Connect. Engage. Discover.
For incoming and current students
Whether you're just starting your journey or already part of the UNI community, you’ll find everything you need to succeed in the Department of Literacy, Early Childhood and Special Education.
From professional academic advisors and faculty mentors to the CATS office and campus resources like IRTS and financial aid, support is always within reach. You’ll also discover student organizations, scholarships, and hands-on experiences tailored to your major. No matter your path, you’ll be guided, encouraged and connected every step of the way.
Become a Teacher at UNI
A Special Field Focus
Built into your special education minor coursework are half-day, week-long practical experiences in special education teaching at Becker Elementary in Waterloo at the beginning of your studies, followed by experiences in varied elementary and secondary settings as you progress. Our faculty and staff help coordinate and supervise these experiences.
Internships 1 & 2
As an early childhood education student, you’re in the field early and often. A major step forward are Internships 1 and 2 -- 35 or more hours of hands-on clinical experience in a classroom paired with a methods course -- all contributing to learning while teaching. LESE faculty will supervise these critical steps, partnering with you, your methods instructors and mentor teachers in area classrooms.
Literacy Clinic
Tutor children and adolescents and help them with their literacy-based skills. The UNI Literacy Clinic gives UNI students the opportunity to participate in one-on-one tutoring with students who have learning needs. With this clinic, you’ll receive 30 contact hours and loads of experience that will be essential in building your skills and boosting your resume.
Getting Involved
Organizations across UNI let you connect, grow and further your skills in a different setting. College of Education student orgs you might find worth checking out:
- Student Elementary and Early Childhood Association (SEECA)
- Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
- Student Literacy Association (SLA)
LESE advisors work with you on these options to gain experience in your area of study. Other opportunities to connect:
- Teacher Education Ambassadors, a student group supporting special events and recruitment activities
- America Reads, a service-learning partnership with local schools
- Kappa Delta Pi, an honor society for education majors
Finding Funding
Scholarships
Thanks to generous donors, there are dozens of scholarships available for incoming and current undergraduate (including transfers) and graduate students seeking majors or degrees offered through the Department of Literacy, Early Childhood and Special Education.
Funding varies, but many scholarships award up to $1,000. The Dean’s Graduate Scholarships are $1,500 awards. Graduate students also may be eligible for a $2,000 Online & Distance Education Scholarship.
Undergraduate students can apply via one universal online application for undergraduates, while graduate students should use the COE graduate scholarship application.
Graduate Assistantships & More
Graduate assistantships are an opportunity to gain experience in your field while working toward your degree. College of Education graduate assistantships support students in graduate fields across the college in three areas of emphasis:
- Teaching Assistantships
- Research Assistantships
- Service Assistantships
Interested? Learn more from the Office of Graduate Studies and Research and the College of Graduate, Research and Online Education’s FAQs on Graduate Assistantships and Tuition Scholarships.