11 Since 1901, the School of Education has responded to what schools and communities need,” said Dr. Anna Schwan, dean of the School of Education. “Today, that means preparing educators and human-service professionals who understand learning, behavior and wellness from both a scientific and human perspective, and who are ready to support people in meaningful, practical ways.” That breadth of purpose reflects the evolution of the School of Education itself. While teacher preparation remains foundational, the school now encompasses education, psychology, counseling and sports sciences—disciplines united by a shared focus on people. How they learn. How they cope. How they perform. And how they grow. At the center of that work is a culture built on trust. When asked what she is most proud of, Schwan doesn’t hesitate. “Honestly, I’m most proud of our people,” she said. “Our students care deeply about the work they’re preparing to do, and our faculty and staff show up for them in real, meaningful ways. There’s a strong sense of trust and support here, and you can feel it in how people work together every day.” As classrooms and communities continue to change, so too does the preparation of those who serve them. Technology will undoubtedly shape the future of education, but Northern’s approach remains grounded in its original philosophy: tools matter, but people matter more. “The heart of our work won’t change,” she said. “Across education, psychology, counseling, and sports sciences, we’ll focus even more on helping students understand people—how they learn, cope, perform, and grow—while using new tools to strengthen that work rather than replace it.” Looking ahead, one of the School of Education’s most critical priorities is strengthening the pipeline of future teachers and professionals. Doing so, Schwan believes, requires flexibility and access. “To strengthen the pipeline, we have to meet students where they are,” she said. “Flexible and online programming allows students to balance work, family and school while still receiving a high-quality preparation experience. That accessibility is critical for the future of the profession. As the university approaches the 125th anniversary of its founding legislation, the School of Education stands as both a cornerstone of Northern’s past and a driving force behind its future—honoring tradition while leading the way in educational innovation. “My vision is for the School of Education to be undeniably valuable,” Schwan said. “A place people choose because the work matters, the professions matter, and lives are changed because of it.” It’s a vision that honors Northern’s past while pointing confidently toward its future—one shaped, as it has always been, by those who believe in the power of education to change lives. “There’s a strong sense of trust and support here, and you can feel it in how people work together every day.” - Dr. Anna Schwan, dean of the School of Education.
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