumni featured in the new documentary, “A Teacher’s Shoes,” spoke about their work during a panel discussion held after the Nov. 12 debut screening. Educators Grace Desmsedt, Ashley Manor and Dominique Yackley told stories about creating routines that
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 moreApplause! ‘A Teacher’s Shoes’ stars walk red carpet, watch documentary’s debut
People who celebrate the power of education – and those who practice it – came together Nov. 12 to watch the debut of a new documentary that takes a walk in “A Teacher’s Shoes.” The locally produced film, created by the NIU
Read moreMessage from the Dean
Dear Faculty and Staff, Thank you for your thoughtful engagement throughout the 1-3-5 year planning process. Your insights have been instrumental in identifying the priorities that matter most to our community. I’m deeply grateful for your commitment and look forward to working
Read moreMessage from the Dean
As my maiden voyage into a Midwest autumn begins, with temperatures somehow higher than the current highs in Albuquerque, I remain overjoyed by my first 90 days at NIU. This place and the students, faculty, staff, alumni, partners and donors connected to
Read moreGoing up: Fall 2025 enrollment climbs
Enrollment in the NIU College of Education is up 3.2% over last fall, powered by a 92-student jump in undergraduate population. The total headcount now stands at a 10-year high of 2,642; of those, 1,412 are in bachelor’s programs and account for
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