2014-2015 Newly Assigned& New Faculty

EDUCATE • SERVE • LEAD

The College of Education is a Safe Zone

Regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age and ability, you will be treated and respected as a human being.

Ignorance, bigotry and harassment will not be tolerated.

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Colleagues and Friends,

As the dean of the College of Education at the University of Northern Iowa, I often say that I am humbled and honored to work in such a legacy place. The College of Education prepares pre-professionals to educate, serve and lead. Our goal is to be a premier program in the state and the nation for teacher education, athletic training, health promotion, physical education and leisure services. We cannot accomplish this aspirational endeavor without the assistance from dedicated faculty members and staff who are committed to our mission. This bulletin captures our new and newly-appointed faculty and staff. They are truly making a difference at the University of Northern Iowa as they engage in rigorous and relevant teaching, scholarship and service.

OUR MISSION As a premier college of education, The University of Northern Iowa’s College of Education believes that the preparation of professionals for school and community settings is a moral imperative – the future of our nation depends on the success of this effort.

Our efforts support teaching, research and service in the following ways:

1. The college exists to prepare educational and human service professionals for a variety of direct service and human leadership roles in school and community settings.

2. Faculty members in the college conduct applied and basic research in the areas of teaching and learning, human performance, human health promotion, human growth and development, leisure and community services and education policy.

3. The college provides service on local, state, regional, national and international levels.

Sincerely,

Dwight C. Watson Dean, College of Education

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Paula Bennet

Assistant Professor

Before taking this role, I was Director of Reading Recovery for the Department of Teaching and Learning at New York University.

At UNI, I teach classes and provide field supervision for post-graduate students training as Reading Recovery Teacher Leaders.

I received my B.S. in elementary and special education from Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield, Mo. (1983); M. Ed. in educational

psychology from University of Louisville, Louisville, Ky. (1987); and Ph.D. in learning and development from University of Louisville (2010).

My research and service interests are self-efficacy of reading intervention teachings, Reading Recovery, teacher effectiveness, school improvement through literacy coaching and intensive long-term professional development.

Jen Beck

Student Teaching Coordinator

Before taking this role, I spent nine years as Intern Coordinator for Camp Adventure Child & Youth Services.

At UNI, I will be the Student Teaching Coordinator for the Out of State and International Center. My current responsibilities include managing relationships and placements for students from other universities.

I received my B.A. in art education from the University of Northern Iowa and M.A. in youth and human services administration from UNI. I am currently pursuing my Ph.D. in educational leadership (higher education) from Iowa State University.

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Gregory N. Bourassa

Instructor

Before taking this role, I was studying in Salt Lake City at the University of Utah in the Department of Education, Culture & Society.

At UNI, I will be teaching in the Educational Psychology and Foundations Department. I will teach Schools and American Society in the Fall and adding a Philosophy of Education seminar in the Spring.

I received my B.S. in Language Arts and Secondary Education and M.A. in Educational Studies, Secondary Education, both at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind. I am currently working on a Ph.D. in Education, Culture and Society at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City.

My research and service interests are the ways in which educational institutions operate to neutralize and repel youth and the perspectives that emerge from working-class communities of color. I have sought to develop a theoretical orientation that will better enable educators to appreciate the strengths of students, particularly those

strengths of the very students who confront white supremacy, class warfare and the limits of U.S. democracy on a daily basis. This involves reconsidering some of the central themes within social justice education, such as student resistance and culturally relevant pedagogy. Part of my research entails exploring the ways in which schools treat the strengths of many students as a contaminating threat and thinking about how those very strengths could reanimate a more robust and democratic society.

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William P. Callahan

Interim Department Head, Department of Special Education

Before taking this role, I taught in the Department of Special Education for the past four years at the University of Northern Iowa. Prior to that I was the Dean of the College of Education.

At UNI, I will be leading the Department of Special Education, teaching our Diverse Learners class and extending my research

on the topic of autism.

I received my B.A. in psychology and special education from the University of South Florida, Tampa, Fla.; MAT in elementary education from Rollins College, Winter Park, Fla.; and Ed.D. from the University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla.

My research and service interest is autism.

Danielle Cowley

Assistant Professor

Before taking this role, I was assistant professor of special education at San Francisco State University.

At UNI, I teach courses related to secondary education, transition and behavior supports for students with disabilities. I also conduct research in special education

I received my B.A. in psychology from Morningside College,

Sioux City, Iowa; M.S. in psychology from Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY.; and Ph.D. in special education from Syracuse University, Syracuse, N.Y.

My research and service interest is inclusive education as social justice, inclusive school reform, transitions and the experiences of adolescent girls with disabilities.

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Scott Ellison

Assistant Professor of Educational Foundations

Before taking this role,

I was clinical assistant professor of cultural studies in educational foundations at the University of Tennessee – Knoxville.

At UNI, I teach education foundations and research courses.

I received my Ph.D. in cultural studies of educational foundations

from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

My research and service interests are global policy networks in education, the political economy of public education, innovative school models and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education.

Christopher R. Edginton

R.H. McElroy Professor of Youth Leadership Studies

Before taking this role, I was a professor in the School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services at the University of Northern Iowa as well as secretary general for the World Leisure Organization.

From 1991 to 2010 I served as director of the UNI School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services.

At UNI, I seek to enhance the youth leadership studies program at the University of Northern Iowa as well as improve the quality of youth leadership programs throughout the United States. Coursework will focus on teaching of critical theories and practices (doctoral level), management and programming of leisure services and the history and philosophical foundations of leisure, youth and human services.

I received my B.A. in recreation from San Jose State College, San Jose, Calif.; M.S. from the University of Illinois in park and recreation administration; and Ph.D. from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, in higher education management.

My research and service interests focus on youth programming, organizational goals and, more recently, identifying global programs of best practice in combating obesity and overweight among children and adolescents in schools and local communities.

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Heather Ferden

Field Experience Coordinator

Before taking this role, I taught in the Jesup Community School District for 35 years. I enjoyed a year of retirement but missed the school connection.

At UNI, I will guide and supervise students as they experience their first formal UNI/school connection as a part-time field experience

coordinator for Level I students.

I received my B.A. in elementary education from the University of Northern Iowa and later completed my master’s degree in elementary education from Viterbo University, La Crosse, Wis.

Beth HarrisStudent Teaching Coordinator Cedar Falls Region

Before taking this role, I was working at the University of Northern Iowa as a field experience coordinator.

At UNI, I work with student teachers in their student teaching experience.

I received my B.A. in elementary education from the University of Northern Iowa and M.A.

in education from Carroll University, Waukesha, Wis.

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Lovely E. Henderson Educational Counselor

Before taking this role, I was an in-home provider for Mid-Iowa Family Therapy Clinic for five years.

At UNI, I serve as educational counselor for the Educational Opportunity Center Program at the UNI Center for Urban Education.

I assist non-traditional students in obtaining their educational goals.

I received my B.A. in criminology from the University of Northern Iowa.

H. Alan Heisterkamp

Interim Director, Center for Educational Transformation

Before taking this role, I served as co-director of Center for Violence Prevention at UNI since 2011, which I continue to do while serving as interim director of the CET. Previously, I was a private education consultant with Waitt Institute for Violence

Prevention (2006-2011) and a school administrator in the Sioux City Community School District (1996-2006).

At UNI, I work to connect practitioners in the field of preK-12 education with faculty researchers who share a common passion or interest in specific topics and content areas in order to promote and enhance research and inquiry opportunities that will inform educators and stakeholders at the local, state and national levels.

I received my B.A. in secondary mathematics education from the University of Northern Iowa; M.A. in educational psychology and counseling from the

University of South Dakota, Vermillion, S.D.; advanced studies in secondary school administration from University of Northern Iowa; and Ed.D. in secondary school administration (superintendent) from the University of South Dakota.

My research and service interests at the Center for Educational Transformation include literacy, STEM, mathematics and technology, school culture and climate, gender violence prevention, social and emotional learning and teacher/leadership development.

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Leasha Henriksen

Cedar Rapids Student Teacher Coordinator

Before taking this role, I was the field placement coordinator for UNI’s Teacher Quality Partnership grant.

At UNI, I place and supervise UNI student teachers in the field within the Cedar Rapids region. In addition, I lead the seminar course for the student teachers within the Cedar Rapids region.

I received my B.A. in business education from University of Northern Iowa and M.A.E. in educational psychology from University of Northern Iowa.

My research and service interest is measuring teaching effectiveness.

Kim P. Huckstadt

Assistant Professor in Educational Leadership

Before taking this role, I served as a teacher, coach and school administrator in the Maquoketa Community School District for 34 years prior

to “retiring” on June 30, 2014. This included the final 13 years as the superintendent of education. I also taught as an adjunct faculty member at Western Illinois University.

At UNI, I will teach in the Educational Leadership Department with primary responsibilities in the superintendent certification program.

I received my B.A. in biology/education from Beloit College, Beloit, Wis.; M.S. in education administration from Western Illinois

University, Macomb, Ill.; specialist in education administration from Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa; and doctorate in educational leadership from Western Illinois University.

My research and service interests are standards-based teacher evaluation and professional development, school finance in relation to student achievement, superintendent and school board relations and impact of facilities on student achievement.

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Roger Kueter

Professor and Interim Head—Department of Teaching

Before taking this role, I retired in June 2012 after serving as a longtime UNI faculty member and administrator. I was invited to return to UNI, College of Education,

Department of Teaching to fill the headship position as an interim. I am pleased to return to the institution, college and department for which I have great admiration and respect. As important, an additional motivating factor was the opportunity to return to work with a faculty, many of whom I know, who are dedicated to the quality of instruction for the education profession.

At UNI, I oversee the Department of Teaching and its 42 faculty who are responsible for the majority of

the teacher education field experiences and all the student teaching placements and supervision of UNI Teacher Education majors.

I received my B.A. in history and philosophy from Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa; M.A. and Ed.D in instructional systems technology and educational psychology from Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind.

My research and service interests are school and community collaboration and partnerships, and organizational leadership.

Kady Korbel

Field Experience Coordinator

Before taking this role, I had taken the previous two years off to stay home with my two children. Before that, I taught social science at Charles City High School.

At UNI, I team teach one seminar and observe/guide Level 1 education majors. I am also teaching one class a week in the

History Department titled Teaching of the Social Studies: Field Experience.

I received my B.A. in social science education and MAE in educational psychology: professional development in teaching from the University of Northern Iowa.

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Mandy Sue Masmar

Adjunct Professor, Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services, Dance; Director, International Dance Theatre

Before taking this role, after receiving my degree through the University of Northern Iowa, I married my wonderful husband and then stuck around the area. I spent the past year working full time at Scratch Cupcakery in Cedar Falls as a frosting maker/decorator and part time teaching elderly workout classes through the YWCA in Waterloo. I also spent some time working with the UNI Dance Program as a guest choreographer and helping with various classes.

At UNI, for the Fall 2014 semester I am teaching Fundamentals of Dance, Beginning Ballroom, Intermediate Ballroom and Beginning Jazz. In the dance program, we have the opportunity to offer many dance styles each semester. I also will be instructing and directing the UNI International Dance Theatre, a performance company here on campus.

I received my B.A. in movement and exercise science, minor in dance, from the University of Northern Iowa.

Sophia D. Min

Assistant Professor

Before taking this role, I completed my Ph D. in sport management at the University of Georgia, Athens, Ga.

At UNI, I will teach sport marketing and sport management at the School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services.

I received my B.A. and M.A. in physical

education from Hanyang University, South Korea; and Ph.D. in sport management from the University of Georgia.

My research and service interests are primarily sport marketing with emphasis on sport consumer behavior in spectator sports and women’s sports event.

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Mitchell E. Mleziva

Adjunct Instructor/Staff Athletic Trainer-UNI Women’s Swimming and Diving

Before taking this role, I just completed my post-professional Master’s Degree in athletic training at the University of Northern Iowa. I was also a graduate assistant athletic trainer for the UNI football team.

At UNI, I am teaching prevention and care of athletic injuries and also athletic training clinical integration classes. I am

the head athletic trainer for UNI swimming and diving, as well.

I received my B.S. in athletic training from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and M.S. in athletic training from the University of Northern Iowa.

My research and service interests are in the field of sport psychology, specifically mental toughness.

Loleta Carter Montgomery

Program Assistant for Principal and Superintendent Programs in the Department of Educational Leadership & Postsecondary Education

Before taking this role, I had been retired for the past 2.5 years. I was an administrator in the Waterloo Community Schools, where I served as a principal and as elementary curriculum coordinator for 15 years. During the 23 years prior, I taught at Wartburg College, served as a school administrator in Oklahoma, worked as a test editor for an educational publishing company, directed a Head Start Program and taught elementary grades in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City.

At UNI, in this position, which is part-time, I will use my leadership, coordination, and administrative skills to promote and support the Educational Leadership programs, students and prospective students.

I received my B.A. in elementary education from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; M.A. in educational administration from the University of Iowa; and have completed doctoral classes in curriculum and instruction from the University of Northern Iowa.

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Amy Olson

Assistant professor

Before taking this role, I was finishing my Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

At UNI, I am teaching education courses on assessment, classroom management and transition. I also supervise field experiences.

I received my B.A. in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; special education post baccalaureate

certification from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; M.S. in exceptional education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; and Ph.D. in special education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

My research and service interests are access to the general education curriculum for students with significant disabilities and teacher preparation.

Ralph E. Reynolds

Richard O. Jacobson Endowed Chair of Literacy

Before taking this role, I was professor of literacy and learning at the School of Education, Iowa State University;

inaugural director of the School of Education at Iowa State University; and professor and director at the Center for Research, Evaluation and Assessment with the College of Education, University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

At UNI, I will design, facilitate, and maintain research in literacy education. I will also teach literacy education courses, coordinate an annual education summit, and support students at the graduate and post-

graduate levels.

I received my B.S. in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with minors in mathematics and history; M.S. in educational psychology from Arizona State University-Tempe; and Ph.D. in educational psychology from the University of Illinois - Urbana with emphases in reading comprehension and human learning and cognition.

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Jason Schadt

Instructor

Before taking this role, I served as the artistic director for the UI Youth Ballet, a community outreach school for classical dance in Iowa City, since 2009. I still hold that part-time position, which allows me to teach through the summer months and is a good compliment to adjunct teaching at UNI.

At UNI, there are two noteworthy aspects

of my new role coordinating dance in the School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services. The first is co-teaching for physical education majors to equip them to teach dance in schools in a meaningful way. The second is lecturing in dance history, and students from all majors come together for that class. I will also continue to teach technique classes such as ballet and modern and direct UNI Orchesis, one of the two student dance companies.

I received my B.A. in Asian language and literature from University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; and M.F.A. in dance from University of Iowa. Before that,

I spent two years in the M.A.T. program in secondary foreign language education at the University of Iowa, including a year abroad at Meiji University in Tokyo, Japan. I transferred to the M.F.A. program when I returned to the United States.

My research and service interests are principally creative. I choreograph for students and we present works around Iowa and at regional conferences. I also mentor student choreographers, offering them ways of providing each other critical observation and feedback. I also direct two concert dance productions each year.

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Katie Simpson

Field Experience Coordinator and Instructor

Before taking this role, I taught second grade at Southdale Elementary School in Cedar Falls, first grade at Dr. Walter Cunningham School of Excellence in Waterloo, and first and second grades at Malcolm Price Laboratory School in Cedar Falls.

At UNI, I supervise and instruct Level 1 students in the Teacher Education program.

I received my B.A. in elementary education

from the University of Northern Iowa with minors in literacy and Spanish teaching and my M.A. in literacy education also from the University of Northern Iowa.

My research and service interests are literacy in elementary education, integrated curriculum in elementary education, and multicultural and socio-political literature in elementary education.

Brandy Smith

National Program for Playground Safety Project Coordinator

Before taking this role, I was the teacher education coordinator at Upper Iowa University at the Waterloo site. Prior to that, I was the regional training specialist for Child Care Resource and Referral of Northeast Iowa.

At UNI, I manage and teach several of the on-line courses for the National Program for Playground Safety. Additionally, I will assist in researching and exploring quality outdoor play environments.

I received my, B.A. in elementary and special education and M.A. in educational technology, both from the University of Northern Iowa

My research and service interests are exploring and delivering research and training around quality outdoor play environments. This includes developing trainings and resources for front-line early childhood and elementary staff and administration.

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Melanie Stickler

Secretary II with the Division of Health Education & Promotion, School of Health,

Physical Education and Leisure Services

Before taking this role, I worked at Valley Lutheran School as the before and after school care coordinator, which I continue to do. I started my third year with Valley this August.

At UNI, I assist faculty with daily activities, course schedules and booklists; assist students

will class registration, locating professors and daily activities; manage budget for non-general fund accounts, including grants; and assist the director with daily activities, special projects and travel accommodations.

Joan Bessman Taylor

Associate Professor

Before taking this role, I was a faculty member in the School of Library and Information Science at the University of Iowa for seven and a half years. I taught graduate students entering the wide range of information professions

including future school, public, academic, special and digital librarians.

At UNI,I teach M.A. students pursuing licensure as K-12 librarians. I also lead students in research projects related to school libraries.

I received my B.A. in English from Spring Hill College, Mobile, Ala.; M.Ed. in secondary education in English from the University of South Alabama, Mobile, Ala.; MLIS in library and information science from the University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg,

Miss.; and Ph.D. in library and information science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

My research and service interests are the socio-cultural factors that influence, encourage or disrupt recreational reading. I am particularly interested in social reading practices, especially in collective contexts. In terms of service, the need for advocacy for school libraries is endless, as is the need for defending the intellectual freedom of young people.

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Tim Thomas

Information and Educational Technology Specialist

Before taking this role, I was working at GoDaddy in customer care support.

At UNI, I support and maintain various aspects of educational technology in many classrooms and buildings. In doing this, I also assist instructors in finding technology most appropriate for their situation. I

also assist in T2PAL implementation.

I received my B.A. in political science and public administration from the University of Northern Iowa.

My research and service interest is the learning of Linux through online courses, and I also intend to research more in the area of Mobile-Assisted applications.

Beth Dykstra Van Meeteren

Director of the Regents’ Center for Early Developmental Education

Before taking this role, I’ve been working with the Regents’ Center for Early Developmental Education since 1996 to

develop constructivist STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) curriculum for research in early childhood. In 2007, I also began teaching early literacy and integration courses for the University of Northern Iowa.

At UNI, I will help meet the goal of the Regents’ Center for Early Developmental Education which focuses efforts on improving early childhood education (birth through 8 years) in Iowa and beyond.

I received my B.A. in social sciences from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa; M.A.E. in literacy and Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis on STEM in early childhood, both from the University of Northern Iowa.

My research and service interests are integration of STEM and literacy and how STEM experiences can provide authentic and meaningful opportunities to engage in literate acts.

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Steve VanderPol

Student Teaching Coordinator (Marshalltown and Rural Cedar Valley area)

Before taking this role, I recently retired from Grundy Center Community Schools after 19 years as high school and then secondary principal. I spent a total of 34 years in education in Iowa, including 10 years as a teacher and 24 years as an administrator.

At UNI, I supervise student teachers in the

Marshalltown and rural Cedar Valley area along with teaching a seminar class to these students.

I received my B.A. in physical education from Central College in Pella, Iowa; and M.A. in secondary administration from the University of Northern Iowa.

Jamie L. Workman

Assistant Professor – Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs

Before taking this role, I worked professionally in student affairs for 14 years. Most recently, I was an assistant director of residence life at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

At UNI, I teach in the Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs master’s program, which is housed in the Department of Educational Leadership and Postsecondary Education.

I received my B.S. in elementary education

from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Ill.; M.S. in student affairs administration from Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Ind.; and my Ph.D. in higher education from Ohio University, Columbus, Ohio.

My research and service interests are major and career decision making. I have interests in services and programs that assist students in this process, such as academic advising, learning communities and career services.

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Raquel Zuniga

Retention and Academic Advisor for the COE

Before taking this role, I worked as a senior transfer advisor at Palo Alto Community College in San Antonio, Texas, and as an advisor I at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

At UNI, I advise students majoring

in elementary, early childhood and middle level education, particularly our multicultural students, to ensure they successfully transition to and graduate from UNI College of Education. I also assist in coordinating Panther Open Houses and College of Education Visit Day.

I received my associate’s degree in liberal studies from Palo Alto College; bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Northern Iowa; and my master’s degree in bilingual education from Texas A&M University-San Antonio.

My research and service interests are to help my students be successful in the college setting, particularly first generation, low socioeconomic, minority students. Having come from the same background, it is important to me that I continue to be part of the many advising and student affairs professionals were there to help me during my academic journey. My goal is to continue to reach out and provide service to our students so they can reach their goals in graduating and beyond.

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205 Schindler Education CenterU

niversity of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0610