UNI updates curriculum to better prepare future teachers
A newly-transformed curriculum awaits incoming University of Northern Iowa freshmen and transfer students aspiring to teach, with approval of a comprehensive, systemic update to undergraduate teacher preparation, effective fall 2025.
The outcome is the result of two years’ work of more than 100 faculty, staff and administrators to increase access to prepare future teachers while maintaining student success. UNI Teacher Education program leaders say the updated curriculum elevates the quality of Iowa’s largest teacher education program while putting students on a more efficient, effective, flexible and adaptable path to succeed and graduate on time.
“These updates represent our conviction of the importance of the teaching profession and the positive impact that well-trained teachers have on our future,” said Colleen Mulholland, dean of the College of Education and co-chair of the steering committee that coordinated the intensive effort, considered to be the most comprehensive in 20 years. “It’s a privilege that we have at UNI to continue a legacy of excellence through what was an extremely rigorous, interdisciplinary process.”
UNI Teacher Education spans four undergraduate colleges and 16 departments whose faculty lead coursework for more than 20 teaching majors and 20+ minors and certificates – leading to initial Iowa teacher licensure. Updates to various majors and minors have been ongoing, but the need for a broader, more systemic approach to change was recognized.
