College of Education Northern's College of Education has been a leader in teacher education for over a century. Today, the college produces approximately 1,000 educators per year, and more than 16,000 Northern graduates are currently teaching in Illinois schools, creating a vast professional network for College of Education students and graduates. Northern is also a major source for continuing education for current teachers who are working toward advanced degrees in education or who are expanding their knowledge and skills in a particular area. Fully one-quarter of all Illinois school superintendents are Northern graduates. The College of Education is composed of the following departments: Counseling, Adult and Health Education Educational Psychology and Foundations Educational Technology, Research and Assessment Kinesiology and Physical Education Leadership in Education and Sport Organizations Literacy Education Teaching and Learning With faculty and administrators who are fully committed to the success of each student, the College of Education is positioned to advance to a new level of prominence in educating our nation's future educational professionals. To attract and retain students who will excel in the College's challenging educational environment, we must provide the resources, tools, and experiences that will encourage and support those students. In keeping with that philosophy, the College has identified the following areas as top priorities in need of financial support as we continue to shape the future with pride. Support for Partnerships The College of Education has formal and informal partnerships with numerous school districts and other organizations in the surrounding region. A teacher-in-residence, school-based liaisons, and an endowed chair in teacher education support partnership efforts that focus on co-creation of curriculum, providing students with experiences in real-world settings, improving practice through professional development and field-based research, and building collaboration between the university and partner organizations. Partnering districts and organizations include: Belvidere Chicago DeKalb Glen Ellyn Harlem Kaneland Rochelle Rockford Elgin (U-46) West Chicago Oak Crest (retirement center) Support for Technology The College of Education is committed to infusing technology into the preparation of future educators. This commitment is evident in the remodeling of classrooms into technology-enriched teaching environments, developing state-of-the-art laboratories, and investing in adaptive technologies for serving students with special needs. The college supports professional development for faculty in learning to use technologies, including an optional semester-long course for all faculty, and projects that connect faculty with PK-12 practitioners to incorporate technology into both college and school curricula. Donations and grants have enabled the college to provide computers and technology training to disadvantaged students. Academic Support The College of Education has 34 endowed scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students providing approximately $22,000 in assistance to students. For a comprehensive list of available scholarships and awards in the college, click here. The college is also fortunate to have the Morgridge Chair, which is the first endowed professorship in teacher preparation at NIU. The Blackwell History Museum and the Milan One-Room Schoolhouse provide educational and outreach programs to the community. The Learning Center, Project PRIME, the Reading Clinic, the Office of Instructional Assistance, and the Office of International and Multicultural Initiatives provide valuable services to students and faculty. Support for New Construction/Renovation The College has identified new construction and renovations for existing facilities as part of a long-term strategic plan to ensure our students have opportunities to learn in state-of-the-art facilities. For more information on giving opportunities for the College of Education, please contact: Deborah Fransen Senior Gift and Estate Planning Officer College of Education Graham 319A Northern Illinois University DeKalb, IL 60115 dfransen@niu.edu Phone: (815) 753-1137 FAX: (815) 753-2100 Visit the College of Education Web site at http://www.cedu.niu.edu/.