Education Stories & News

PE teacher working with student

10 reasons to become a teacher

There are so many benefits of being a teacher! Read from real current and future teachers about why they chose to enter the profession.
esports gamers at consoles

UNI will launch new esports minor, certificates in fall 2026

New esports administration minor and related certificates let students turn a passion for gaming into skills supporting real-world careers in the esports industry and other settings including recreation and education. 
Emily Borcherding and Matthew McLellan

UNI teaching alums recognized with 2025 Yager Exemplary Teaching Award

Matthew McLellan and Emily Borcherding have earned recognition for their service to the education field when they recently received the UNI Dr. Robert E. and Phyllis M. Yager Exemplary Teaching Recognition Award.
UNI student teacher with students

UNI announces bold new ‘Degree in 3’ path to elementary teaching degree

A new pathway to teaching elementary education at the University of Northern Iowa allows students to complete their Bachelor of Arts degree in three years, saving them time and money while allowing them to begin their careers one year sooner, on a faster path to their first teaching salary. 
Teaching for Democracy

‘Democracy in Education’ takes spotlight at 2025 Tubbs Teaching Connections

The University of Northern Iowa College of Education will explore how schools can strengthen civic literacy, civil discourse and student agency during the 2025 Bill and Linda Tubbs Teaching Connections. 
UNI leads $5 million NSF-funded project to elevate STEM teaching in rural schools

UNI leads $5 million NSF-funded project to elevate STEM teaching in rural schools

The University of Northern Iowa has been awarded nearly $5 million from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to lead a new initiative aimed at strengthening STEM education in rural elementary schools.
Marvin Carr graduated from UNI with a bachelor's degree in Social Sciences Teaching.

Meet the 2025 Iowa Military Veteran of the Year, who just started student teaching

Marvin Carr, a 47-year-old non-traditional student at the University of Northern Iowa, walked across the McLeod Center stage in the spring to receive his diploma in Social Sciences Teaching.
Student teacher in the classroom

A career in teaching: A path for any passion

A career in teaching is one option for taking your love of a subject and turning it into a fulfilling job. Check out some of the degree choices!
President Nook and Provost Herrera with Mackenzie Snow and Tina Wahlert

State education leaders visit UNI

The University of Northern Iowa hosted key state education leaders on campus last Thursday, Sept. 25, to strengthen relationships and highlight the full scope of UNI’s educator preparation program.
The Rachel Martin family of UNI educators

A Shared Bond, A Special Legacy

Thousands of UNI graduates share a bond as Panther teachers and educators. Six families reflect on the legacy of a profession that started it all 150 years ago: teaching.