College of Education

Life lessons from an extraordinary alumna

Black and white photo of a female standing in a classroom with several children at their desks

Learn about the life of an extraordinary alumna, Jo Ann Hartman ’54, M.S. ’68.

Dr. Beth MacDonald and Dr. Allison Kroesch count on ARCS Grant to support interdisciplinary collaboration

Several college students sit in chairs using manipulatives and materials to practice math instruction skills

A team of Illinois State researchers from the College of Education working with local elementary students was recently awarded an Advancing Research and Creative Scholarship (ARCS) grant.

Dr. Lara Handsfield to retire from Illinois State: Leaves legacy in bilingual education at School of Teaching and Learning

After 19 years as a professor in the School of Teaching and Learning at Illinois State University, Dr. Lara Handsfield is set to retire in December.

RSO spotlight: Meet the National Association for Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

Six female college students sit at a long table holding up multi-colored homemade cards

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) student chapter at Illinois State University was established over 20 years ago as a collaborative effort with Heartland Community College. The primary objective is to provide professional development opportunities, fostering an environment where students can learn and grow.

Metcalf School partnership provides middle-level teacher candidates window into world of emerging adolescents

College students and middle school students sit in small groups at tables playing games

Halle Modloff, Annalina Nelson, Brian Tondi ’21, Justina McGuinn, and their classmates are all part of Dr. Meghan Kessler’s course Introduction to Young Adolescent Development and Middle Level Schools. Kessler, an assistant professor of middle level education in the School of Teaching and Learning, has partnered with Mike Jones ’96, M.S.E. ’18, and Andy Goveia ’13, M.S. ’18, both teachers at Metcalf School, to provide her teacher candidates with an immersive and meaningful semester.

Illinois Tutoring Initiative concludes: A successful federal grant boost for student achievement

A man sits at a table with two children assisting them with school work.

The Illinois Tutoring Initiative (ITI), a transformative program aimed at closing academic gaps and supporting students across Illinois, has officially come to an end.

Illinois House Bill 5057 signals change in content test requirement for ISU teacher candidates

A female college student sits on a rug in a classroom with 4 young students using pencils and markers to complete worksheets

As Illinois faces a persistent teacher shortage, recent legislative efforts aim to ease the transition into the teaching profession. House Bill 5057, signed into law in August 2024, introduces reforms that will directly affect students and teacher preparation programs at Illinois State University.  

RSO Spotlight: Meet the Queer Ed Birds

Five college students holding bowling balls stand in front of the lanes at a bowling alley.

“Be gay, do good” is the unofficial slogan of the Queer Ed Birds, a registered student organization (RSO) for teacher education majors who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. 
According to Dr. Christie Angleton (she/her), Assistant Professor in the School of Teaching and Learning and faculty advisor, this simple yet powerful slogan captures the essence of the organization.

The College of Education’s Statewide Standard: Stories from your Alma Mater

Pictured is a large group of students. Many are wearing graduation regalia, but most just have their graduation caps. There are large photo props of Reggie and an Apple that have "Teach, Love, Inspire" on it.

Throughout this year, our dedicated faculty, staff, students, alumni, and donors have consistently united to continue our legacy of preparing outstanding teachers and education leaders.

School within a School: Innovative collaboration between Metcalf and the School of Teaching and Learning

A seventh grade male student stands in front of several seated people and speaks into a microphone

Last year, seventh graders at Thomas Metcalf School were invited to opt into an innovative, integrated curriculum, where, in one student’s words, “the learning never stopped.”