COE Stories & News

Woman holding a clipboard, smiling

UNI announces new online pathway to earn the Iowa Director of Special Education endorsement

UNI is announcing a new, entirely online pathway for administrators interested in earning the Iowa Director of Special Education endorsement
Adam and Darcy Nidey standing in front of a school bus

UNI education alums bring summer adventures to Des Moines students

Even as teachers, UNI alums Darcy and Adam Nidey don't know how to slow down in the summer. Their days are spent running Day Camp Adventures for 400 kids.
Kamryn Warren and Sunah Chung

Two UNI faculty members chosen for prestigious Engaged Scholars program

Campus Compact selected just 14 faculty and staff for the 2023-2024 cohort of Engaged Scholars, and two of the selections are UNI faculty.
Glynis Worthington with pickleball paddle at dissertation defense

At age 61, the study of pickleball led Glynis Worthington to earn her doctorate

For Glynis Worthington, the decision to return to the workforce for the first time in 22 years started with earning her Doctor of Education.
11 UNI students holding up UNI flag on Adventure Trip

From exploring canyons to climbing mountains – adventure awaits UNI students

UNI students who are dreaming of adventure need look no further than the Adventure Trip program, housed in the HRCS department.
Dr. Hernández-Saca

School of Education professor’s research centered on social justice

Dr. David Hernández-Saca moved to the U.S. from El Salvador when he was two years old to escape El Salvador’s Civil War. His family moved around Arizona and Southern California for a couple years, which Hernandez-Saca does not remember well because he suffered from seizures and compulsions and was frequently hospitalized. By fourth grade, while living in the California Bay Area, his seizures had slowed down and he stopped taking the anti-seizure medicine, which he said allowed him “to be aware and cognizant and build relationships and be more communicative.” This journey of immigration.

Dr. Forsyth teaching students.

Education professor’s research on interdisciplinarity impacts his teaching and inspires students

Dr. Benjamin Forsyth’s background experiences are somewhat unconventional for a professor of education at a mid-size Iowa university: after growing up on the east coast, he played football at an Indiana college, had a two-year stint living in the Netherlands, finished his physics degree at Brigham-Young University in Idaho, spent two years teaching high school physics, and then studied educational psychology in the Midwest. 

2023 Gold Star Teachers

Six UNI alumni among this year’s Gold Star Teachers

On May 10, KWWL and the McElroy Trust honored this year’s Gold Star Teachers at a ceremony at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center.
John Speer holding Educational Leadership Legacy Award with wife

AEA head John Speer earns Educational Leadership Legacy Award

John Speer, chief administrator with the Grant Wood Area Education Agency in Cedar Rapids, has received the 2023 UNI Educational Leadership Legacy Award. 
UNI graduate hugging President Nook at Commencement

UNI celebrates more than 1,400 spring graduates

Commencement is right around the corner, and the University of Northern Iowa has more than 1,400 graduates to celebrate!