Education Firsts

The University of Iowa College of Education has a long history of firsts in education. From its earliest beginnings, Iowa’s state leaders highly valued education—making teacher training a first priority by establishing the University just 59 days after Iowa officially became a state in 1847.

The College of Education continues this tradition of placing education first—exemplified through its innovative teaching methods, cutting-edge research, and wide-reaching service. The College recognizes these top accomplishments, activities, and merits of excellence in a monthly column in its newsletter, Education First.

University of Iowa College of Education Firsts

1858-Five of the University’s first six degrees conferred were granted to education graduates.

1872-The University creates the nation’s first permanent college-level department of education.

1907-The School of Education establishes the first chair of pedagogy at an U.S. university.

1925-E. F. Lindquist joins the College of Education as a research assistant. The future director of the Iowa Testing Programs, Lindquist will develop the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills and the American College Testing (ACT) Program Tests, used by elementary and high school students in every state in the country.

1959-Rehabilitation Counseling program awards its first doctoral degree to a woman, Dr. Marceline Jaques.

1996-The World Council for Gifted and Talented Children chooses the College of Education as its new headquarters. The council will coordinate the activities of more than 40 member countries from its administrative space at the Belin-Blank International Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development.

1977-Professor Duane Anderson establishes the Great Teachers Workshop, pioneered on the idea that the collective expertise of a group of practicing professional will far surpass that of any outside expert. The workshops are now practiced in over 30 states.

1996-College of Education establishes ePortfolio concept.

1998-The National Academy of Arts, Sciences and Engineering (NAASE) is established at Belin-Blank International Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development. It is the first of its kind at a major state research institution to admit outstanding high school seniors as full-time students of the University prior to high school graduation.

2000-The first South African Black Woman receives doctoral degree in music education from the College of Education.

2001-Professor Emeritus Professor Harold Engen creates first online microcounseling course.

2001-First class of Earn as You Learn, an innovative master’s level teacher preparation program in behavioral disorders, students graduate.

2002-Trademarks granted for Digitial BackPack™, ePortfolio™, and Cyber Toolbox™.

2003-College of Education partners with the Cedar Rapids School District to develop ePortfolio for new teacher assessment and offered first training sessions for school administrators. Funding received from the Carver Charitable Trust is used to train first- and second-year teachers across the state to use the ePortfolio to meet Iowa’s state licensing requirements.