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Giving

College of Education

The Case for Support

We have all been impacted by gifted and dedicated educators who change the lives of their students and instill a love of learning. Education professionals help create dynamic learning environments and help shape public policies to build a bright future for the next generation of learners.

Within the College of Education, we train teachers as both educators and agents of change. The College prepares administrators and teachers who combine caring and knowing with all aspects of learning and teaching.

The College's mission is to mold educators who are globally minded, socially and culturally competent, capable of integrating technology to enhance learning, and proficient in outcome-driven instruction. Equally important is our graduates' commitment to diversity, equity, and an ability to respond to the changing needs of individual students as well as the profession.

Change is a constant force for the College as well, which is a national leader in education. Exemplary faculty and their stellar students are a shining light in the field, having an impact from the classroom to the Capitol steps. This important work cannot continue, however, without adequate resources.

Through Redbirds Rising: The Campaign for Illinois State, the College will be empowered to compete for the best students and faculty, enhance leading-edge programs, as well as offset the growing cost of preparing educators who will inspire youth, lead in their communities, and create opportunities one student at a time.

Only with your support can the College continue to excel in graduating talented, con dent, and dynamic educators who are committed to pursuing the positive outcomes of excellence in the classroom.

Redbirds Rising Campaign
Give Now

Campaign Goal:
$14.25 million

Our Impact

Illinois State began as a teachers school and remains one of the nation's largest teacher-preparation institutions. More than 3,000 students are enrolled in the College of Education, which consists of two departments, a school, and a Laboratory School system. With programs through the doctoral level, 1 in 4 first-year public school teachers hired in Illinois graduated from Illinois State.

Campaign Funding Priorities

Redbirds Rising will enable the University to achieve three critical outcomes: supporting student and faculty scholarship, educating globally aware and socially engaged leaders, and sparking continuous creativity and innovation. To advance these objectives, we o er multiple ways to support the College within our key funding categories:

Expanding student support

Contributors can help the College enrich student clinical experiences through year-long Professional Development School teacher training. This unique approach prepares students for the most difficult assignments, including inner-city classrooms. Privately-funded scholarships enable students to pursue their passion.

Attracting and developing top faculty

Endowed professorships provide the College with the resources to attract top faculty who will pursue excellence in teaching and mentoring, inspiring and motivating students to reach their full potential. These faculty will create and lead world-class academic programs, engage in research and scholarly activities, and seek solutions for society's pressing problems.

Bolstering the Laboratory Schools

Illinois State remains one of few universities to offer teachers in training the opportunity to work in a laboratory school. Metcalf and U-High provide 40,000 clinical hours to teacher candidates annually and foster relationships with international educators. Both schools are integral to ongoing faculty research. Funding opportunities range from scholarships to program/faculty support and capital projects.

Reinventing our classrooms learning spaces

Innovative learning environments are fundamental to preparing successful teachers. Older classrooms and laboratories in DeGarmo Hall need renovation, including technology upgrades. Students must know how to function in a 21st-century classroom. Staying current with changing teaching tools is an ongoing challenge.

Solving problems in a complex world

More diversity within our schools demands that students gain an appreciation for other cultures. International study is the best opportunity to gain global competency. Continued training after entering the field is equally important. A Professional Development Institute offers new teachers support and ongoing opportunities for seasoned educators adapting to the dynamic field.

Sustaining excellence

To make the most of changing times, the College must be able to respond quickly when opportunities arise that can benefit our students and faculty, while enhancing our reputation as a leader for positive change. Generous, ongoing support for the College's annual fund and other unrestricted resources can provide the flexibility needed to take advantage of those opportunities.

Our public schools are facing a critical shortage of educators ready to provide innovative and strong leadership. The College of Education has the commitment and ability to meet this need, which is pivotal to our nation. Doing so is a reflection of the University's core values. You can help secure the future for our College, our university, and the society we serve. Join us in supporting The Campaign for Illinois State.

Contact Us

The priorities described here represent only a small sampling of funding opportunities in every department and program within the College of Education. For more information about how you can support the College’s campaign priorities, contact: