School of Education

The Olivet Nazarene University School of Education prepares students for success in their chosen career of teaching. No small assignment, given the changing landscape of education.

          2024 Best Christian Workplaces

Admissions counselor having a conversation with students

Overview

Preparing Students for the Workforce

One of the many distinctions of Olivet’s programs is Responsiveness in keeping programs current.

Education courses focus on teaching the whole child — meeting their academic, social and emotional needs. Teacher candidates graduate with more than knowledge. As professionals, they enter their own classrooms as Christ-like examples and role models.

“My original passion has become a reality in a more profound way than I could have ever imagined.”

From the Associate Dean

“There is a huge need for teachers of a diverse group of students.”

At Olivet, a team of experienced educators take the skills they learned from their own classrooms, combined with the latest technology, and pass those experiences to the next wave of teachers. The School of Education’s goal is to equip teachers with the ideas, knowledge and the affirmation of their calling so they can become great teachers and influence the lives of young learners.

Three students walking through campus
Photo of male student reading in the Quad
Photo of chatting group of students

Find Your Path at Olivet

Majors, minors, concentrations and areas of study can be overwhelming. Our innovative search feature allows you to choose general areas of interest, and see which ONU program you’d like to explore.

Find Your Interest

By the Numbers

Numbers Don’t Say Everything, but These Numbers Say A Lot.

With accredited programs, award-winning academics, and a faculty touting degrees from a wide spectrum of world-class educational institutions, Olivet stands committed to integrating faith and learning.

9898%

Pass Rate for Seniors on edTPA License

100100%

Of Faculty Members Have Taught in PK-12 Classrooms

1616

Education Majors, Minors and Concentrations

4545min

From Downtown Chicago

Additional

Impactful Standards & Programs

Students in Olivet’s School of Education are poised to make a major impact in the surrounding school districts and community!

Image of woman playing with little girl

Licensure

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 (SEPLB). Each teaching program that is offered at Olivet has been individually approved for licensure, meaning that when a teaching candidate graduates with a teaching degree, they will also have earned an Illinois Professional Educators 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.

Group of smiling friends

National Science Teaching Association (NSTA)

NSTA empowers future educators to invest in the lives of the next generation. Through professional and social activities, participants bond with other students, faculty and educators who are already working in their chosen careers. NSTA is the largest student organization on campus with more than 200 students who take part in activities each year. Students make a major impact in the surrounding school districts and community!

Lance Kilpatrick sitting at desk

College of Arts & Sciences Faculty

Meet Dr. Lance Kilpatrick

Dr. Kilpatrick is the Associate Dean of the School of Education

In 2011, Lance Kilpatrick began his first assignment in higher education when he joined Olivet’s full-time faculty. Today, he oversees the School of Education’s undergraduate academic programs, as well as the work of its faculty members. “God called me into the teaching profession so I would have opportunities to influence children in a classroom or on a team,” he says. “Now my calling is exponential. I am preparing many educators to go out and influence many children for the next 20 to 30 years.”

Meet more School of Education Faculty

Ed.D. graphic

Doctor of Education: Ethical Leadership

Deciding to earn a doctoral degree is a decision to transform your life through academic pursuits, vocational development and spiritual maturation. The faculty and staff at Olivet are committed to your personal and career development as you strive to earn your doctorate.

Learn More

The transformation that happens at Olivet is life-changing. Initially it may appear subtle, but over the years it reveals itself as life-altering in the best possible way.

Join Us on Social

Check out the latest from Instagram by following @oliveteducation.

Instagram photo on oliveteducation at October 4th 2024 at 2:48 pm
Instagram photo on oliveteducation at October 3rd 2024 at 5:03 pm
Instagram photo on oliveteducation at October 1st 2024 at 8:22 pm
Instagram photo on oliveteducation at October 1st 2024 at 1:46 pm
Instagram photo on oliveteducation at September 25th 2024 at 8:56 am
Instagram photo on oliveteducation at September 25th 2024 at 8:01 am
Instagram photo on oliveteducation at September 25th 2024 at 5:06 am
Instagram photo on oliveteducation at September 24th 2024 at 12:30 pm
students in lecture ONU

Where Your Future Begins

We Believe. You Belong Here. Discover why Olivet is a place where faith meets calling. Take the first step today.

Plan a Visit Start my Application