School of Education

The Olivet Nazarene University School of Education prepares students for success in their chosen career of teaching. No small assignment, given the changing landscape of education. Responsiveness in keeping programs current is one of the many distinctions of Olivet's programs. Education courses focus on teaching the whole child — meeting their academic, social and emotional needs. Teacher candidates graduate with more than knowledge. As professionals, they enter their own classrooms as Christ-like examples and role models.

Child Development

Child development offers a holistic approach to child studies — focusing on the physical, emotional, social and intellectual development of a child.

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Early Childhood Education

At Olivet, early childhood education majors have opportunities in and outside the classroom to learn and grow in their field. These students will study instructional methods, children’s literature, language development, and sociology of the family, as well as learn about the philosophies of early childhood education, including Montessori, High Scope, Bank Street and Dewey.

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Elementary Education

This demanding, high commitment program will prepare students to succeed in a teaching career upon graduation. Students will study early adolescent development, classroom management, instructional technology, teaching diverse populations and more.

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Special Education

At Olivet, the special education program teaches students to support their future students both academically and emotionally. Teacher candidates in this program will learn to plan lessons and manage a classroom.

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Graduate & Continuing Education Programs

Our programs are relevant, current, and designed to meet the needs of the adult learner. We provide master’s degrees and certificate programs in several areas to help you sharpen your skills and advance your career, all in a convenient, accelerated format.

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Licensure

Olivet’s Teacher Education Program is a recognized education preparation program by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), in consultation with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board (SEPLB). Each teaching program that is offered at Olivet has been individually approved for licensure, meaning that when a teaching candidate graduates with a teaching degree, they will also have earned an Illinois Professional Educators License. The School of Education continues to update existing programs to meet and exceed the ISBE standards and is aligned with the top educational preparation standards in the nation.

Student Education Association (SEA)

SEA empowers future educators to invest in the lives of the next generation. Through professional and social activities, participants bond with other students, faculty and educators who are already working in their chosen careers. SEA is the largest student organization on campus with more than 200 students who take part in activities each year. Students make a major impact in the surrounding school districts and community! 

Lance Kilpatrick, Associate Dean

In 2011, Lance Kilpatrick began his first assignment in higher education when he joined Olivet’s full-time faculty. Today, he oversees the School of Education’s undergraduate academic programs, as well as the work of its faculty members. “God called me into the teaching profession so I would have opportunities to influence children in a classroom or on a team,” he says. “Now my calling is exponential. I am preparing many educators to go out and influence many children for the next 20 to 30 years.”

School of Education Faculty

98%
pass rate for seniors on edTPA license
100%
of faculty members have taught in PK-12 classrooms
2017
first graduates from new special education teacher training program
16
education majors, minors and concentrations
School of Education Alumni Have Been Seen At:
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