The University of Northern Colorado has prepared future Colorado teachers for over one hundred years. The university was founded in 1889 as a teacher’s college dedicated to putting students first. They offered a two year program giving students real world experience before entering the workforce.
Jay Trask, head of archives and special collections, believes that knowing the history of college provides connection for students and can make them feel less alone.
“I think it gives you a connection to others, like you know you're part of a long line of folks who were educated here and created memories here,” Trask said.
Trask explained that UNC has always been a student-first institution with smaller classes and an open environment. The school was founded due to the lack of certifications needed to become a teacher, and many did not have the experience and practice needed to be a good teacher. UNC looked to fill that gap.
In the 1800s the school featured a K-12 school for students to get hands-on experience without leaving campus. The college offered different degrees related to teaching. This included a program for school nurses, janitors and counselors. Trask explained that this was one of the reasons UNC is a top teaching school, there are always innovative ways of learning taking place.
UNC is still innovative today with programs like the online early education program. Students can take asynchronous classes that build on their previous knowledge and earn a teaching license without ever setting foot on campus. This is just one of many ways for people to earn their teacher's license in a nontraditional way.
UNC’s mission of being a student-centered university is still prevalent. Trask explained that professors still put students first and focus on what they need to succeed.
“Our professors are more interested in working with students," Trask said. "What’s really important is that we teach other people how to teach other people.”
UNC is modeled after the idea that teaching someone else is one of the best ways to learn something.
Jean Kirshner, the early childhood education program coordinator, takes pride in being a part of UNC’s legacy of preparing students.
“I personally don't think there is any other career that is as foundational and as important as teaching," Kirshner said. "UNC does a good job at recognizing that, preparing the future teachers of tomorrow.”
Kirshner worked at UNC for five years after a 30-year-long career teaching first grade. When she decided to teach teachers, she knew she had to teach at UNC because of its lasting legacy as a teacher's college.
“I had many, many student teachers, but by far the teachers that I got from UNC just came so prepared and passionate. They were just too clearly meant to be at school,” Kirshner said.
Kirshner continues to believe that UNC stays true to its teaching mission by focusing on what students want in their classes. Kirshner recalls that the education program has changed numerous times to fit the students' needs.
Trask and Kirshner both believe that UNC, at its heart, remains a student-forward institution and caters to the students' perspective.
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