Nearly three in four Iowans who need substance use treatment don't receive it. In this Q&A, Clinical Associate Professor Erin Barnes discusses the College of Education's new graduate Certificate in Integrated Career, Substance Use, and Mental Health Counseling and how preparing counselors to treat the whole person can help address Iowa's behavioral health workforce needs.

Learn more about Alex Bentler, administrative services coordinator at the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health (SCSMH), and what he most enjoys about working in the College of Education in this Staff Spotlight series. The series celebrates and elevates all the people who make the college such a special place to work.

Clinical Assistant Professor Leah Zimmermann, assistant director of the Iowa Reading Research Center, discusses a new online literacy tool designed to help keep kids learning over summer break.

Professor Ariel Aloe has been appointed associate dean for research in the University of Iowa College of Education after serving in the role on an interim basis. A nationally recognized scholar in educational measurement and research synthesis, Aloe is committed to advancing research in service to schools and communities.

Samuel Tanner has built a career around helping others learn, grow, and think differently. Now, as the new Departmental Executive Officer of the University of Iowa's Department of Teaching and Learning, he's bringing that collaborative spirit to leading the college's largest academic department. Learn more about his vision for the future of teaching and learning.

Learn more about Karla Madrigal, the new graduate recruitment coordinate in the College of Education. Learn what she most enjoys about working in the College of Education in this brand new position. The Staff Spotlight Series celebrates and elevates all the people who make the college such a special place to work.

After missing School of the Wild as sixth graders because of COVID-19, City High School Seniors Alma Bhandary-Narayanan and Tobiah Collins helped lead an effort to bring the experience back for the ICCSD’s Class of 2026. The special senior program gave students a chance to reconnect with outdoor learning, build community, and reclaim a meaningful experience through student advocacy and partnership.

College of Education alumnus Seth McGrane, a graduate of the college’s Elementary Education program, has found a home and a career teaching 4th grade at Shell Rock Elementary.

Carolyn Colvin retires after a University of Iowa career dedicated to literacy, public education, and community-engaged scholarship. Her work with students, immigrant and refugee adult learners, and the West Liberty community reflects her belief that education is strongest when it is rooted in partnership, access, and civic participation.

The impact of special education professor emeritus Paul Michael Retish, who passed away June 10, continues to resonate through generations of educators, colleagues, and students.

Laura Gallo retires from the University of Iowa College of Education after a meaningful career preparing future school counselors, advocating for youth mental health, and emphasizing the life-changing power of supportive relationships.

Learn more about Paige Carlson, administrative services coordinator at the Belin-Blank Center, and what she most enjoys about working in the College of Education in this Staff Spotlight series. The series celebrates and elevates all the people who make the college such a special place to work.

With nearly 40,000 job openings expected over the next decade, the need for more special education teachers is clear. UI’s College of Education hopes to help fill some of those vacant positions by adding a new pathway—a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education—to its undergraduate program offerings.

Recent UI College of Education graduates Olga Colmenero Carrillo, Josie Mbaye, Gianna Rocca, have been selected to receive Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards for the 2026–27 academic year.

After more than 25 years with the College of Education, Kathy Schuh, a professor of Learning Sciences and Educational Psychology and director of the Education Studies and Human Relations major, is retiring.

The University of Iowa College of Education has recognized Megan Foley-Nicpon and Seth King as recipients of the 2025–26 Collegiate Teaching Award, the college’s highest honor for exemplary teaching and mentorship.

First responders across the country are facing rising levels of stress, trauma exposure, and burnout, and the University of Iowa College of Education has been tapped to help lead a national effort to advance mental wellness for fire service, EMS, and law enforcement professionals.

The University of Iowa College of Education’s Department of Teaching and Learning has recognized six graduate students following its annual Student Research Award competition.

University of Iowa College of Education student Lucy Blissenbach turned early imposter syndrome into award-winning undergraduate research through the college’s Honors Opportunity Program in the Belin-Blank Center.

After discovering the power of small moments in the classroom, graduating elementary education major Uriel Campos-Padilla is returning to his hometown of Marshalltown, Iowa, to inspire the next generation of students.