Panthers Exploring Fields of Opportunity

One of the most significant outreach initiatives at the University of Northern Iowa this year will take place during American Education Week, Nov. 16-20, when faculty from UNI's College of Education (COE) and Teacher Education programs travel across the state to visit professional settings in Iowa to observe many of the great practices that are taking place in our early childhood through 12 schools and related settings.

The purpose of the initiative is for COE faculty to gain greater insight into the current state of the teaching profession in Iowa, including meaningful dialogue around the challenges practitioners encounter in their respective professional settings and in ways that inform practices within the COE. The goal is to learn from professionals who are doing great and innovative work in their fields, talk with those who are on the ground to see what COE can do to ensure UNI graduates are prepared for their careers, and find out ways UNI can assist the professionals across the state to enhance the well-being of all Iowa residents.

Amy Petersen, chair of the College of Education Faculty Senate, explains that the field trip is a way to reconnect with professionals in the numerous education fields and develop partnerships and collaboration opportunities.

"Our faculty pride themselves on being collaborative learners themselves, so we continue learning from our education colleagues across the state," said Petersen. "We know there are countless untold stories of sound and instructional innovation that can contribute to our own teaching."

A snapshot of some of the locations faculty members will be visiting include:

• Ankeny Centennial High School

• Des Moines University

• Lincoln Elementary in Waterloo

• Stilwell Junior High in West Des Moines

• Storm Lake Elementary

• William Penn College in Oskaloosa

• Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids

• Maple Grove Elementary in Waukee

• Highland Elementary in Waterloo