NIU’s reputation as a teacher’s school has remained a tradition.

College of Education Dean Charles Stegman said the college began as a school for teacher preparation in 1895. It began developing and still holds a strong reputation because of “a strong program with excellent faculty members,” he said.

Sherri Yunker, sophomore education major, said she heard of the education program from NIU representatives and alumni. Yunker said she came to NIU because of the strong program.

“The education courses are really good and I liked it better than other programs I looked at,” she said.

Students begin to get hands-on training in their sophomore year, so if students decide to change majors, they can, Yunker said.

Stegman said with NIU being an accredited institution and having a strong education program, students are attracted. This is an institution of choice for those who want to go into education, he said.

In the last seven to eight years, there was an increase in education enrollment from 1,200 to 1,800 students. This is partly because teachers’ salaries increased and a better professional atmosphere is now available, he said.

Stegman said NIU has the most students pass the Illinois State Certification Test required by the state before becoming a teacher.