Graduates of the English Education program at the University of Iowa find employment in a variety of schools and settings. For more detailed statistics on where University of Iowa graduates go, visit the Educational Placement Office: http://www.education.uiowa.edu/edplace/

Corey Topf
University of Iowa Graduate, May 2004
8th Grade Language Arts Teacher
Jehue Middle School
Rialto, California

Other School Responsibilities:
Intramural Basketball Coach, Tutor for at-risk students, Green Schools Coordinator, Best Practices Professional Committee member, Instructor for Saturday course, “Multimedia and Multicultural Literature”

Why Iowa? … Initially I came to the University of Iowa for the business program. I thought the purpose of a college degree was to increase my salary … That’s what really stood out to me in the College of Education. The entire focus was different—What can we do to help those around us—namely children—achieve the most success? And it still amazes me how all the reading I’ve done, the writing of papers, and the teaching is all centered on making others better. This frame of mind was instilled in me at the College of Education at Iowa.

Why the English Education program at Iowa? … You’ll find professors and students alike who are terribly passionate about education, and who are there to help you in many ways … The English Education program was incredibly time consuming. But as a current teacher, I realize how necessary it was to prepare me for teaching …

What I enjoy most about teaching … “I’ll never get to a point and say, ‘There, I did it. I learned everything I needed to learn, and I’ve done everything I needed to do.’ It’s just not possible … As an educator, I’ve come to appreciate the fact that I’ll never be fully educated and I’ll never be completely finished at the end of each day.”

Dan Sovers
University of Iowa Graduate, May 2004
Language Arts Teacher
Iowa Valley Junior-Senior High School
Marengo, Iowa

Other School Responsibilities:
High School Football Coach, Director of Junior High Play, School Athletic Trainer

Why Iowa? … I have always been a Hawkeye! The teaching program at Iowa prepares its students in both subject matter and classroom conduct. As a teacher, it’s great to know your stuff, but if you can’t relay it effectively, you are not going to be much of a teacher. The University exposes you to not only the “what,” but the “how” of teaching.

Why the English Education program at Iowa? … Iowa’s program exposed me to a wide range of subject matter. It provided for a good variety and prepared me for teaching in any secondary situation from 7 th – 12 th subject possibilities.

What I enjoy most about teaching … I enjoy the students the most. Everyday is a different experience. There is a tendency to dismiss what young adults think about “adult” issues, but students are far more insightful about the world around them than they are given credit … your students will definitely let you know what does and does not work. Be willing to listen … take nothing personally.