Julie Peters

Julie Peters is a Clinical Professor and Associate Director of the Teaching of History program at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). She holds a BA (Phi Beta Kappa) and MAT in History from UIC, complemented by a Type 09 Social Studies teaching certificate. Her work focuses on teacher education, curriculum development, and civic engagement initiatives in secondary education.

• Education:
• BA in History, University of Illinois at Chicago (1983)
• MAT in U.S. and Latin American History, University of Illinois at Chicago (1987)

Her research interests emphasize improving pedagogical practices for diverse learners, particularly in urban schools. She has led initiatives such as the American Dreams Teaching American History grant (2008–2013) and contributed to civic engagement programs with Chicago Public Schools. Peters has also developed curricula for the National Library of Medicine’s Surviving and Thriving: AIDS, Politics, and Culture exhibition.

Her awards reflect teaching excellence, including the UIC Silver Circle Award and two Shirley Bill Awards for teaching. She remains active in educational policy reforms, collaborating with legislators to improve teacher licensure standards.

• Grants & Leadership:
• Directed pedagogical efforts for the “American Dreams” TAH grant
• Coordinated UIC’s ST2 grant for urban student teaching placements
• Member of the Service-Learning and Civic Engagement Consortium (SLCEC)

Peters advises undergraduate history education students and oversees UIC’s student teaching programs, emphasizing classroom management and curriculum design for diverse learners.