Dean's Message

Welcome to the University of Idaho College of Education. I am pleased to invite you to browse our Web site and read about the exciting and diverse things happening in each of our departments. You’ll find that we are a group of people dedicated to, and passionate about, improving the lives of others. Here in the College of Education, we’re all about people.

The University of Idaho has been educating teachers since 1892, and our legacy of leadership takes a solid first place in the state. We lead the state in teacher education and in preparing superintendents and principals to become leaders. Our children’s future depends on their quality of education, and the University of Idaho College of Education is known to graduate highly prepared teachers to guide our children into the next generation. We do this by on-going faculty and student research that involves partnering with schools to find hands-on ways of improving our way of doing things.

In addition to our teacher preparation and educational leadership programs, we also offer a number of non-teaching programs, such as dance, athletic training, recreation, technology training and development, school counseling, and rehabilitation counseling. Our graduate programs prepare some of the best school psychologists, exercise science and health professionals, and leaders in adult and organizational education. Our doctoral degree in education allows students to choose a number of different emphases, like curriculum and instruction or exercise science and health.

Our students are immersed in hands-on learning. Many participate in collaborative research projects, service learning projects, and internships. Some of our pre-service teachers have had the opportunity to practice their one-year internship in foreign countries, like Macedonia and Korea. Others have assisted College of Education faculty in research partnerships with local schools, or assisted local schools in integrating literacy across their curriculums. Our students learn firsthand that strong leadership requires attention and priority to the needs of others, particularly in professions where the well being of people is at stake.

I am honored to serve the College of Education and look forward to getting to know you as a student, alumni, and friend of the college. If you don’t find your questions answered here, please call or email us, or drop by our offices on the third floor of the Education Building. Our nationally renowned faculty are eager to work with you as your pursue a meaningful profession through the College of Education.

Sincerely,

Jerry McMurtry, Ph.D.

Interim Dean