Why Study Education, and Why at Illinois

Why Study Education, and Why at Illinois I had always been sure that I wanted to teach. My very first memories include making fake teaching plans and administering quizzes to my older sister. But when it came time to pick a university to pursue my dream, I was overwhelmed with options. I could tell you the statistics  that would make anyone want to come to the University of Illinois: 100% job placement in Early Childhood Education, 2014 100% job placement in Special Education, 2014 New majors, such as Middle Grades Education But education at Illinois is much more than  a list of numbers and percentages. It is the staff, the classes, and the course rigor; it is the feeling that each professor wants you to succeed and wants you to become the best educator possible. Gif from Giphy.com To make the atmosphere at the College of Education more clear, Id like to share a personal story. I am currently enrolled in Education 101, a required class for all education majors. Unlike most lectures, it ensures that every students voice is heard (seriously, they pass around a microphone). It is taught by Professor Zola, who is quite honestly the most humorous teacher I have met. Two weeks ago, he brought cookies for the entire class. This week, he brought donuts. Gif from Giphy.com In discussion, he makes an appearance every week to assure that we, as students, are engaged and introspective in our reasoning. He challenges us to think outside of the box and step outside our comfort zones. He will most definitely make me a better educator. There are many  staff members I could individually address. In fact, I have yet to meet one that hasnt impacted me as a future educator: Kathy Ryan, Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs; Christopher Span, Associate Dean of Academic Programs (and my professor!); and Michael Parrish, my academic advisor, to name a few. Photo from Pinterest.com I have said it once, and Ill say it over and over again: The College of Education at the University of Illinois is more than a college. It is a home away from home. Rachel Class of 2020 I am studying Middle Grades Education with concentrations in Social Sciences and Literacy in the College of Education. Although I now reside in Champaign, I am originally from Vernon Hills, a Northwest suburb of Chicago.