About Cecilia J. Lauby

The College of Education honored Dr. Cecilia J. Lauby in 2004 by naming the Teacher Education Center after her. Dr. Lauby had a rich history at Illinois State University in teacher preparation, particularly in the area of clinical experiences.

She came to Illinois State University in 1949, first as coordinator of student teaching, then as director of student teaching and professor of education, and was the head of the professional laboratory experiences until her retirement in 1973. She was with the University during a period of enormous growth. During her tenure, the University increased from 2,000 to 20,000 students and was the second-largest teacher education program in the nation.

Dr. Lauby created a model of student teaching experiences that was copied by universities across the nation. She emphasized the need for experiences in all of Illinois's public schools, creating a state-wide mission for Illinois State teacher education. In addition, she authored many articles and books, including co-authoring science textbooks. She edited The Theoretical Bases for Professional Laboratory Experiences, Forty-Fourth Yearbook, and was cited for her discussion of philosophy, theory, and principles of student teaching supervision.

In 1933 Dr. Lauby received her B.S. from St. Mary's-Of-The-Woods College in Vincennes, Ind. She received her master's degree in 1942 and her doctorate in 1949, both from Indiana University. She also attended Indiana State University and Northwestern University. From 1933 to 1949, Lauby was a teacher and principal in Vincennes, Ind. and Harvey, Ill. before coming to Illinois State University.

In the fall of 2005, Dr. Lauby created an endowment at Illinois State University for the development and improvement of the Lauby Teacher Education Center, through which all teacher education students receive assistance to help them become teachers. The other portion of her gift will establish the Dr. Cecilia J. Lauby Endowed Fellowship in Teacher Education. Dr. Lauby passed away at the age of 94 in 2007.