blog posts

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  Kapri Dowdell | Advocate and Inspire

  Apr 15, 2021 3:00 pm157 views

  As her senior year comes to a close, Special Education major Kapri Dowdell has her eyes set on her future as an educator. After graduation, Kapri is heading home to Chicago as an elementary school teacher in Chicago Public Schools, with plans to return to school for a Master's in Administration in a few years. When asked about her dream job, Kapri stated, "I want to be a principal or have a higher power in our education system to advocate for our students with special needs for academic, emotional, and mental support."

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  Grace McCoy| Just The Beginning

  Oct 29, 2020 3:00 pm159 views

  Freshman Grace McCoy is starting her college journey under unusual circumstances, but that's not stopping her ambition, optimism, and drive! Grace has always seen the value in education, and through the support of the College of Education community, she is pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. Grace says, "Any job in this profession would be rewarding and would keep me on my toes, so that I continue to feel that I am doing something worthwhile for my students."

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  Shelby Oertel | Goodbye, Comfort Zone

  Nov 19, 2020 3:00 pm160 views

  Freshman Shelby Oertel is stepping out of her comfort zone and into opportunity this year! There's a lot to take in at Illinois, and that's precisely why she's here. Shelby is looking forward to Illini basketball seasons and all the new friendships to come in the four years ahead of her. Most of all, Shelby is looking forward to gaining "The best perspective to further my professional development and allow me to help shift the workplace dynamic" through the College of Education.

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  Julia Rhodes | Learning in Italy

  Feb 13, 2020 4:45 pm167 views

  Elementary Education sophomore Julia Rhodes is spending her Spring semester studying in Verona, Italy; and she thinks everyone should study abroad, even if only for a week-long program.

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  Nia Curtis | A Trip to South Africa

  Jan 24, 2019 10:30 am177 views

  Last summer, Elementary Education Junior Nia Curtis took an 18-hour flight out of the country for the first time. She met her mother, a high school English teacher and Fulbright Recipient, in South Africa. Over the summer they traveled to Botswana, Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Zimbabwe.

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  David McCormack | "Everyone Has Dignity"

  Apr 29, 2021 3:00 pm193 views

  Senior David McCormack has enjoyed his time on campus with involvement in Best Buddies, the Newman Center, and intramural sports. Most of all, he cherishes his experiences in his chosen field of Special Education. He recalls the beginnings of his affinity for special education back in high school, "I decided that I'd want to follow this passion and start to devote my life to it." Now, David is looking forward to starting his professional career as a Special Educator in a classroom of his own at Lincoln Jr. High this fall.

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  Lucille Luan | Miles Away, Always at Home

  Dec 3, 2020 3:00 pm196 views

  Senior Lucille Luan traveled far from her family in Cupertino, California to pursue an education at Illinois, but she's always at home with the College of Education. Lucille comes from a family of educators, and says "I was naturally drawn to the idea of becoming a teacher since my early exposure to family members who were teachers! My grandma, my dad, and my previous professors and teachers are all strong influences."

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  Claire Follis | Fighting Education Inequality

  Mar 5, 2020 4:15 pm198 views

  Learning & Education Studies major Claire Follis is passionate about education inequality. She believes that a child's quality of education should not be dependant on the zip code they live in. That defining principle is what motivates her in both her research and professional work. 

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  Matthew Sondag | Inspired To Change

  Feb 7, 2019 9:15 am202 views

  Junior Matthew Sondag's choice to pursue Early Childhood Education was inspired by the quote, "To see the change, you must create the change." His goal is to create a classroom that promotes acceptance, respect, kindness, and the love of learning. 

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  Erin Molay | Ready To Explore

  Mar 24, 2021 3:00 pm207 views

  Erin Molay is determined to give her future students the most authentic and enriching experience a classroom can offer. That's why after she has completed her studies as an Elementary Education major and Psychology minor, Erin plans to travel the world and explore the cultures and communities abroad. When asked about her time with the College of Education, Erin said, "I love the close-knit community atmosphere!"

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  Genesis Rivera | "The Key To Our Liberation"

  Jan 28, 2021 3:00 pm214 views

  Freshman Genesis Rivera experienced her formative years at a low-income Black and Brown elementary school in Chicago. From a young age, she noticed her peers lose their passion for education after experiencing the traumas of family and friends falling victim to gun violence and incarceration. Genesis is determined to break this vicious cycle with the best tool she knows — teaching. "I want to be able to tell my students that education and knowledge is powerful." She says, "It’s the key to our liberation and will help us give back to our communities. My students will not be another statistic."

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  Shelby Oertel | A Passion for Adult Learning

  Sep 22, 2022 4:00 pm220 views

  "I have a passion for adult learning."

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  Marisol Jimenez | Outstanding Award For Outstanding Research

  May 9, 2019 11:00 am225 views

  Senior Learning & Education Studies Marisol Jimenez was awarded Oustanding Oral Presentation at the 2019 Illinois Undergraduate Research Symposium for her research on the reform acts in Chicago from 1980 to 2015 and their push for the standarization and accountability movement.

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  Jasmine Castillo | "Everyone has a voice, and as a teacher I will encourage each student to use theirs."

  Nov 3, 2022 4:00 pm233 views

  Jasmine Castillo, a History major with Secondary Education and Spanish minors, Illinois is our student spotlight this week.

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  Sam Fishman | Student Teaching

  Feb 14, 2019 2:15 pm235 views

  Special Education major, Sam Fishman is currently student teaching at Jefferson Middle School in Champaign. He says working with his 8th graders has been the highlight of his college career thus far. Sam is in a co-taught english and math period working with four students in a Tier 3 math intervention class.

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  Grace Schlichter | Helping People & Inspiring Students

  Nov 9, 2022 1:15 pm242 views

  Grace Schlichter is our featured undergraduate student in this week's student spotlight.

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  Nia Curtis: The graduate

  May 10, 2020 7:00 pm245 views

  By now, every corner of our community has been touched by the coronavirus pandemic. As he will until the crisis subsides, Anthony Zilis spent an eighth week telling the stories of those affected. He recently spoke with Nia Curtis, Elementary Education major and soon-to-be graduate, in his 'Coronavirus and the Community' series.

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  Julie Ross | Passionate About the Next Generation of Learners

  Aug 30, 2021 3:00 pm259 views

  As the 2021-2022 school year kicks off, we introduce you to Julie Ross who is thrilled to be back on this bustling campus this fall! She's even more excited to one day lead her own classroom of crazy busy middle school students. Learn more about why Julie loves Education at Illinois!

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  Kevin Ho | Exploring Family History With Fulbright

  Apr 25, 2019 12:45 pm266 views

  Kevin Ho, an english major and secondary education minor will be headed to Vietnam this fall as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant.

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  Amy Heinrichs | A Non-Traditional Journey To Finding Her Passion

  Sep 8, 2022 3:00 pm269 views

  "After working with children in many aspects I realized this was my passion and wanted to do."

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  Jack Josellis | Future Fulbright

  Mar 11, 2020 12:15 pm289 views

  Jack Josellis, a history major and secondary education minor spent a semester in Spain as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant.

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  Natalie O'Callaghan | An Advocate For Fellow Illini

  Mar 7, 2019 11:30 am295 views

  Elementary Education Senior, Natalie O'Callaghan has loved being part of the Illini family. One of the things that has made her Illinois experience memerable was getting involved with Illinois Student Government and the UC Campus Senate as the College of Education Student Senator. She considers herself lucky to have the opportunity to advocate for both Education students as well as University students as a whole. 

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  Sydney Stephens | "Teachers are the foundation for everything."

  Jan 19, 2023 4:00 pm355 views

  Sydney Stephens is a junior Elementary Education major and student-athlete on the Illinois Soccer team.

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  RJ Schlesinger | Breaking the Mold

  Oct 8, 2020 10:00 am355 views

  Senior RJ Schlesinger's skills and interests are totally unique. At Illinois, RJ doesn't have to fit into one category-he can make his own! Through research, courses, and mentorship from his professors, RJ is taking all he has learned and sharing it by becoming an educator. RJ says "I want to teach! It’s equal parts exciting and terrifying, but I am up to the challenge!"

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  Alexis Frieman | Nothin' But Love for Education

  Jan 18, 2022 3:00 pm382 views

  When asked about what she enjoys most about the College of Education, Alexis' reply: the building, the courses, the people, what's not to love?!

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  David Pollak | With Teaching in His Blood

  Mar 28, 2019 10:15 am397 views

  Senior Elementary Education major David Pollak can't remember a time growing up where he didn't want to be a teacher. With an entire family made up almost exclusively of educators, he's convinced it was always in his blood. 

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  Sean Gardiner | Opened Eyes

  Oct 22, 2020 3:00 pm410 views

  Sean Gardiner, a Junior in English and Secondary Education, has learned so much on his undergraduate journey. His favorite lessons so far are the tough truths of the inequality in our education system. Sean says this of his Identity and Difference in Education class, "It truly opened my eyes to the imbalances in our education system and in our world today as a whole. I have recommended it to many of my friends, even those that are not in the College of Education."

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  Danielle Golob | A Passion For SPED

  Nov 21, 2019 3:30 pm453 views

  Following in her mother's footsteps, Special Education senior Danielle Golob wanted to pursue education as early as second grade. She says that getting to experience education both from her own schooling and through her mother's eyes provided her with a different perspective, solidifying her passion for education. After graduation, Danielle hopes to teach special education. 

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  Grace Seiffert | A Home Away From Home

  Dec 5, 2019 9:45 am488 views

  Special Education sophomore Grace Seiffert has always had a passion and talent for working with children; so naturally, pursuing education was the next step. While on campus and away from family, Grace says the College of Education has really become her home away from home. 

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  Kennedy Record | Shaping Future World Changers

  Oct 15, 2020 3:00 pm523 views

  Sophomore Kennedy Record is living life as an Illinois student to the fullest. She loves cheering on the Fighting Illini, checking out the local coffee shops, and most of all, she loves her work with children with disabilities. Kennedy says, "I desire to be supportive of children who feel voiceless, to be someone who will fight for their needs."

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  Diamond Dadej | Honor the Past, Better the Future

  Sep 3, 2020 12:00 pm807 views

  Senior and history/secondary education major Diamond Dadej is teaching us a lot more than history in this week’s blog. Read on for a lesson in learning from those around you, pride in where you come from, determination in where you are going, and one very important reminder to carry with you throughout the semester;
  “Nothing is impossible for an Illini.”