Deb PittonFaculty

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 the student teaching seminar (EDU 399) at Gustavus as well as supervise student teachers and I serve as the Education Department Chair.  I have authored numerous articles as well as three books: "Stories of Student Teachers" (Pearson, 1998),  "Mentoring Novice Teachers" (Corwin, 2007) and most recently, "Developing pre-service problem solving skills through case studies (Rowman and Littlefield, 2010). 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 including "Education, health care and poverty in Peru: A service learning experience" which I taught in January of 2010 and 2012. I am a member of Board of Directors of Minnesota ASCD (Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development) and have served as president, secretary and treasurer over the 15+ years I have been involved with this organization. I also consult with school districts on mentoring issues. My husband Jon and I have three adult children and enjoy traveling.

Courses Taught