As another year of teaching, learning, scholarship and service comes to a close, please know that it has been a true privilege to serve as your acting dean – and that I am honored and humbled to continue doing so for another
Read morePLEDGE-ECC cheers fourth ElEd cohort, celebrates Early Childhood trailblazers
Ask Ania Tyrka why she wants to become a teacher, and she immediately smiles and points right at 10-year-old Anthony. “This little guy – my son,” said Tyrka, a “mom, homemaker and wife” who also credits 12-year-old daughter, Zosia, for the decision
Read moreAlumna Dominique Yackley inspires graduates at New Teacher Send-off
As a new group of NIU College of Education licensure majors prepared to graduate and become professionals in the classroom, a seasoned veteran advised them to pack well for the journey ahead. Their luggage, said Dominique Yackley, must include “exuberance.” “If you
Read moreStudent Research Symposium celebrates undergraduate, graduate-level projects
As a Special Education major in clinical placements, Courtney James noticed something about students with autism and their devices for augmentative and alternative communication. They weren’t using them – at least not to initiate dialogue, James says, or not at all. Most
Read moreMessage from the Acting Dean
Greetings! I hope the rest and relaxation of Spring Break – and the anticipation of spring weather – brings you some excitement and energy as we journey to the second half of the semester. Reasons for that optimism are plenty. Consider, for
Read moreMessage from the Acting Dean
The arrival of cold, snow and holiday commercials means that fall commencement is almost here – and all of that makes me think of the gifts you bring to the College of Education. Your work is a part of every student who
Read moreMessage from the Acting Dean
Impossible as it seems, Thanksgiving is only two weeks from today – and, appropriately, my heart is filled with gratitude for the College of Education. Serving as your acting dean remains an honor and privilege, and I have appreciated the opportunity to
Read moreEarly Childhood Education 2+2 to debut in Fall 2024 at McHenry County College
The NIU College of Education has added another “2+2” agreement to create a seamless transfer pathway for community college students. Beginning next fall, Early Childhood Education will become of five NIU majors being offered at the University Center at McHenry County College,
Read moreAll-college meeting spotlights belonging
If improved retention of students is a goal – and it is – then cultivating an environment of belonging is one way to achieve just that. Talk of belonging took center stage Aug. 22 during the All-College Meeting, which featured words on
Read moreMessage from the Acting Dean
July is here, which means I have officially begun serving as your acting dean for the next year. I am excited for this time of transitioning fully into this role, and I look forward to truly digging in by engaging with my
Read moreHope (Bess) Wilson named SEED chair
Hope (Bess) Wilson is the new chair of the Department of Special and Early Education. She comes to NIU from the University of North Florida, where she had taught since 2012 and most recently served as a professor in the Department of
Read more‘In good hands’: Bill Pitney chosen to fill acting dean role for 23-24 academic year
Bill Pitney knows exactly why he’s moving back to Graham Hall. “The college’s mission really resonates with me,” says Pitney, professor of Athletic Training in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education. “Our mission is grounded in high-quality teaching, research and service
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