Andrea Youngs

Bringing Real-World Leadership Into the Classroom

For Andrea Youngs, preparing future educators means more than teaching educational theory. It means equipping aspiring teachers with the knowledge, confidence, practical skills, and professional mindset they need to make a meaningful difference from their first day in the classroom.

As an Assistant Professor of Education at Vincennes University, Youngs draws on more than 15 years of experience in K–12 education, including more than a decade in special education and nearly three years in school leadership. She uses those experiences to help students bridge the gap between academic preparation and professional practice.

Through courses in educational foundations, professionalism, diversity and inclusive practices, assistive technology, classroom management, instructional practice, and professional preparation, Youngs works with future educators at multiple stages of their journey. Her teaching emphasizes practical application and encourages students to connect what they learn in their university coursework to the students, classrooms, schools, and communities they will serve.

From the Classroom to School Leadership

Youngs brings a comprehensive perspective to educator preparation, having served in both instructional and administrative roles throughout her career.

Before entering higher education, she served as a junior high school principal, where she gained extensive experience in instructional leadership, school operations, teacher support and development, student services, school culture, and collaboration with families and community partners.

Her leadership experience was built on more than a decade as a special education teacher in both self-contained and inclusive classrooms. Throughout her K–12 career, she developed expertise in curriculum and instruction, academic and behavioral interventions, inclusive practices, classroom management, and collaboration with educators, families, and community resources.

These experiences allow Youngs to approach teacher preparation from multiple perspectives—as a classroom teacher, special educator, school administrator, and university professor—and give her a deep understanding of both the challenges educators face and the practices that help students and teachers succeed.

Building Confident, Student-Centered Educators

Youngs believes effective teaching begins with understanding students as individuals and recognizing the responsibility educators have to create environments where all learners have opportunities to grow and succeed.

Her teaching philosophy emphasizes reflective practice, ethical leadership, inclusive and student-centered instruction, strong relationships, educational equity, and purposeful decision-making. She also encourages future educators to thoughtfully examine emerging practices and technologies, including the ethical and purposeful use of artificial intelligence in education.

By connecting educational theory and research with practical classroom application, Youngs prepares aspiring educators to navigate the complexities of teaching while remaining focused on the needs of students. She encourages her students to ask questions, reflect on their practice, remain open to growth, and recognize that becoming an effective educator is an ongoing process.

At Vincennes University, Youngs is committed to developing thoughtful, compassionate, adaptable educators who are prepared not only to enter the profession with confidence, but also to continue growing as teachers, advocates, and leaders throughout their careers.

Areas of Expertise

• Special Education and Inclusive Instruction
• Classroom Management and Student Engagement
• Educational Leadership and School Administration
• Educator Preparation and Professional Development
• Curriculum Implementation and Instructional Improvement
• Student Intervention and Behavioral Support
• Assistive Technology and Universal Design for Learning
• Educational Equity and Student-Centered Learning
• Ethical and Purposeful Use of Artificial Intelligence in Education

Education

Master of Science in Education, Educational Leadership
Eastern Illinois University
Principal Licensure | 4.0 GPA

Bachelor of Science in Special Education
Eastern Illinois University
Learning Behavior Specialist I Certification | Birth through 22