A career in teaching: A path for any passion
A career in teaching: A path for any passion
What if your favorite subject could become your career? Teaching makes that possible. At the University of Northern Iowa, future educators find countless ways to align their passions with meaningful careers in teaching. Here’s how:
Love math? Be a math teacher.
If numbers and problem-solving energize you, teaching mathematics is a way to share that excitement with students. From algebra to calculus, math teachers build critical thinking skills that prepare young people for a lifetime of opportunities. UNI’s math teaching major gives future teachers the tools to explain complex ideas clearly, spark curiosity and inspire confidence in every learner.
Love being active? Be a physical education teacher.
If you’ve always loved staying active, PE teaching jobs are a great way to pass this love onto others. Movement is important for everyone at every age and of all abilities. Physical education helps instill this love in a wide variety of learners so they can create healthy habits from the time they are young. Your instruction helps students prioritize their own well-being by supporting their strength, agility and coordination. Physical education teaching graduates from the University of Northern Iowa’s program have a 100% career placement rate!
Love science? Be a science teacher.
For those fascinated by the natural world, science teaching is a chance to turn curiosity into discovery. Whether it’s chemistry experiments, biology labs or exploring earth science, teachers help students connect classroom lessons to the world around them. With UNI’s strong science education programs, future teachers gain hands-on experience in labs and classrooms, preparing them to engage the next generation of innovators.
Love drawing or painting? Be an art teacher.
Being creative is an important part of most jobs, not to mention everyday life. Teaching this skill to tomorrow’s young professionals is crucial to society’s success. Art teachers do this every single day. Their goal is to encourage students not to make great art but rather to grow in confidence and feel free to express themselves no matter what that looks like. UNI offers the largest art education program in the state, graduating more art teachers than any other institution in Iowa.
Love history? Be a history teacher.
History is key to understanding how we got to where we are today and where we might be headed. Passing what happened decades, centuries and millennia ago to the next generation is crucial to create the best possible future. As a history teacher, you’re responsible for bringing the past to life and getting your students excited to learn about events and figures that have shaped our world today. At UNI, courses in the history teaching major are built around the Eight Essential Employability Qualities that today’s employers value the most. UNI even allows you to double major in history and history teaching without adding extra credits!
Love reading? Be an English teacher.
Stories shape how we see the world. As an English teacher, you’ll inspire students to think critically, write clearly and discover the power of literature. From classic novels to contemporary voices, you’ll guide students in finding meaning and making connections. UNI’s English education program blends deep study of literature with the art of teaching, preparing graduates to foster both skills and imagination.
Love music? Be a music teacher.
Music has the power to bring people together and spark creativity. As a music teacher, you’ll introduce students to rhythm, melody and performance, while building their confidence and love for the arts. UNI is home to one of the Midwest’s most respected music education programs housed in the renowned School of Music, giving future teachers world-class training in both musicianship and pedagogy.
Your career in teaching is waiting. Apply to UNI!
Whatever excites you — math, science, reading, music, or beyond — there’s a classroom waiting for your passion. Many of these areas also allow you to teach students at various levels, from elementary age all the way through high school.
At UNI, we’ve been preparing teachers for more than 150 years. Our graduates don’t just enter classrooms — they inspire them.
Your passion can be more than a subject. It can be your career. Browse all of UNI’s teaching majors and apply to one of the largest teacher education programs in the country.
Real, relevant academic excellence for a world that expects future-ready graduates.
- 94% of UNI grads find success within six months of graduation.
- UNI graduates more teachers than any other university in Iowa.
- UNI's middle level education dual major is the only one of its kind in the state.
- UNI is ranked a top regional public university by U.S. News & World Report.
