Growing up as one of two girls among nine children, Diana Vroman understood that her big family was “pretty spread out with the resources.” School was different, however. “I really depended on the resources that I got from my instructors and educators
Read moreShifting the tone: PPABB scholars lead workshop on managing school bullying
Five NIU students receiving specialized, cross-disciplinary preparation to deal with bullying in schools recently applied their new knowledge with current paraprofessionals in DeKalb’s District 428. Chelsea Cluchey, Quinn Galindo, Catie McGinnis, Bailey Schejbal and Gretta Ward designed and delivered the interactive April
Read morePhoto Gallery: New Teacher Send-off
The NIU College of Education recognized spring graduates of licensure programs May 12 during the New Teacher Send-off event in Cavan Auditorium. NIU alumna Kimberly Radostits, the 2022 Illinois Teacher of the Year and a 2023 National Teacher of the Year finalist,
Read moreMultiple voices, perspectives fuel work of Student Academic Equity Committee
Sherry Franklin knows that more people like her are needed. Franklin, an Educator Effectiveness specialist with the Chicago Public Schools and a part-time instructor at Malcolm X College, is Black. And, for that reason, the doctoral student in the Department of Curriculum
Read moreCOE alumna Miranda Thompson wins Rockford-area 2023 Golden Apple award
Miranda Thompson is a Golden Apple winner. Thompson, who earned her B.S.Ed. in Elementary Education in 2006, was among six winners named March 9 during surprise ceremonies in their Rockford-area classrooms. She also was among eight finalists with NIU College of Education
Read moreThree additional 2+2 agreements signed with Waubonsee Community College
Three more NIU College of Education bachelor’s degree programs are now available in a seamless 2+2 format to Waubonsee Community College students. Early Childhood Education, Special Education and Kinesiology have joined Elementary Education, Physical Education and Sport Management on the menu of
Read moreToni Van Laarhoven retires to new paths advocating for adults with special needs
Toni Van Laarhoven’s foremost “why” is named Steffanie. Van Laarhoven’s older sister, who is non-speaking and has severe intellectual disabilities, inspired more than the career of the Distinguished Teaching Professor in the NIU Department of Special and Early Education (SEED). Steffanie also
Read moreThree first-year faculty members share details on teaching, research interests
It’s still Year One for three NIU College of Education faculty members who joined the team in August. Read below to learn more about Quortne Hutchings, Farah Ishaq and Stephen Walker – in their own words. Quortne Hutchings Ph.D., Higher Education, Loyola
Read moreU-46 paraprofessionals ‘leap’ to begin journey to Special Education degrees
Thirty-five paraprofessionals from School District U-46 have begun their employer-paid pursuit of NIU bachelor’s degrees in Special Education. Part of the College of Education’s PLEDGE-Partnering to Lead and Empower District-Grown Educators initiative, the new Licensed Educator Accelerated Pathway (LEAP) program provides a
Read moreSix named Dean’s Achievement Scholars
Growing up in Crestwood, Ill., “a tiny little south suburb of Chicago not too far from Midway Airport,” Kayla Anderson found her passion at the local ice rink. Figure skating is a vital part of who she is – and something that
Read moreNIU, Elgin Community College partner for Special Education transfer pathway
Another bachelor’s degree pathway is now available for Elgin-area students who want to become NIU College of Education-graduated teachers without traveling to DeKalb. NIU and Elgin Community College will launch a cohort this fall in Special Education, the second such collaboration and
Read moreCollege of Ed counts four alumni, one student among Golden Apple finalists
Five of the finalists for the prestigious 2021 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching and for Excellence in Leadership claim the NIU College of Education in their pedigrees. NIU alumni Maddi Bodine, Anne McNamara and Virginia Valdez are among the 32
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