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Alumni

A woman with blonde hair smiles as she receives a hug from a woman with brown hair. They are surrounded by five other people who are clapping and one who is holding an oversized blue check for $25,000.

School of Teaching and Learning alumna Jessica Wentz ’11 honored with ‘Oscar of Teaching’

The principal at Lincoln Grade School in Washington sent out an email saying the state superintendent would be visiting to celebrate test scores and asked that the teachers not wear jeans that Friday. But that wasn’t the real reason behind the dress code, or the visit. 
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James Duffy College of Education Back-a-Bird Scholarship supports English and history majors

James Duffy always wanted to be a teacher and was the first person in his family to go to college, but financially it was difficult. A scholarship made it a little easier. 
Black and white photo of women wearing sports uniforms with block Is for "Illinois State Normal"

This month in Illinois State University history: March

From highlighting some of Illinois State University’s earliest female graduates to showcasing early organizations formed by women on campus, historian Tom Emery explores this month in Illinois State University history. March 8 Today is International Women’s Day, a time to celebrate the achievements of women worldwide. In past decades, women had few of the opportunities 
Alliyah Phillips '18, mentors Sasha Babington during her student teaching semester in spring 2024.

The College of Education launches Educator Alumni Mentor Program

The College of Education, in collaboration with the Multicultural Center, is launching the Educator Alumni Mentor Program. 
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. 
Two females and one male sit at a table that has a black tablecloth with the logo for South Holland School District 150

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.  

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2024-07-30T13:33:21.650033277-07:00 2024