Barbara Akre, M.A.
Adjunct Instructor
Barbara taught biology, life and physical sciences, and anatomy/physiology for twenty years in the Duluth Schools. She received her B.A. in Biology from Carleton College, an M.A. in Biology from Rice University, and her teaching license from UMD. She wrote eleven seed chapters for an open-access, online Biology text for CK12 Foundation, and has worked on teacher advisory panels for the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments in Science. She teaches Secondary Science Methods in the GTL program, Duluth.
James Amaral, M.Ed.
Adjunct Instructor
Jim holds various degrees including an M.Ed. from the College of St. Scholastica. As a 7-9 secondary teacher in the Stillwater Schools District (ISD 834), he is licensed in Math, Science and Social Studies. After serving in the U.S. Navy submarine service and working as an executive in the financial industry, Mr. Amaral is pursuing his interest in education, as a teacher. His particular interest is in the application of technology to student learning. Mr. Amaral currently teaches courses in the GTL and M.Ed. programs at CSS.
John Bauman, M.A.
Asst. Professor
John earned his B.S. in Elementary Education from Moorhead State University. His M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction was earned at the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul. John taught elementary students in the towns of Wabasso, MN and Northfield, MN. He is currently working to complete his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership through the University of St. Thomas. John's wife, Pam, teaches instrumental band in the Duluth school district.
Sarah Bryans Bongey, Ed.D.
Academic Technology Coordinator / Adjunct Instructor
Sarah is licensed to teach high school English and she also holds MN State teaching credentials as a K-12 Media Generalist, with practical experience gained in the Wrenshall and Cloquet School Districts. She received her Ed.D. in Teaching and Learning from the University of Minnesota, and has taught for the School of Education since 2008. She received a B.S. in Film Studies from Syracuse University, and holds B.A. and M.Ed. degrees in English/Education and Educational Media and Technology from The College of St. Scholastica. In the area of Special Education, she holds a certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders. In her full time role as Academic Technology Coordinator at St. Scholastica, Sarah has designed and taught numerous online and on-ground workshops and courses. Specific research interests include teaching effectiveness, technology in education, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
Randy Bowen, M.Ed., Ed.S.
Coordinator of Educational Experiences / Instructor
Randy brings 34 years of experience as a principal, teacher and coach to our education staff. Before joining the CSS School of Education, Randy was the 7-12 Principal in the Esko schools, a position he held for 7 years. Prior to that assignment he was the 7-12 Principal and AD at the Willow River school. His secondary teaching experience was at the Hermantown High School where he taught Physical Science, General Science and Biology. While at Hermantown he coached football and basketball for 24 years. He earned a bachelor's degree from Bemidji State University, an M.Ed. from the University of Wisconsin-Superior, and completed his Education Administration Certification at the University of Minnesota-Minneapolis. Randy lives in Hermantown with his wife Marlene and they have two grown children.
Arnoldo Curiel, M.P.A.
Asst. Professor
Arnoldo Curiel holds a B.A. in Human Service from Metropolitan State University, and a M.A. in Public Affiars from the University of Minnesota. He has worked with community and government organizations to reestablish the Frogtown community as a safe and vibrant multi-cultural family environment. Arnoldo has taught several classes with the current St. Paul Chief of Police, at Metropolitan State University. He has created and provided multiple trainings and forums, such as "Multi-Cultural Alliance Building" and "Getting kids through the door and keeping them there", and El Cruce De La Frontera, an experiential learning activity, which provides an oral presentation on the background of Mexican people, a history of Mexico and its relationship with the United States, a physical reenactment of an illegal border crossing, and the immigrant experience. He has provided encampments for youth that focuse on social justice and alliance building. He has done staff development for Americorp, Dunwoody Institute, the St. Paul Police Department and several St. Paul and East Metro Public schools focused on "Understanding the anatomy of the isms." He has facilitated workshops at the Minnesota Association for Runaway Youth Services conference. He has designed and implemented a transitional living program for youth who are transitioning from homelessness to living in a stable environment. He has worked with several community and government organizations to reestablish the Frogtown community as a safe and vibrant multi-cultural family environment. Arnoldo has also begun working on a curriculum that helps individuals become aware of one's own cultural approach to working with diverse youth in the community.
Lora Dagel, Ed.D.
Adjunct Instructor
Dr. Lora Dagel has invested over 30 years in education. She graduated from Concordia University in St. Paul with a B.A. in Elementary Education with an early childhood endorsement. She received her Master of Arts in Education in 1999 and her Ed.D in educational leadership in 2009. Lora has teaching experience in all grade levels pre-K - 6 and has spent time coaching PLCs at both the elementary and secondary levels. Lora is currently serving as the RtI Problem Solving Coach and as the Internal Coach for Minnesota Reading Corps. Additionally, Lora is a member of the AYP Leadership Team for her district collaborating with the staff to improve instructional practice and student achievement. Lora is also an adjunct instructor for the College of St. Scholastica in the Graduate Teaching Licensure program. Lora is committed to the mission of school-wide improvement and student success. Her mantra is, "All children deserve the very best education possible. Our moral purpose, compels us to deliver it effectively!"
Sandra Dunigan, M.A.
Adjunct Instructor
Sandra enters her tenth year in the classroom this fall as an educator in Anoka-Hennepin Schools. Sandra is licensed to teach K-6 Elementary, Middle School English/Language Arts, and K-12 Reading. As a current middle school Language Arts and reading teacher, she also serves on her district's curriculum writing team. She earned her B.A. in Education from Gustavus Adolphus College, an M.A. in Education from Hamline University, and is pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership through Bethel University. Sandra is committed to the mission of school wide literacy, and she continually strives to reach struggling and reluctant readers. Her motto (taken from J.K. Rowling) is: "If you don't like to read, you haven't found the right book." Sandra is an avid reader and runner who lives in Blaine, MN, with her husband and two adorable boys. She teaches Content Area Reading in the GTL program at CSS, St. Paul.
Joan Elton, M.S.
Adjunct Instructor
Joan brings 30 years of teaching experience to the GTL program. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education with concentrations in Music and Physical Education from the College of St. Benedict and earned a Master of Science Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from St. Cloud State University. In the course of her tenure in the St. Cloud School District, she has served as Math and Social Studies Instructional Leader, Academic Achievement Program Coordinator, and St. Cloud State University, College of St. Benedict and St. John's University Communication Liaison for teacher candidates. Joan has a passion for mentoring and inspiring teacher candidates in their journeys to become future educators. She is currently involved in a district committee designed to improve curriculum by writing assessments aligned to state and national standards.
In addition to her positions as a GTL adjunct instructor and teacher in the St. Cloud District, Joan performs musically and is a piano accompanist for various orchestras and choral groups in Minnesota. In her leisure, Joan enjoys reading, attending musical and theatrical performances and running outdoors in all seasons!
Joan has two adult children; one currently teaching first grade and the other pursuing an MA degree and certification in Secondary Education through the CSS GTL program in St. Paul.
Brenda Fischer, Ed.D.
Asst. Professor
Brenda received her Ed.D in Teaching and Learning from the University of MN. Her M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning is from Saint Mary's University of MN, and her B.S. in Elementary Education was earned at Moorhead State University. Brenda is a MN licensed teacher who began her professional career as an elementary classroom teacher. Her research interests include literacy education, assessment, evaluation, and professional development. Brenda lives in Esko, MN, with her husband, Aaron and their three boys.
Pam Fritch-Heib, M.A.
Adjunct Instructor
Pamela received her elementary and special education teaching degrees from UMD, and master's degree from St. Mary's University. She retired in 2008 after teaching 35 years in the Proctor School District. Pamela spent 32 years in the elementary classroom and 3 years teaching high school special education where she also started a work experience program for the district. Pamela coached downhill skiing and track and field for the Special Olympics program while at the high school. She was awarded the "Golden Apple" award, has appeared in Who's, Who's of America's Teachers, and represented the teachers' union at state and national conventions. She and her husband (a recently retired educator) live in Duluth and have 2 grown children and several grandchildren. Her interests include walking her dog, reading, scrap booking, gardening, and traveling.
Gail Gaetz, M.L.S.
Coordinator, Graduate Teaching Licensure, Duluth / Asst. Professor
Gail has 15 years of elementary education teaching experience, 5 years as an elementary classroom teacher and 10 years as an elementary media generalist. She received a B.A. in elementary education from Central College in Pella, Iowa, and an M.L.S. from the University of Iowa. Gail is currently teaching courses in both the elementary education department and the educational media department. Her educational interests include literature-based reading, educational technology, and the Internet.
Thomas Gaetz, Ph.D.
Assoc. Professor
Tom graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Sociology. He worked in retail and wholesale sales for three years before returning to the University to earn a degree in Elementary Education. Tom has fifteen years of teaching experience in grades one through six. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota in Curriculum and Instruction, with an emphasis in elementary reading. Tom's educational interests include the writing process, teaching poetry, and teacher research.
Sandra Gibbs, M.A.
Adjunct Instructor
Sandra taught Health Education to 8th and 10th graders for twenty-one years in the Foley School System. In addition to Health, she also taught Drivers Education for 28 years and computer skills to both Junior and Senior High students. She received her B.S. in Physical Education, Health Education and certifications in Drivers Education and Coaching from St. Cloud State University, and her M.A. in Education from St. Mary's University. She developed the sex education curriculum for the 8th grade, and an advanced computer curriculum for high school.
Whitney M. Gonzales, M.Ed.
Adjunct Instructor
Whitney earned her B.A. in English and Masters in Education from Augsburg college in Minneapolis. She has both international and local experience in general, AP and IB programs, and currently serves as a secondary Communication Arts & Literature teacher in ISD 622, specifically working with students who are at risk. Additionally, Whitney participated in acquiring a grant to develop a high school writing center and served as the coordinator during its development stages. Whitney serves as an adjunct instructor for Hamline University and Augsburg College and is excited to join St. Scholastica. When she's not teaching, Whitney spends time in her garden or curled up with a book.
Daniel Hanes, M.Ed.
Adjunct Instructor
Dan Hanes has been teaching in elementary classrooms in Foley for 20 years. A recent graduate of Lesley University with a masters degree in differentiated instruction. Dan has always used his theater background in the classroom. He lives in Foley with his wife of 25 years and two boys.
Jesse Hinrichs, Ed.D.
Coordinator of Educatoinal Experience / Asst. Professor
Jesse taught high school students for 13 years and served as administrator (Principal/Superintendent) for 13 years. He has a Minnesota secondary teacher's license and a superintendent license. Jesse graduated from Winona State University in Secondary Education, and received his Masters Degree from St. Thomas University in Training and Human Resource Development. He earned his Doctor of Education in Educational Administration (Ed. D.), from Bethel University. His Dissertation study title is: Policy Governance: The Impact on School Board Effectiveness and Turnover.
Jesse joined The College of St. Scholastica faculty in August, 2008, and works as the St. Cloud Graduate Teacher Licensure program coordinator, he coordinates student field placements in St. Cloud and in St. Paul, and teaches educational seminars, courses, and conducts teacher observations and program orientations.
Carol Johnson, M.Ed.
Adjunct Instructor
Carol received her Masters in Education from the University of MN, Duluth. She taught twenty-three years at the elementary level for Proctor and Superior Schools. Since retiring in 2005, she has continued to work part-time in education as an adult basic education instructor for Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College, and as an adjunct instructor with the School of Education at the College of St. Scholastica.
Meridel Kahl, M.Ed.
Asst. Professor
Meridel received her B.A. (English Major) at Augsburg College, Minneapolis, MN, and her M.Ed. at Shippensburg State University, Shippensburg, PA. She has taught English and Speech to high school students for 18 years in Bloomington, MN, Newville, PA, and North Branch, MN. Meridel has been with St. Scholastica since 1986, and is currently teaching Secondary Education courses along with Human Relations, Women's Studies, and English courses. Meridel enjoys reading memoirs, walking, cooking vegetarian meals, gardening, weaving, engaging in stimulating conversations with friends, and trying to relate to her cat, Isadora.
Judy Kreag, M.A.
Adjunct Instructor
Judy has been in the field of Education for more than 40 years. She hase taught most of the elementary grades, worked as a remedial reading and spelling teacher at the junior high level, and helped high school students work toward their GED. She tutored dyslexic students, worked with special needs students, substituted, taught homebound students, and worked as a parent educator at the preschool and high school levels while her daughter was growing up. Judy is originally from California but has lived in the Duluth area for over 20 years. In between California and Minnesota she has lived and taught in Germany, Texas, Colorado, Kentucky, and Wisconsin. Most recently, she has taught in the Masters of Education online program at CSS for four years and the GTL program for three. She has one grown daughter and two grandchildren who also live in Duluth.
Constance LaCombe, Ed.D.
Adjunct Instructor
Connye has taught every age of student from birth to adult in her 22 years of teaching experience as a day care provider, classroom teacher, and workshop leader. She has a B.S. and an M.A. in Mathematics Educationfrom the University of Minnesota, Mpls., and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Hamline University in St, Paul. Connye's special interest is in the application of cognitive psychology to mathematic seducation. Her hobbies include gardening, domestic crafts, reading, andwriting.
Doreene Langason, M.Ed.
Coordinator, Graduate Teaching Licensure, St. Paul / Asst. Professor
Doreene graduated from the University of Dschang, Cameroon West Africa, with a B.A. in English and French languages. Before and after her Bachelor's degree she taught English language, French Language and Religious Education at our Lady of Lourdes College, Bamenda, Cameroon. During her time at the University of Dschang, she assisted with research, provided training and coordinated local language development and adult literacy work with the National Language Development Association an affiliate of the International Institute for Linguistics. Doreene became interested in the concept of teachers as leaders of change and decided to pursue a Master's degree in Education. She holds a Master's degree in Human Resource Development from the University of Minnesota. She served as facilitator, consultant and mediator at the Center for Policy Planning and Performance, and the Leadership Empowerment and Development Group. She is an adjunct Instructor at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, where she is completing her Doctorate in Education. Her research interests include evaluating current professional practices, expanding views on developing human knowledge and skills to effectively address social justice issues and bridging the gap between higher education institutions and workplaces in developing professional capacity for evidence-based best practices.
Beth LaVigne, M.Ed.
Asst. Professor
Beth received her bachelor's degree in Natural Science from The College of St. Benedict. She completed a teaching certificate at UMD, and an M.Ed.from St. Scholastica. Beth has taught middle and secondary level science classes including life, earth, and physical science for 13 years in the Duluth Schools. Her focus is on increasing teacher's abilities to use hands-on science activities that promote critical thinking.
Kathryn Mackin
Adjunct Instructor
Kathy teaches middle school Language Arts in the Mahtomedi School District. She earned her Masters degree in Literacy from Hamline University along with a Reading Specialist license. Her undergraduate degree is from the College of St. Teresa in Elementary Education and Special Education. In addition to her mainstream classroom teaching experience in Reading and Language Arts, Kathy has extensive experience in Special Education and holds three licensures in this area. She is delighted to be able to share her enthusiasm for reading with adult learners at the College of St. Scholastica.
Edward Marsman, Ed.S.
Adjunct Instructor
Edward Marsman was born and raised in The Netherlands. He received Master Degree in Education (specialty field: Special Education) from the "In Via " Teacher Training College in Nijmegen, The Netherlands in 1970. He immigrated to the United States in 1971 and started teaching in the Duluth Public Schools system in 1972, after he received his B.S. degree in Elementary Education from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. He was a Special Education teacher (EB.D and LD) at the Middle School and High School levels before becoming an Assistant Principal in 1992 after obtaining his Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree (K-12 principal, Director of Special Education and Superintendent License) from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. Ed Marsman was a Principal at the Middle School and Elementary School levels until 2004, when he became the Director for Schools Operations in the Duluth Public Schools. He retired in 2005, but continued on as an assistant principal at Denfeld High School the following year. In 2007 Ed became the Coordinator for the Safe and Healthy Schools Program of the Minnesota Institute of Public Health, assisting schools in developing School Improvement Programs.In the Spring of 2010 Ed became a Supervisor of Student teachers for the University of Minnesota-Duluth and now is an adjunct faculty member at CSS. Ed has raised three daughters and three (step) sons. His wife, Carol Valentini, is a local restaurateur.
Melissa McPhee, M.Ed.
Adjunct Instructor
Melissa received her B.A. from Gustavus Adolphus College and her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from St. Cloud State University. Currently, she is working to complete her Doctor of Education in Educational Administration through Bethel University. Melissa has been a classroom teacher in the St. Cloud School District for 24 years. Alongside her teaching, Melissa's professional career includes presenting staff development training initiatives, curriculum writing and standards alignment, vertical teaming, and leading a district technology integration cohort. She is a Minnesota Math Corps site supervisor, Academic Achievement coordinator, and Future Problem Solving trainer and coach. Melissa recently served on the Minnesota Department of Education Social Studies Standards revision committee. Specific research interests include technology in education and best practice teaching. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys writing for children.
Diana Miller, M.Ed.
Adjunct Instructor
Diana received her Bachelors in Elementary Education and Masters in Special Education degrees from Northwest Missouri State Universtiy in 2005 and 2008, respectively. After teaching Level 3 special education for several years in Ankeny, Iowa, she decided to be a stay at home mom to her son, Landon. A move to Duluth, her husband's hometown, in the summer of 2011, provided new opportunities, including joining the St. Scholastica team. Diana enjoys being with her son, now 2, and husband, and is looking forward to the upcoming birth of their daughter. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and blogging.
Patricia Muckala, M.S.
Adjunct Instructor
Patty Muckala received a B.S. Degree in English from Bemidji State University, studied Shakespearean literature at St. Peter's College in Oxford, England, and has an M.S. Degree in English from University of Wisconsin, Superior. Patty taught English at Proctor High School and Middle School for forty years. Over the years she participated in extracurricular as the advisor for the school newspaper, the yearbook, the pompom squad (danceline), Knowledge Bowl, and directed plays. Since retiring in 2008, Patty has worked for National Assessment of Educational Progress, which is the Federal government's program for testing in the schools. She has tutored and taught writing for Upward Bound for the past six years, and has been working for CSS Extended Studies since 2003, teaching classes in their evening program. To this list she now adds working in the GTL program supervising Field Experience III students and student teachers. Her husband David is retired from Duluth's Community Education Program, where he was the director. They have two adult sons. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, trying new recipes, knitting, and walking.
Catherine Nachbar, M.Ed.
Adjunct Instructor
Catherine Nachbar graduated from Cornell College with a B.A. in Secondary Education, Sociology, and a concentration in American History. She started working with the Duluth Public School district in 1997 teaching a variety of social studies courses at Central High School. While teaching at Central she completed a Master's of Education with a concentration in technology at University of Minnesota, completing the program in 2000. Integrating technology into the classroom became an interest of Catherine's while studying at Cornell. She is currently a collaboratory member working with the University of Minnesota Duluth's Arrowhead Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers to use Technology (APT3). The focus of this $1.4 million grant is improving technology integration within public schools. She is also a member of the Minnesota Social Studies Best Practice Network and is familiar with best practice teaching techniques. Teaching students to use technology is one of Catherine's favorite tools to use in the classroom but she wants to note that technology is merely a tool, not a replacement for the teacher. And, the learning process involved with technology continually humbles her.
David Noennig
Adjunct Instructor
David earned his B.A. degree in Elementary Education from Concordia University St. Paul, his M.A. degree in Curriculum and Instruction from St. Thomas University, and his Ph.D. in Educational Administration from the University of Minnesota. Apart from his college classes he has taught at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels. Much of his career was spent as an elementary principal serving three school districts in the Twin Cities area. He also served as a finance specialist at the Minnesota Department of Education.
M. Jo Olsen, Ed.D.
Dean, School of Education / Asst. Professor
Jo is a nationally certified school psychologist, having worked for over 20 years in Wisconsin and Minnesota public schools, and is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Minnesota. She has been an assistant professor in the Department of Education; School Counseling; and School Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, teaching graduate courses, supervising school placements and developing a distance learning supervision model for interns. She has a B.S. in psychologyand sociology, an M.S. in school psychology and an Ed.D. in educational leadership. Her professional interests include organizational change, online teaching and learning, behavioral interventions, positive school climate, and play therapy.
Rachel Payne, M.Ed.
Asst. Professor
Rachel earned her B.A. in English from the University of Rochester. She pursued a career in the media industry in Chicago until she moved with her family to Duluth in 1993. She earned her Bachelor's degree in education from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, and her Master's degree in education from St. Mary's University. She has taught in the Duluth public schools for the past six years. Her academic interests are technology integration, elementary math methods, working with at-risk students, and educational reform. She enjoys reading, gardening, traveling, theatre, and spending time with her husband Bill, sons Connor and Nate, and her dog Cosmo.
Betty Preus, Ed.D.
Assoc. Professor
Betty has taught students from age 6 to 60, including high school English, K-8 reading and special education, a college level special needs course, and numerous graduate level courses in research methods, organizational theory, teaching methods, and reflective practice. She was the School of Education Chair at St. Scholastica, before taking a sabbatical to conduct research. Previously she was at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, as a researcher, administrator and consultant. Her publications are on disability in higher education, organizational change, teaching action research, and technology in teacher education. Betty has a B.A. in English, M.S. in special education, and an Ed.D. in educational leadership. Her interests include innovation in teacher education, organizational change, qualitative research methods, and professional development of teachers.
John Roach
Adjunct Instructor
John began his teaching career in the Anoka Hennepin School District in 1972 teaching sixth grade. He continued as a sixth grade teacher for the next twenty years at Riverview Elementary, Andover Elementary, and Oxbow Creek Elementary schools. During this time he also spent three years as a teacher trainer where he observed and coached teachers as well as presented workshops on Madeline Hunter's "Elements of Effective Instruction", Cooperative Learning, Learning Styles, and Differentiating Instruction. When the Anoka-Hennepin School district adopted the middle school model in 1992, John began teaching sixth grade at Jackson Middle School. During his tenure as a teacher he served on a variety of building and district committees including the Staff Development Committee and the Effective Schools' Committee. He was also active in school leadership serving as a member of the Building Leadership Team at each of the schools at which he was a teacher.
In1997 John was appointed principal of Champlin Elementary School in the Anoka-Hennepin School District. In addition to his responsibilities as an elementary principal, he also worked served on numerous district-wide committees including the Champlin Cluster Staff Development Committee, the Blue Ribbon Literacy Initiative, the Elementary Principals' Math Committee, and was the elementary principal representative on the Superintendent's Extended Cabinet. John also served as president of the Anoka-Hennepin Elementary Principals' Association and the Anoka-Hennepin Elementary and Secondary Principals' Association while an elementary principal.
John retired from the Anoka-Hennepin School District in 2006 after thirty-four years as a teacher and principal. After retiring he has continued to be involved in the district as a volunteer, substitute teacher, and interim elementary principal. He joined the faculty at the St. Paul campus of The College of Scholastica in 2009 as an adjunct instructor in the School of Education and as a Student Teacher Supervisor.
Wanda (Joie) Rogers
Adjunct Instructor
Joie Rogers has been teaching for 21 years. She graduated from St. Cloud State University with a B.A. in Special Education. She received her Master of Arts in Special Education in 2002 from Bethel University, and her K-6 Elementary Licensure as well as her 6-8 Arts and Literature License from the GTL program at the College of St. Scholastica, St. Paul, in 2006. Joie has teaching experience in all grade levels, and K-12 in Special Education. She taught Learning Disabilities, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders and Mild, Moderate Handicapped for 17 years. She currently is teaching 3rd grade in her district. Joie is an active member of her team working on PLC goals to improve student learning and achievement in her district. Joie is also and adjunct instructor for the College of St. Scholastica in the Graduate Teaching Licensure Program.
Judi Roux, M.A.T.
Adjunct Instructor
Judi is currently on a leave of absence from the International Falls School District where she taught Biology, Anatomy, Biotechnology, and Environmental Science courses for the past 15 years. She also taught Anatomy and Microbiology as an adjunct instructor for Rainy River Community College. She received a B.A. in Biology from Saint Olaf College and an M.A.T. from Mankato State University. Judi is currently pursuing an Ed.D .in Teaching and Learning through UMD. Her current interests are research-based instructional methods and effective professional development for teachers. She will be teaching Secondary Science Methods in the GTL and undergraduate programs at CSS.
Annette M. M. Simmons, ABD
Asst. Professor
Annette Simmons is an Assistant Professor in the School of Education at The College of St. Scholastica. She is a Ph.D Candidate at the University of Minnesota and her dissertation examines how Hmong adolescents conceptualize citizenship. She received a B.A. in political science and an M.A. in curriculum and instruction at the University of Minnesota. Previously, Annette taught 8th grade U.S. history at Roseville Area Middle School in Little Canada, MN. She has also instructed social studies education methods courses and supervised student teachers at the University of Minnesota. Her research interests include political socialization, social studies education, educational evaluation, and teacher preparation.
Cheryl Stephani, M.A.Ed.
Adjunct Instructor
Cheryl received her BA in Elementary Education, Science and Math, from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN in 1999. She began teaching in the public schools in 1999 at the Kindergarten and 4th grade levels. She received her MA Ed from Hamline University, St. Paul, MN in 2007, focusing her capstone project on self-regulation in a K-5 setting using current brain-based research in behavior. Other course work included further mathematics and science. Currently, Cheryl works with her school district at the building level to train staff in equity issues. Cheryl began as an Adjunct Instructor for the College of St. Scholastica in the fall of 2008, teaching the Science Methods course for the GTL program in St. Paul, MN. In her spare time Cheryl enjoys gardening, reading and traveling.
Chery Takkunen, Ph. D.
Chair, Graduate Education Programs / Assoc. Professor
Chery Takkunen is the Chair of Graduate Programs for the School of Education at The College of St. Scholastica. Her Ph.D is from Capella University where she focused on educational technology. She received a B.S. in elementary education from the University of Minnesota, and an M.Ed. in science and math education from The College of St. Scholastica. Previously, Chery taught at Churchill Elementary School in Cloquet, MN. She has most recently served on the Minnesota Digital Learning Committee and the Minnesota Academic Standards Committee for Mathematics. Her research interests include educational technology, inquiry based learning, effective online teaching practices, effective assessment practices, and best practice teaching methodologies.
Valerie Tanner, M.S.
Chair, Undergraduate Programs in SOE / Asst. Professor
Valerie began her teaching career at the Bugonaygeshig School on the Leech Lake Reservation, where she taught for three years in a self-contained classroom for children with emotional/behavioral disabilities. Valerie then moved to the Cass Lake-Bena Elementary School in Cass Lake, Minnesota. The Cass Lake-Bena Elementary School is a public school with an American Indian population of 80%. In Cass Lake, Valerie continued to work with children with emotional/behavioral disabilities. After three more years in special education, she moved to regular education and taught in a fifth grade classroom. In 1997, Valerie accepted a position with the Department of Children, Families and Learning-Office of Indian Education as supervisor for the Duluth Field Office of Indian Education. In the fall of 2003, she began to work as an assistant professor for the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN. Currently, Ms. Tanner resides as Chair of the Undergrad Program in the School of Education. Valerie received her B.S. from the University of North Dakota, her M.S. from the University of Minnesota-Duluth, and has taken course work in the Doctoral Program, "Educational Leadership", at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Valerie is an enrolled member of the Leech Lake Reservation and the mother of three awe-inspiring children.
Neil Witikko, Ed.D.
Asst. Professor
Neil received his Ed.D. in Teaching and Learning, with a supporting field of Literacy Studies, from the University of Minnesota. His M.A. is in English from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, and he holds a B.S. degree in English and German from Bemidji State University. Neil is a 30-year veteran of the high school English and German classroom, where he also enjoyed years of directing plays and coaching. His research interests include literacy studies, peer writing groups, and digital literacy. Neil and his wife Richarda have two daughters and a son. In his free time, Neil enjoys playing guitar, running, and camping.
Sr. Clare Marie Trettel, O.S.B., M.A.
Coordinator, Graduate Education Programs
Sr.Clare Marie is a graduate of The College of St. Scholastica and the University of Minnesota, Duluth. Her concentrations were in administration and psychological foundations. She has had a variety of experiences in education that began with teaching upper elementary students. She served as a principal for fifteen years and then became superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Duluth. Her next experience was as elementary coordinator and teacher at The College of St. Scholastica. After leaving the College to serve as prioress of the Benedictine Sisters of Duluth, she has returned as coordinator of the ECI program.
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