Robin Foster, principal of West Elementary, part of the Mid-Prairie Community School District, has received the 2026 UNI Educational Leadership Legacy Award from the University of Northern Iowa.
Without the affirmation of a University of Northern Iowa professor, Joyce Levingston may not have realized how smart she was as a 20-something undergraduate student studying family services whose previous experiences led her to drop out of high school.
For Miah Phalen, this back-to-school season is special. For the first time in many years, she’s not starting a new academic year as a student. This year, she’s the teacher, leading her own classroom at Weber Elementary School in Iowa City.
The University of Northern Iowa plans to launch EdvantageUNI, a centralized hub for professional learning, educational growth and support for school districts, practicing and aspiring educators, and families.
After nearly 15 years as a paraeducator, Rhandi Oelmann has secured her first lead teacher job for the fall. The 40-year-old mom of three will confidently step into her new role thanks to the University of Northern Iowa’s early childhood education online transfer program.
For practicing educators and working professionals, micro‑credentials offer a flexible way to grow your expertise without committing to a full degree. Here’s how they work and why they’re worth considering.
A University of Northern Iowa study quantifies the significant financial benefit of student teachers placed in classrooms across rural communities throughout the state.
When you have a passion for movement and enjoy working with kids, becoming a physical education teacher is a dream job. That’s the case for PE teacher and UNI alum Caitlin Schoville and UNI PE major Peyton Major.
