Valerie WalkerFaculty

Valerie Struthers Walker is an Associate Professor and Lind Professor of Education here at Gustavus. She began her professional journey as an elementary and middle school teacher in Colorado before moving overseas to teach in two international schools:  the American International School of Bamako (Mali) and the American International School, Vienna (Austria). She returned to the United States to complete her PhD in Curriculum, Teaching and Educational Policy at Michigan State University and was thrilled to join Gustavus' faculty in 2010. 

Dr. Walker currently teaches Elementary Language Arts & Social Studies Methods, Environmental Education for Kids, and a first term seminar on diverse children's literature. She enjoys supervising teacher candidates in their elementary practicum and student teaching placements. Her professional and scholarly activities include serving on the board of the Minnesota Council for the Social Studies, chairing the National Council for the Social Studies Notable Social Studies Trade Book Award Committee, and developing curriculum and professional development in collaboration with organizations such as the Minnesota Council on Economic Education and the Open Windows Literature.

Dr. Walker loves cooking, hiking, and playing games with her family.

Courses Taught