About the Department
Paving the way to teaching
Whether laying a foundation with essential coursework, providing an avenue for a career change to teaching or being with you every step of the way in that ultimate step – student teaching – you can count on the Department of Educational Foundations and Professional Experiences (EFPE) faculty and staff.
EFPE plays an integral role in Teacher Education, with more than 20 faculty and staff supporting students at both the undergraduate and graduate level. This includes a leading role across the spectrum of professional education, overseeing student teaching for all teaching majors (PreK-12); supervising clinical internships 1 and 2 for secondary (5-12) education majors; and providing the pre-professional education elective for students needing to meet those requirements upon admission.
With a connection to the original Department of Training in Teaching formed in 1911, EFPE continues a strong tradition of support for teachers past, present and future.
Becky Wilson Hawbaker, PhD, a special education teacher by training, serves as the head of the department formed in 2025 as part of a realignment of academic disciplines. With UNI since 1998, her extensive experience includes teaching, supervising clinical experiences and leadership roles across campus over the years. She is also the longtime faculty advisor of the UNI chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, the national professional association and honor society for educators.
