School of Education

School welcomes first class of Direct Admit Scholars

Select group of freshmen begin college career pursuing education degree

Thursday, August 27, 2009

The Indiana University School of Education welcomed the first class of Direct Admit Scholars this afternoon. Dean Gerardo Gonzalez, Associate Dean of Teacher Education Tom Brush, and other faculty and staff greeted the initial group of 61 students who make up this highly-select group of freshmen.

Gonzalez reminded the group that research has shown the single most important factor in a student’s education is a highly qualified teacher. He then pointed out that the Direct Admit Scholars have been chosen because of their academic ability and desire to become a teacher. “We should have the best and the brightest go into teaching,” Gonzalez said. “We are proud you have chosen to pursue this dream.”

Some facts and figures about the initial class show its quality and educational interests:

• The grade point average of the 2009 Direct Admits Scholars is 3.83.
• Most of the group is from Indiana, but 17 are from out of state, including students from Illinois, Ohio, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. 
• Twenty-two of the first group are interested in pursuing early childhood or elementary degrees, 
• Ten are interested in pursuing math or science secondary education degrees.

As Direct Admit Scholars, the students will be able to take preliminary education coursework starting this fall, will have additional access to alumni and other educational mentors, and—once they complete minimum coursework and pass the Praxis I test—are guaranteed admission to the major program of their choice. Another benefit includes a $2,000 stipend for Direct Admit Scholars who choose to participate in the Cultural Immersion Project to do student teaching at the end of their undergraduate experience.

The Direct Admit Scholars program is designed to provide promising future teachers with the best possible experience at one of the nation’s finest schools of education. Prospective students interested in the Direct Admit Scholars program for the Fall of 2010 may be invited to apply to the program after being admitted to IU.

For information regarding the 2010 Direct Admit Scholars program, contact enrollment services manager Katie Paulin.