Alumni

Thirteen children sit on the floor in three rows with two more children standing behind the others. All children are holding up open books in front of their faces. A red rubber duckie sits on the diplay case at the back of the group.

School of Teaching and Learning’s Quackademics makes a splash in alumni classrooms

Since September of 2024 when the School of Teaching and learning sent red rubber duckies to alumni teaching in classrooms, the department mailbox has been flooded with stories and photos of the flock's adventures.

From campus to classroom: ISU alumni bring passion and perspective to middle school teaching

Teaching middle school is often described as one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences in the education field. Two Illinois State University alumni discuss what it's like to teach this unique age group.

A group of 18 college students pose in front of Buckingham Palace in London.

Adventurous alumni stay abroad to teach in the United Kingdom

For over 40 years, Illinois State's School of Teaching and Learning has partnered with the University of Brighton to offer education majors a chance to student teach in Eastbourne, England. This year, two alumni chose to stay abroad and teach full-time after graduating in May 2024.

Close up photo of a woman with blonde hair in a black halter top and a man with brown hair in a blue polo shirt

Redbirds of a feather flock together: Middle level teacher education alumni Ryan and Kristin Cantrell share their story

For middle level teacher education alumni Ryan '04 and Kristin '03 Cantrell, teaching is a family business. With around 20 years of teaching experience each, Kristin and Ryan are able to look back at their time at Illinois State and recognize the valuable lessons learned.

Black and white photo of a female standing in a classroom with several children at their desks

Life lessons from an extraordinary alumna

Learn about the life of an extraordinary alumna, Jo Ann Hartman '54, M.S. '68.

Brad Marcy kneeling next to a veteran's headstone on a red background

Veteran and College of Education Teacher of the Year Brad Marcy ’09, M.S. ’17, joins Redbird Buzz

Brad Marcy '09, M.S. '17 shares how his experience as a vetern helped shape his approach to teaching.

Pictured is a large group of students. Many are wearing graduation regalia, but most just have their graduation caps. There are large photo props of Reggie and an Apple that have "Teach, Love, Inspire" on it.

The College of Education’s Statewide Standard: Stories from your Alma Mater

Throughout this year, our dedicated faculty, staff, students, alumni, and donors have consistently united to continue our legacy of preparing outstanding teachers and education leaders.

Twelve children stand in front of a classroom with four teachers and two red rubber duckies

TCH rubber duckies get a ‘bird’s eye’ view of alumni classrooms

This fall, 58 red rubber duckies sporting the School of Teaching and Learning’s logo are landing in schools across the country. As part of a social media campaign, titled “TCH Quackademics”, alumni from TCH programs were invited to request a duck for their classrooms. In under a week, the flock was full, and the campaign was underway.

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