For nearly 170 years, future teachers at Illinois State University haven't just learned about education—they've lived it. The University Laboratory Schools, founded in 1857 alongside the university itself, continue to serve as living classrooms where teacher education theory transforms into practice.
A Legacy of Educational Excellence
As one of the oldest and largest lab schools in the country, the University Laboratory Schools encompass Thomas Metcalf School and University High School, serving over 1,000 students. But these aren't typical K-12 schools. They function as teaching laboratories where aspiring educators gain hands-on experience while students receive instruction from some of Illinois's most qualified teachers.
The numbers tell a compelling story. At the Laboratory Schools, 25% of teachers hold National Board Certification—a credential earned by just 3% of teachers nationwide. This concentration of expertise creates an environment where educational research and exemplary teaching practices intersect daily.
Recognition That Speaks Volumes
The results of this approach show up in national rankings. Thomas Metcalf School ranks in the top 8% of Illinois elementary schools and the top 3% for middle schools, according to U.S. News & World Report. University High School earned recognition as the 18th best high school in Illinois by the same publication.
These achievements reflect the Laboratory Schools' commitment to excellence in education theory and practice through pre-service teacher education, research, exemplary teaching and learning, and service to the profession.
Real-World Teacher Training
For students pursuing their teaching certification at ISU, the Laboratory Schools provide something textbooks can't: experience. The schools deliver over 46,000 clinical hours annually for teacher education students. This immersive approach allows future educators to observe, practice, and refine their skills under the guidance of master teachers.
The collaboration runs deeper than observation. Teachers at the Laboratory Schools regularly partner with faculty from the College of Education to conduct research on teaching methods. This partnership means innovative approaches get tested in real classrooms with real students, creating a feedback loop that benefits both teacher training programs and K-12 education.
Preparing Students for What's Next
At University High School, 96% of students graduate with college credit already on their transcripts. This achievement reflects the school's academic rigor and its role in preparing students for higher education while simultaneously serving as a training ground for future educators.
The Laboratory Schools provide a space where teachers explore innovative teaching methods, testing new approaches that may eventually shape education across the state and beyond. This experimental mindset, grounded in research and supported by the university's resources, sets these schools apart.
A Model for Teacher Education
The relationship between the Laboratory Schools and ISU's College of Education creates a unique ecosystem. Prospective teachers don't just learn theory in university classrooms—they apply it in real school settings. Graduate education programs benefit from access to environments where research questions can be answered through direct observation and experimentation.
For those considering a career in education or seeking educational leadership opportunities, this model offers something rare: a place where teaching, learning, and educational research happen simultaneously under one roof.
Ready to discover how ISU's College of Education can prepare you for a teaching career? Visit education.illinoisstate.edu to explore undergraduate education and graduate education programs, or schedule a campus visit to see the Laboratory Schools in action.
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