History - Social Sciences Education

Illinois State University, located in Normal, Illinois, is the oldest state university in Illinois. Founded in 1857 as a normal school, Illinois State University has one of the largest education programs in the United States. The History-Social Sciences Education Program, housed in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of History, is one of the largest, if not the largest, program in the nation. All students are majors in history with a sequence of education classes.

The ISU History-Social Sciences Education Program has three tenure-track professors from the history department, three non-tenure track History-Social Sciences Education advisors, and instructional assistant professors. The history faculty and staff members work closely with the College of Education while maintaining a direction that effectively prepares history teachers. The Partnership and Mentoring Schools associated with the History Education Program reinforce this direction. The History Education Program's 15 university supervisors are non-tenure clinical assistant professors in the history department. All have extensive teaching experience in history and bring rich experience to the program. The university supervisors maintain communication between cooperating teachers at student teaching sites and History Education faculty, maintaining the integrity of the program that emanates from the College of Arts and Sciences.

The History-Social Sciences Education Programs recognizes annually an outstanding alumni history teacher with the Frederick Drake Award.  Recipients come to campus over homecoming and address history 290 students. This began in 2007.  2007 - Terry Jozwick, Glenbrook South High School.    2008 - Brendan Gaughan, Glenbard South High School.

The History-Social Sciences Education Program awards the Lawrence McBride award during the 390 closing ceremony for a student who had a distinguished portfolio and outstanding student teaching experience.