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Valerie Struthers Walker, PhD,  is a teacher educator with a passion for children’s literature, inquiry-based learning and working alongside beginning and experienced teachers. She began her career as an elementary and middle school teacher in two international schools: the American International School in Bamako, Mali and the American International School of Vienna, Austria. Dr. Walker joined the Gustavus Education Department in 2010 and currently teaches elementary language arts and social studies methods and supervises practicum and student teachers.

Dr. Walker is active in both local and national professional organizations such as the National Council for the Social Studies, the Minnesota Council of Social Studies, and the Minnesota Council of Economic Education. Highlights of her career include serving on the Notable Social Studies Trade Book Award committee, collaborating with K-8 teachers to publish social studies curricula, and leading professional development workshops on reading and teaching with diverse children’s literature.

In her spare time, Dr. Walker enjoys strengthening her French skills, hiking with her family, and binging the newest Netflix shows with her kids.