Education Department Newsletter – Fall 2025 | Valparaiso University
ValparaisoUniversity EducationDepartment
FALL 2025 NEWSLETTER
We are excited for the 2025-2026 academic year here at Valparaiso University The Education Department is thriving with over 80 elementary education majors, over 25 secondary education minors, and over 20 music education majors We are also excited to have over 30 transition to teaching students across our early childhood, elementary, and secondary graduate certificate programs. The next generation of teachers are dedicated and passionate about making a difference in all our PK-12 schools.
In addition to helping these future teachers find their calling in the classroom, it’s easy to forget all the other events happening
We host a weekly storytime for the community run in conjunction with our elementary ed program, have partnered with the Porter County Juvenile Services for tutoring services, and host monthly professional development opportunities for in-service teachers. There is always something happening in Wesemann Hall! We would love for you to stop by and check it out!
BENJAMINBOCHE
ASSOCIATE
PROFESSOR OF EDUCATION, INTERIM DEPARTMENT CHAIR
MessagefromtheChair DepartmentUpdates
WELCOME,PROFESSORLELAURIN!
We are delighted to welcome Dr. Bethany Lelaurin to our amazing team of faculty and staff! Bethany is an Assistant Professor of Education with an emphasis on math education. She has a doctorate in education with her research interests being in 4th6th grade math education and how elementary teachers are preparing their students for algebra readiness. Her personal interests include international travel (she speaks Spanish and spends a lot of time in Latin America), keeping up with said Spanish, biking, and exploring new restaurants with her husband She lives in Chicago with her husband, Rob and dog, Leo
It’s official! Valparaiso University students in any content major can now declare a secondary education minor to seek teaching licensure in grades 5-12. Pedagogical coursework, embedded classroom practice, and a student teaching semester provide extensive experiences for students wishing to pursue employment as a middle or high school teacher.
During the Fall 2025 semester Dr. Bartels will be on sabbatical. During this time she will be conducting a follow up study on her international study about young children’s understanding of scientific literacy. She will begin her sabbatical presenting her research at the European Science Education Research Association (ESERA) meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark.
From there she will travel around the world; visiting kindergartens, providing professional development for teachers, and giving research talks and seminars. Her research spots are specifically the American University in Cairo, Egypt, Khon Kaen University, Thailand, The University of Melbourne, Australia and Bicol Regional Schools, Philippines. Joining her on her journey will be her 11 year old daughter, Marley. Dr. Bartels will be writing/posting/blogging about her travels and research on several social media platforms. You can click this link or scan the QR code to follow along.
READY NWI is a group of school, business, and community organization leaders who seek to meet the needs of the Northwest Indiana workforce The Education Department, along with Advancement, hosted the first Ready NWI meeting of the 25-26 academic year in Wesemann Hall The topic of discussion was Leveraging Community Partners for Student Success. Education faculty and staff shared how the education program works with community partners in a variety of ways to enhance the student experience at Valpo.
K-6 STEM UNITS
2025-2026PracticumPrograms
FOUNDATIONSMENTORLEARNINGCOMMUNITY
56 teachers in Northwest Indiana schools were selected to participate in the Valpo Education Foundations Mentor Learning Community during the 25-26 academic year These phenomenal teachers will serve as mentors for freshman and sophomore students who are just beginning their journey in the education field.
Additionally, teachers will come to campus twice each semester to receive leadership training centered on research-based practices in mentorship provided by Valpo faculty and staff
MENTORLEARNINGCOMMUNITY
Valpo Education is proud to announce a partnership with Valparaiso Community Schools for the Fall 2025 Mentor Learning Community 21 teachers were nominated and selected to serve as mentors for Valpo education juniors during their three-week practicum experience The juniors completing the practicum will observe, teach, and learn from their mentor teacher during this “ministudent teaching” experience The teacher mentors will attend monthly professional developments on Valpo’s campus, focused on research-based
practices in reading and mentorship This program aims to provide a sustained, practical learning experience for students that supports their understanding of the science of reading while building a strong connection between university faculty and cooperating teachers The Lilly Endowment funds the Mentor Learning Community
UpcomingEvents
FAMILY STORY TIME
TUESDAYS, 10-10:30 AM
Story Time takes place in Wesemann Hall every Tuesday from 10-10:30 AM. Education students and staff provide stories and activities that allow families to play and learn together. Valpo Education is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the College of Nursing and Health Professions Occupational Therapy program. Through this collaboration, OT students will work alongside Valpo Education students to enhance the impact of fine and gross motor skill activities. While activities are most appropriate for ages 2-5, all are welcome There is no registration required Free parking is available in Lot 50, directly across from Wesemann Hall
HOMECOMING & FAMILY WEEKEND EVENT
TEACH, REACH, AND TOAST: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 5-7 PM
Homecoming is scheduled for October 24-26, 2025. Education, Social Work, and Psychology will be hosting a combined event on Friday, October 24th. This is for all three departments’ alumni, current students, and families! Come warm up by the campfire with s’mores and hot cocoa. We can’t wait to see you!
REGISTER HERE
VALPARAISO ORGANIZATION FOR LEARNING AND TEACHING SENIORS (VOLTS)
This school year, Michigan City welcomed five new teachers who graduated from Valparaiso University’s Elementary Education program. The Education Department seeks to give students experiences across a variety of grade levels, schools, and districts during their time as teacher candidates. Several of these new hires were introduced to Michigan City Area Schools during their three-week practicum as juniors They walked away knowing they’d found the perfect fit Congratulations teachers! We hope you have a great year!
Fatima Mota- Pine Elementary, 3
“For me, I knew I wanted to teach i district I went to school in if given chance. Having done my Fall pract Michigan City only really solidified after getting to experience so muc diversity in my classroom compar other districts I had gotten the op to observe and work closely with
I'm in a 3rd grade class this year and my literacy courses with Dr. Boche have really helped me this past week with interactive read alouds that are helping with comprehension in my students and ensuring I'm filling in gaps of learning where I need to. While still early on, I'm excited to put everything I learned to good use with my students and make memories with them!”
Mia Pool- *Edgewood Elementary, 6 grade (new position since news article was published) th
“My junior practicum definitely had a portion to do with seeking employment in this district because I became familiar with EL content and I only teach ELA and Social Studies in 6th grade However I graduated from Michigan City Area Schools and wanted to return to the district as a former student Valpo ED and student teaching helped me learn to be more flexible with everyday planning Sometimes things don't go as planned and I just have to go with the flow.”
Joslyn Rodriguez- Edgewood Elementary, 2nd Grade
“I did my Junior practicum and my student teaching both at MCAS at Edgewood Elementary School, and now I teach 2nd grade at Edgewood! I was very fortunate to be placed with two amazing mentor teachers for both experiences, and they really helped to shape my decision and who I am as a teacher They introduced me to the environment of the building and the district, and have shown me how much of a family MCAS really is!
I could share so many Valpo Ed experiences that have prepared me for teaching, but if I could only choose one I would definitely say, Dr Boche's classes most definitely prepared me for teaching! Everything he taught us is now having a purpose We may not have realized it back then, but once you ' re actually in the profession, you realize just how much the classes prepare you to teach ”
Kayla Dybel- Edgewood Elementary, 5 Grade th
Abigail Hall- Edgewood Elementary, 2 Grade nd
ProgramHighlights
The Department of Education at Valparaiso University is proud to offer several licensure programs to find your calling in the classroom. We invite you to review the information below about the many opportunities available for those seeking a pathway to the teaching profession.
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS:
Elementary Education:
The elementary education major prepares teachers with insight and practical experience to positively impact young learners. This program is for students seeking teaching licensure in grades K-6. This major includes a cohort experience and has embedded a minimum of six weeks of full-time practicum experience prior to student teaching.
Secondary Education Minor:
Valparaiso University students in any content major can declare a secondary education minor to seek teaching licensure in grades 5-12. Pedagogical coursework, embedded classroom practice, and a student teaching semester provide extensive experiences for students wishing to pursue employment as a middle or high school teacher.
GRADUATE PROGRAMS:
Transition to Teaching (T2T):
Transition to Teaching (T2T) is an abbreviated program of pedagogy to prepare career professionals with bachelor's degrees in fields other than education to earn licensure and teach. T2T programs include early childhood education (PK-3), elementary education (K6), and secondary education (5-12)
