Message from the college
Hello from the College of Education!
Throughout this year, our dedicated faculty, staff, students, alumni, and donors have consistently united in their support for learning, research, and the next generation of Redbird Educators. We are thrilled to share some incredible stories of innovation in this year’s Statewide Standard.
Our enrollment remains strong, and our students continue to be our priority. This year we gifted over $564,000 in student scholarships. In August, we inaugurated the Larry and Barbara Efaw Center for Educator Excellence, which focuses on academic assistance, fostering peer connections and community building, and providing referrals to existing campus resources for all teacher education students.
We have been actively collaborating with partners to create new pathways for teacher licensure. In May, the Department of Special Education launched Paraprofessionals Unlocking Licensure in Special Education (PULSE). This online program will prepare current paraprofessionals to earn a bachelor’s degree in special education and their teaching license with a Learning and Behavioral Specialist endorsement.
This year, we introduced the Illinois State University Teacher of the Year award program, recognizing 15 exceptional classroom teachers who consistently go above and beyond for their students, schools, and the teaching profession. We also proudly inducted new members to our Hall of Fame and celebrated the achievements of young alumni and friends during Homecoming weekend.
As we gear up for the upcoming academic year, we are excited to welcome Dr. Todd McLoda as the interim dean of the College of Education. Dr. McLoda joins us after 14 years as associate dean and dean in the College of Applied Science and Technology at Illinois State. He will serve as our interim dean for the next two years. We invite you to join us at one of our many events throughout the next year, including our Annual Homecoming celebration on October 14, where you can meet Dr. McLoda.
On behalf of everyone in the College of Education, we extend our best wishes to you as you prepare for another year of creating your legacy as a Redbird Educator, shaping the future of education.
With Redbird pride,
Dr. Stacey Jones Bock Associate Dean
I am delighted to serve as interim dean for the College of Education. It is not lost on me that Illinois State University was founded as a normal school and now boasts one of the largest and finest teacher preparatory colleges in the nation. I look forward to working with the faculty, faculty associates, staff, students, and alumni to advance the mission and current strategic plan of the college as we collectively focus on student-focused core values.
—Dr. Todd McLoda, interim dean