The School of Education at Olivet Nazarene University has gone through many organizational changes and titles over the years, but its intention to provide quality teaching instruction has remained steadfast.
In 1921 the Department of Education at Olivet was formalized, paving the way for more than 100 years of engaging teacher education programs. Over that century, the role of a teacher has expanded significantly, with new responsibilities related to technology integration, data analysis and differentiated instruction. Even in the midst of drastic changes to the K–12 education sector in the past decade, the faculty and staff of Olivet’s School of Education have stayed committed to ensuring that teacher candidates are adequately prepared to become effective educators and child development professionals who can likewise adapt to the evolving educational landscape.
Teaching professionals are often expected to collaborate with colleagues and participate in professional learning communities, using digital platforms to share resources and strategies. Olivet’s teacher preparation program equips candidates with the tools, methods and expectations required to navigate these changes. Additionally, the School of Education prepares teacher candidates for increasing administrative tasks — such as documenting student data and managing classroom technologies — that are now essential to the teaching profession.
“One of the most noticeable changes has been the shift toward student-centered teaching approaches,” says Dr. Lance Kilpatrick ’02, associate dean for the School of Education. “In contrast to the traditional model, where the teacher is the primary source of knowledge, the focus has now moved to promoting active learning, critical thinking and student autonomy. This approach has led our teacher candidates to increasingly incorporate projects and real-world problems into their lessons, engaging students in deeper learning.”
During the 2024-2025 academic year, the School of Education enrolled 366 traditional undergraduate students and 200 graduate-level students — representing a strong interest in the field of education, which bodes well for current and future generations of young students who will be impacted by well-trained educators.
Spectrum of Learning
In addition to the 12 undergraduate majors that are offered by the School of Education in a traditional on-ground format (including cross-listed subject-specific majors such as music, art or math education), Olivet offers two online bachelor’s degree programs: early childhood and child development.
The School of Education also offers a robust range of graduate degrees and certificate programs, including the Doctor of Education in Ethical Leadership. This unique multidisciplinary degree is designed for current educators who want to expand their leadership potential in their present roles or who want to transition to administrative positions.
In 2014 Olivet launched the special education program in response to the increasing need for well-equipped special education teachers. The program also focuses on training future educators to embrace inclusive practices and provide differentiated instruction to meet the needs of all learners, including those with disabilities. In general, Olivet is committed to preparing teacher candidates to educate, include and support students who come from a wide spectrum of socioeconomic circumstances.
“With a growing awareness of systemic inequalities in education, Olivet is making concerted efforts to create more inclusive environments that celebrate diverse learning styles, cultural backgrounds and abilities,” says Dr. Kilpatrick. “This shift is evident in our program as we prepare candidates to design inclusive curricula. The faculty have deepened their understanding of what it means to be a culturally responsive institution. Our teacher candidates are guided to incorporate diverse perspectives and resources into their lessons, promoting cultural awareness and ensuring all students feel represented.”
For how thoroughly the School of Education continues to evolve in response to changes in K–12 education, the school remains grounded in its goal to provide teacher preparation through a Biblical lens.
“We believe that strong educators are not only effective in the classroom but also rooted in faith,” says Dr. Kilpatrick. “Our teacher candidates are encouraged to grow both in their faith and in their teaching abilities, fostering a holistic approach to education. By integrating Biblical principles with educational practice, we prepare our candidates to be strong educators and witnesses of their faith, shaping students’ lives with both academic knowledge and Christ-centered values.”
Top of its Class
Olivet’s teacher education program is a recognized education preparation program by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), in consultation with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board. Each teaching program that is offered at Olivet has been individually approved for licensure, meaning that when teaching candidates graduate with a teaching degree, they will also have earned an Illinois Professional Educator License. The School of Education continues to update existing programs to meet and exceed the ISBE standards and is aligned with the top educational preparation standards in the nation.
Over the years, the School of Education has distinguished itself among similar institutions. The school has been consistently recognized as a College of Distinction for its education programs, and Olivet alumni have a 98% pass rate for the Educative Teacher Performance Assessment licensure exam, known as the edTPA.
One exceptional feature of the School of Education is the variety of specialized K–12 programs, many of which are not commonly found at other institutions. These programs provide a broad range of teaching certifications for candidates looking to work in specific disciplines. Additionally, Olivet offers a unique driver’s education endorsement program for teachers who are interested in helping young teenagers learn how to drive, offering a specialized path that many institutions do not provide.
Olivet has also offered a Bachelor of Science degree in child development since 1989. Currently, the degree is available in both a traditional and online format. This program of study prepares students for careers that provide holistic care to young children and their families, with a specific focus on birth to second grade. In addition, the degree helps prepare students for graduate school admissions for specialized work as a pediatric speech therapist, occupational therapist, developmental therapist or a child life specialist.
The relatively new profession of a child life specialist blends elements of child development, education and social work to help young children and their support system cope with big changes, particularly in a hospital environment. In addition to seemingly nonsensical activities like blowing bubbles (which can help distract a patient during an IV procedure), these specialists often assist a care team by breaking down confusing medical jargon into developmentally appropriate language and leading young patients in therapeutic art and play interventions that often include medical equipment such as syringes, art supplies and teaching dolls. The goal is to reduce the fear and anxiety surrounding medical procedures.
Passion and Purpose
The motto for Olivet is to provide an “Education With a Christian Purpose” for all students across all disciplines. However, this simple statement shapes the School of Education in profound ways.
“This missional model instills in our future educators the importance of viewing their role as not only an academic guide but also a mentor and moral example,” says Dr. Kilpatrick. “We emphasize the importance of ethical teaching, service to others and creating a supportive, Christ-centered learning environment. Our graduates are equipped to foster students’ intellectual, emotional and spiritual growth, ensuring they can inspire and serve their students in a holistic way. By grounding our program in ‘Education With a Christian Purpose,’ we ensure our graduates are not only equipped to teach but are also prepared to impact the world in meaningful, faith-driven ways.”
In addition to the guiding principle of providing a Christ-focused college education, the School of Education has its own specific motto: “Professionals Influencing Lives.” This simple statement reflects the heart of the school’s mission: to prepare educators who not only excel in their profession but who also make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of their students.
As the departmental leader, Dr. Kilpatrick finds that the motto guides his approach to both teaching and his administrative work.
“First, it emphasizes the importance of developing professionals — educators who are not only knowledgeable but also skilled in applying their expertise with high standards,” he says. “We focus on providing rigorous, practical training through field experiences and student teaching that will equip our candidates with the dispositions and the tools they need to be effective teachers in various classrooms.”
He continues, “Second, ‘Influencing Lives’ underscores the deeper, relational aspect of teaching. It reminds us that the work we do is about much more than delivering content; it’s about shaping the hearts and minds of the next generation. Our responsibility is to instill our faith values of compassion, integrity and respect and to inspire students to pursue their full potential. In guiding the department, I am committed to fostering an environment that encourages reflection, collaboration and service.”
This motto also helps focus the work of the 10 full-time faculty and 80 adjunct professors who contribute to the work of the School of Education. All faculty members have spent at least part of their careers in K–12 classrooms, bringing a wealth of personal experiences to the curriculum. This “pracademic” teaching model emphasizes to teacher candidates that they should be prepared to work not only as educators but also as mentors, role models and advocates for the students they will serve.
Dr. Kilpatrick emphasizes the potential impact of this type of vocational mission.
“Ultimately, ‘Professionals Influencing Lives’ is a call to action for us all to make education a transformative experience that empowers both teachers and students to grow and succeed,” he says.
For more information about the Olivet School of Education, visit Olivet.edu/Education.
From Olivet The Magazine, Think On These Things – Spring 2025. Read the full issue here.
