Elementary Education

Ted Neal standing in front of the Iowa River

In the news: Neal bestowed with UI’s highest teaching honor

University of Iowa College of Education faculty member Ted Neal was recently named as a recipient of the 2026 President and Provost Award for Teaching Excellence.
Old Capitol Pentacrest Gold Flowers

In the news: Faculty member highlighted by UI’s Center for Teaching

In the Center for Teaching’s new Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Scholars Spotlight Series, Clinical Assistant Professor Theodora (Dora) Kourkoulou discusses the use of AI in education.
Carter Burks

Staff Spotlight: Carter Burks

Monday, February 2, 2026
Learn more about Carter Burks, senior academic advisor for Elementary Education and outreach and leadership coordinator, and what he most enjoys about working in the College of Education's Office of Student Services in this Staff Spotlight series.
Headshot of Olga Colmenero

Colmenero selected for 'Dare to Discover' campaign

Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Olga Colmenero Carrillo, an undergraduate student in the college's Elementary Education program, was selected to be featured in this year’s OVPR campaign.
Dare to Discover banners hanging in Iowa City

Research of three UI College of Education students selected for 'Dare to Discover' campaign

Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Every year, the Office of the Vice President for Research’s Dare to Discover banner campaign highlights researchers and scholars from across the university. Three students from the College of Education are featured in this year's campaign.
Headshot of woman smiling

Celebrating a legacy of learning: Pamela Ries retires after 25 years of impact

Monday, December 8, 2025
Pamela Ries retires after 25 years at the University of Iowa, leaving a powerful legacy in special education, teacher preparation, and inclusive learning.
The Provost's medallion.

Faculty, Staff, and Student Awards, 2024-25

Tuesday, September 30, 2025
College of Education faculty, staff, and students garnered recognition and honors from our university, state, and national organizations.
Ben Smith, Elementary Education program alumnus

Cooperating teachers: creating opportunities for essential mentorship

Monday, September 29, 2025
Mentors participating in the College of Education’s Cooperating Teachers program provide valuable guidance to future educators, helping them develop instructional strategies while refining their individual teaching styles and classroom management.
Elementary Education and ESL Endorsement student Olga Colmenero Carrillo

Student Spotlight: Olga Colmenero Carrillo

Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Elementary Education and ESL Endorsement student Olga Colmenero Carrillo discusses her experience with the College of Education's Study Abroad program.
Elementary Ed student Rehn Stjernberg

Student Spotlight: Rehn Stjernberg

Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Elementary Education student Rehn Stjernberg discusses her experience with the College of Education's Study Abroad program.
logo for the 2025 IYWP Short Story and Poetry Contest

College collaboration leads to youth writing program in Iowa

Thursday, May 29, 2025
The IYWP Short Story and Poetry Contest, the result of a new collaboration by the College of Education and the Iowa Youth Writing Project, is creating creative writing opportunities for students in Iowa.
Teacher reads book to students in classroom.

Alumna blends love of agriculture with love of teaching

Monday, February 10, 2025
Alumna Kerri Bell's passion for teaching was planted at the University of Iowa College of Education, cultivating a successful lifelong career.