Illinois Wesleyan
Educational Studies

Shape the Next Generation

A Solid Foundation

Navigating your teaching journey through the guideposts of reflection, resourcefulness and responsiveness. These are the qualities cultivated through the Educational Studies Department at Illinois Wesleyan University. Why do these qualities matter? Because together, they create teachers who are committed to social justice in their classrooms and schools so that the democratic ideals of equity and opportunity are realized for all students.

At Illinois Wesleyan University, we strive to prepare teachers who understand, appreciate, and are responsive to students from diverse backgrounds, and who have the knowledge, skills and dispositions to foster learning among all children regardless of culture, race, ethnicity, language, class, gender and/or ability.

Our Mission

Opportunities to Explore
 
Student Teaching
Student Teaching
At IWU, you will be able to observe and work with children in the very first course you take, Education and Social Justice. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in classrooms during your first year in college.
Research
Research
As teacher-scholars for social justice, students present poster or oral presentations during the Annual Inquiries into Teaching and Learning Conference, actively engage in leading professional development events on campus, and some pursue a Research Honors in addition to their captsone undergraduate research experience.
Internships
Internships
Internship opportunities are a great way to get experiential learning. Some popular internships are student teaching as part of the Chicago Semester program and teaching ESL to adults through the Freeman Asia program.
Study Abroad
Study Abroad
Education majors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in various different cultures by studying abroad.
Student Organizations
Student Organizations
The Student Education Association is a pre-professional organization of students preparing for careers in education. Activities for this group center around: providing pre-professional development and job preparation, community outreach, and political action.
Student Athletes
Student Athletes
Many of our majors are also Division III student athletes.

Noyce Scholarship Program

Investing in IWU's STEM students as the inspiring educators of tomorrow.  Learn more.

Noyce scholars 2022

Where Do You Want To Go Next?