About

At the School of Education (SOE), we prepare world-class teachers, counselors, and leaders.

We have an exceptional record of preparing highly effective elementary and secondary teachers, counselors, principals, superintendents, and specialists working in training and organizational development in the corporate and non-profit sectors. We have a commitment to providing an intimate learning environment that fosters close connections between students, faculty and community.

As a student here, you will connect your coursework with practical experience in urban, suburban, and rural schools. Undergraduates begin classroom observation and practice teaching their first semester. On-campus graduate students take all their classes on evenings and weekends and in summer terms, and most complete their degree in two years.

Our Teacher Intern Program allows people with a bachelor's degree in another field to complete coursework toward teacher licensure for middle or high school subject areas in one year. In year two, interns begin teaching full-time at paid teaching positions. Our online Master of Science in Effective Teaching program combines the quality of a Drake education with the convenience of online learning. The Three and Teach Track gets our students in the classroom and hired as certified, paid teachers in their final semester at Drake, giving them a head start on their career.

Our Mission

We prepare, support, and inspire our students to lead and serve in a constantly changing world.

Our Vision

Together we transform lives and strengthen communities.

Our Guiding Principles

Social Justice

We take the stance that everyone deserves equitable social, political, and economic rights and opportunities and collectively struggle to imagine and create a better world for all.

Innovation and Improvement

We take intelligent risks to create breakthrough improvement in results while strengthening core processes, practices, and outcomes in an iterative, systematic effort.

Reflective Practice

We actively seek to understand the connection among one's actions and experiences to self and practice to gain new knowledge and insights.

Collaboration

We collegially work together in establishing shared goals and completing action steps in ways that could not be accomplished alone.

Care for Self and Others

We promote and engage in the practice of supporting the physical and psychological health of ourselves and others.