Education Faculty
Kerry Bostwick
Professor of Education
“As an education major, studying about teaching and learning on the block plan is unique, rigorous, and more meaningfully integrated. For example, it is unique because you will spend a whole week in a public school classroom during several of the methods courses during your junior year. It is rigorous because you are learning methods of teaching in the college classroom one week and then using those methods to design and teach lessons the next week in a public school classroom. Learning about teaching and learning is more meaningfully integrated because what you learn in one course connects and builds with each successive education course.”
Ph.D., educational psychology, curriculum, and instruction, The Union Institute
M.Ed., curriculum and instruction, National-Louis University
B.G.S., elementary education, University of Iowa Professor
Bostwick taught elementary school classes for nine years and is the recipient of a National Council of Teachers of English grant for teacher research. Her research interests are:
- Teachers as researchers
- Humanistic classroom environment
- Preservice teachers
Jill Heinrich
Professor of Education
“The block plan is tailor-made for teacher education. The One Course At A Time structure allows you to spend entire days in the classroom, involving and connecting you with teachers and students in ways that are not always possible in undergraduate education. At the end of our program, you will graduate with a professional expertise, confidence and sense of purpose that will allow you to impact students’ lives in meaningful ways.”
Ph.D., English education, University of Iowa
M.S. English education, Illinois State University
B.A., English Northern Illinois University
Professor Heinrich taught high school English for 12 years and has taught a variety of education, literature, and composition courses at the secondary through college level. Her research interests are:
- Masculinity studies
- Religious literacy
- Separation of church and state in the realm of public education
Kate Kauper
Associate Professor of Education
"Our model for the teacher education program weaves field experiences and reflective inquiry, blending the seemingly distinct spheres of pedagogical theory and practice. We believe that the best path for learning to become a teacher is one that allows for multiple opportunities to dive into classroom practice … and the block plan is truly an immersive experience. We dive in deep and emerge on the other side of the block with new perspectives and skills. There is no shallow-end!"
Ph.D., Social studies education, University of Iowa
M.A. Curriculum and instruction, University of Colorado-Boulder
B.A., Anthropology, University of Colorado-Boulder
Professor Kauper taught middle and high school social studies for nine years, as well as courses in mythology, health education, and anthropology. Her research interests include:
- The history of American education
- Curriculum theory
- Media literacy
- Civic education
- Social justice education
Cindy Postler
Director of Teacher Education
"Student teaching is the 'capstone' experience in teacher preparation. At Cornell, the One Course At A Time structure allows education students to have consecutive hours and days in a classroom."
M.A., Educational administration, University of Iowa
B.A. English education, University of Northern Iowa
Professor Postler taught high school English for three years, and supervised student teachers for four years.
Take a deep dive into the faculty’s curriculum conceptual framework. (Not for the faint of heart.) Or request more information about our education program and how you can become a teacher One Course At A Time.