EDYS welcomes Professor Amy Van Deuren, who joined the department in August 2024 as Director of Teacher Education & Assistant Professor of Professional Practice. After decades of experience as both a teacher and administrator in K–12 and higher education—including serving as a high school principal and superintendent—Professor Amy has brought her wealth of knowledge and passion for education to Beloit College.
When asked what brought her to Beloit College, she credits her lifelong connection to education. “My dad was an English teacher and coach, so I grew up around teaching,” she shared. After entering semi-retirement and reflecting on what was next, a conversation with Dean Cecil Youngblood led to an opportunity that felt like the perfect fit.
Working with Beloit students has been an energizing experience. “Students are curious and inquisitive,” she said. “With small class sizes, I get to really know each one.” She’s also inspired by the growing diversity of the student body, which she believes enriches the learning environment for everyone.
So far, her experience at Beloit has been overwhelmingly positive. “The staff and faculty are truly here to help each other,” she said. “That care—for one another and for our students—comes through in every interaction.”
Professor Amy currently teaches EDYS 151 and EDYS 300, courses that allow her to work with students both at the initial and the final stages of their education programs. She also supervises student teachers and helps guide them through the licensing process. “Seeing students at the end of their journey and recognizing how much they’ve grown—it’s incredibly rewarding,” she said.
Beyond teaching, she has been active in research. This past summer, she mentored a McNair Scholar on a challenging research topic, helping the student learn how to conduct meaningful academic work. Her own research explores how professional development can be made more accessible and engaging for school board members.
For students pursuing Education and Youth Studies, her advice is encouraging: “The job market is wide open for EDYS students. Many of them already have positions lined up before they even graduate.” She adds that a background in education offers versatile skills that apply across careers: “Learning how to transmit information and skills is valuable in every field. Education opens doors—not just in schools, but anywhere people are learning and growing.”
October 27, 2025
