COE Stories & News

Families browse children's books at 9th African American Children and Families Conference

UNI conference to focus on embracing 'unique qualities' of African American families

The University of Northern Iowa’s 11th African American Children and Families Conference will focus on "Embracing African American Children and Families’ Unique Qualities” as part of a virtual event on Friday, February 18, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“It is our belief that if we embrace and respect individual unique qualities that there will be a better understanding among people,” says Gloria Kirkland Holmes, UNI professor emeritus and conference coordinator.

Teach Waterloo

Waterloo Schools Foundation pledges $300,000 to diversify district’s teacher workforce

 A $300,000 grant from Waterloo Schools Foundation will fund the expansion of a thriving partnership between the Waterloo Community School District (WCSD) and the University of Northern Iowa (UNI).

Teach Waterloo aims to diversify the K-12 teacher workforce in support of student success – research has shown that having a teacher of color in a classroom is associated with higher achievement and increases the likelihood that students of color complete high school and attend college.

university of northern iowa teacher with student

Is a Doctorate in Education right for you?

Here are some important details if you’re interested in elevating your career by pursuing a doctorate in education online or on-campus.  
Graphic: University of Northern Iowa ranks in top 20% for online master’s in education programs

University of Northern Iowa ranks in top 20% for online master’s in education programs

The University of Northern Iowa’s online master’s in education programs ranked among the top 20% nationally in a 2022 U.S. News and World Report review released today.

The UNI programs ranked 53 among 322 programs for master’s degrees, climbing 19 places from 2021.

Caleb Christine gives a speech during the December 2021 Commencement Ceremony

Chasing a dream: UNI grad pursues his dream to teach

Two years ago, after a decade in law enforcement, Caleb Christine took a leap of faith and enrolled at University of Northern Iowa in pursuit of his dream to be the first in his family to graduate from college and become a teacher.

UNI future teachers, Storm Lake schools and students benefit from new agreement

Future teachers studying teaching English to students of other languages (TESOL) at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) have a new opportunity for their field experience: working with emergent bilingual students in the Storm Lake Community School District (SLCSD). 

UNI alum and park ranger Sam Braband

Managing parks at the top of the world

UNI alum and Alaskan Park Ranger Sam Braband didn’t experience the pandemic like many people. After all, when your job can range from responding to a wildfire to chasing wildlife from a campground, working from home isn’t an option.
UNI campus

Kern Family Foundation grant supports UNI Institute for Educational Leadership training for Iowa superintendents, principals

The University of Northern Iowa’s outreach to Iowa educational leaders has received a major boost thanks to a grant from the Kern Family Foundation.

UNI alum Tanner Roos

UNI alum has award-winning approach to physical education

Tanner Roos, UNI alum and elementary physical education teacher, has won awards for his forward-thinking approach to physical education, but fitness has been a lifelong love for the Denison native. Today, he shares his passion for an engaging, inclusive form of PE with his Linn Grove Elementary classroom in Marion.
UNI campus

A new online degree option for postsecondary education

A new online option for the Master of Arts (MA) degree in postsecondary education: student affairs will deliver the same high-quality curriculum taught by the same dedicated faculty, with the added flexibility of an online format.