Education

B.A. Loras College, Dubuque. Iowa; M.Ed. Northeastern Illinois Univ., Chicago, IL; Ph.D. North Texas State University, Denton, TX

Areas of Expertise

middle level learning, instructional methodology, mentoring novice teachers, and English language learning

Interests

reading, travel, and working with first year teachers

Debra Pitton

Professor

Education

Teaching has been a part of my life since I wrestled with kids during swimming lessons back in the '70's. I have taught English, speech and theater to high school and middle school students in Iowa, Texas and Illinois. I have also served on my local school board and worked as an assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in a local school district. My interest in supporting K-12 learners lead to my Ph.D studies in curriculum and instruction. I currently teach middle school methods (EDU 340) secondary methods (EDU 351) and secondary practicum (EDU 368) at Gustavus as well as supervise student teachers. I have authored numerous articles as well as two books: "Stories of Student Teachers" (Pearson, 1998) and "Mentoring Novice Teachers" (Corwin, 2007). I have been on the state board for Minnesota ASCD (Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development) for over ten years, including terms as affiliate president and as state representative to the national leadership council. I enjoy facilitating J-term travel courses to England and Costa Rica as well as consulting with school districts around the country on mentoring issues. My husband Jon and I have three college age children and enjoy traveling.