Lindenwood University’s College of Education and Human Services has earned special attention for its undergraduate program in education. Recognizing its stellar curriculum and outcomes for education majors, Colleges of Distinction granted this award as a stamp of approval for the impactful ways that students are prepared to lead their own classrooms after graduation. Lindenwood’s title as an Education College of Distinction is a testament to the quality of its hands-on approach to learning, leading, and succeeding.

"An impressive undergraduate education is marked by its stability, practical experiences, advising and mentoring, high-impact practices, and successful student outcomes," said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer for Colleges of Distinction. "It's inspiring to see the next generation of teachers graduating from Lindenwood with confidence."

"This award reaffirms our commitment to providing future educators with the necessary skills, support, and experiences to shape the classroom leaders of tomorrow," Department Head for Initial Teacher Education Dr. Ronda Cypret-Mahach said. "We are dedicated to nurturing excellence in education and empowering our students to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others."

To earn this distinction, Lindenwood demonstrated the following markers of excellence:

• Stability - The College of Education and Human Services has a longstanding presence, operating for at least 10 years with consistent enrollment and an established number of degrees awarded annually.
• Multidisciplinary - The College of Education and Human Services offers students the opportunity to specialize in several disciplines, including curriculum and instruction, early childhood, special education, middle school education, educational studies, social work, counseling, and more.
• Practical Experience – Starting from the first year, students in the College of Education and Human Services engage in real-world teaching experiences, including urban and rural settings, diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, and different school sizes.
• Dedicated Advising and Counseling - The College of Education and Human Services provides high-quality academic advising, major-specific advising, and career advising tailored to majors.
• High-Impact Practices - Students in the College of Education and Human Services enhance their undergraduate studies through high-impact practices such as observations and field experiences.
• Industry Connections - Students enrolled in the School of Education have numerous opportunities to establish professional connections in their field through job placement, internships, co-op opportunities, advisory councils, and networking activities.

Schritter emphasizes, "Beyond having a deep understanding of the topics they will teach, Lindenwood students also gain the skills to lead their classrooms with empathy, patience, and creativity."