Education

University of Minnesota, (2006). Doctor of Philosophy, Curriculum and Instruction: Science Education major, Mathematics Education, minor. Fresno Pacific University (1999). Master of Arts. Science and Mathematics Education. Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN (1993). Undergraduate minors in chemistry and biology. California State University, Northridge, CA. BA (1975).Teacher certification (1985).

Areas of Expertise

Science and mathematics literacy, inclusion, monarch biology and insect ecology, wild flowers and tress of Minnesota, and and teacher education

Interests

Biology, ecology, natural history, mathematics, science litearcy, environmental and social justice, native gardens, and cello

Michele Koomen

Education
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Although known affectionately by her six grandbabies (Adrianna (6), Owen (4), Ellery (5), Johannes (2), Aiden (2) and Noah (infant) as "Oma", most of us know Michele as someone who cares deeply about children, but also about science and mathematics education. Michele came to Gustavus after many years teaching in the elementary schools and working with inservice teachers. Her professional activities have evolved over the years at Gustavus, shifting from a focus on practioner related activities to research related activities, along the way developing greater collaboration with two specific organizations: Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center and Sci/MathMN Teacher Research Network (TRN).

Michele's research interests do not stand alone or apart from the work that she does at Gustavus Adolphus College in preparing teachers, indeed they are integral to everything that she does here. Michele's scholarly endeavors focus on practices of exemplary teachers in science and mathematics, learning by under-represented youth in science and math classrooms, including youth with exceptionalities and second language learners in regular education classrooms. Michele was selected as one of the members of the Minnesota State Science Standards Revision Committee (2009) where she worked with many other dedicated people, specifically on the Nature of Science and Engineering Standards, K-12. In addition, Michele is involved in two current educational initiatives: one centered around the theme of the Nobel Conference (Water: Uncertain Resource: Linking together teachers and students in science and engineering) and the second working toward developing teacher and teaching and learning exchanges in science and mathematics education between the US and South Africa.

Playing with the grandbabies, counting butterflies, and messing about in a garden provides opportunities for Michele to frolic outside of her professional interests.

Contact Information

Education
Gustavus Adolphus College
800 West College Avenue
Saint Peter, MN 56082

Phone: 507-933-6057
E-mail: mkoomen@gustavus.edu

Courses Taught

• Elem Interdisc Pract
• Elem Math Methods
• Elem Science Methods
• Sci Elem Ed I Lab
• Sci Elem Ed Lab
• Science Elem Educators I
• Science Elem Educators II

Michele Koomen's Schedule