Welcome to Iowa Education, featuring the alumni, students, faculty, staff, and community partners who are making a positive impact across the state, nation, and world.
Staying human in an AI world
As artificial intelligence reshapes classrooms and communities, alumna Jolie Pelds and college experts help learners approach it with curiosity, skepticism, and confidence.
Returning home to serve
For Uriel Campos-Padilla, teaching is more than a career—it’s service. As a first-grade teacher in his hometown of Marshalltown, he helps every student feel seen, valued, and connected.
Professional support
Discover how alumni use professional learning, research, and resources to strengthen their practice, inspire students, and shape the future of education.
Alumna spotlight
Scholarship support helped Lauren Schafer pursue her dream of teaching—and now she’s bringing confidence, compassion, and a Hawkeye education to the classroom.
Message from the dean
Dean Daniel Clay shares how record enrollment, new academic programs, integration of AI, and the support of alumni and donors are expanding opportunities for students and strengthening the future of education in Iowa and beyond.
By the numbers
Discover how the University of Iowa College of Education is shaping the future with top national rankings, student success, groundbreaking research, and statewide impact.
Honors and achievements
College of Education faculty, staff, and students garnered recognition and honors from our university, state, and national organizations.
From intern to paraeducator
Through UI REACH, Olivia Postman turned her passion for reading with preschoolers into a career supporting young learners at Regina Early Childhood Center.
Leading a new legacy
Edward Wolfe becomes the inaugural Iowa Testing Programs Faculty Chair, thanks to a generous gift from the Iowa Measurement Research Foundation.
Reaching new heights in Iceland
A spring course took UI students and faculty to Iceland to launch near-space balloons during the August 12 solar eclipse, and to learn how knowledge is made across disciplines.
Two new leaders, two bold visions
Meet Ariel Aloe, permanent associate dean for research, and Samuel Tanner, departmental executive officer for teaching and learning, and discover their visions for the College of Education’s future.
New special education degree debuts
Drawing on decades of expertise, the college's new bachelor's pathway prepares future Hawkeyes for nearly 40,000 projected teaching openings nationwide.
Meet our new faculty
The College of Education welcomes new faculty who bring decades of expertise, cutting-edge research, and innovative teaching to the University of Iowa.
Iowa Education Innovation Hub launches
New hub links research, service, and innovation to strengthen Iowa schools and communities.
Retirements
The college celebrates retiring faculty whose work shapes generations of students and leaves lasting legacies.
Distinguished alumnus
Thomas Schnack's commitment to UI REACH has helped students with disabilities thrive in college, earning him the 2026 Hickerson Award.
Best dissertation: Lisa Nakahara
Lisa Nakahara’s research explores history of women’s science education in the U.S., Japan.
Strengthening behavioral health workforce
Alumna Erin Barnes leads new certificate in Integrated Career, Substance Use, and Mental Health Counseling.
Alumni Class Notes
Stay connected with former classmates and friends.
In Memoriam
Remembering those we've lost and their impact.
Make a gift
These achievements are made possible through the support of alumni, donors, and partners, whose continued engagement helps drive meaningful change