Finding a home: Future teachers receive warm welcome from School of Education

Heidelberg’s School of Education eagerly welcomed 55 new education students this fall. These students come from a variety of places, including Tiffin, Ohio, and as far away as Las Vegas, Nevada. Out of the new students, 26 are focusing on primary education, while 29 are interested in middle or high school education.

Before the semester started, the incoming students participated in Welcome Week events. During these events, students were introduced to their advisors and took part in community-building activities. They also reviewed their fall schedules and discussed what to expect during their first week of classes.

Annual social for new students

To make sure they feel like a part of the Heidelberg Education family, the School of Education hosted its annual social. This event is designed to be a fun and engaging way for first-year students to meet faculty and other Education majors. The social featured root beer floats, games like life-sized tic-tac-toe, bingo, and a giant "saran ball" filled with college essentials like detergent and ramen noodles. Faculty members were also introduced during the event.

Why they chose Heidelberg

When asked why they chose Heidelberg, some of the new students shared their reasons:
•    One student was intrigued by the Education Program after a meeting with Associate Director of Admissions Kathy Borton. Despite hearing that another local school also had a strong education program, this student was more impressed by Heidelberg. They also appreciated the small class sizes and the friendly atmosphere, noting that everyone they met was kind and sociable.
•    Another student followed in the footsteps of their stepmom, who also attended and loved Heidelberg. They chose education because of a passion for working with young students and making a difference in their lives.
•    A third student was drawn to the size of the university, explaining that they get "overstimulated" in large groups. They mentioned that their largest class has around 40 people, which they feel is a perfect size compared to other schools. This student was also inspired by their high school teachers, many of whom attended Heidelberg for their education degrees.

The Education Department is excited to welcome the new students and is looking forward to a great 2025-2026 academic year.