Areas of Expertise
Early childhood and elementary education with a focus on the Reggio Emilia model of teaching and learning.  Previously I served on the Indiana Professional Standards Board and was appointed by three different governors.  I am the President of the Indiana Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (IACTE).

Contributions: (published works or studies, conference presentations)

• Creation of the IPS/Butler Laboratory School, a Reggio magent school that opened in August of 2011
• Development of the IPS Shortridge/BU partnership
• Creation of the Indianapolis Reggio Emilia Collaboratie focused on studying the impact on learning using the principles and practices of the Italian model
• Articles on Reggio Emilia published in Innovations, the journal of the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance (NAREA)

Butler Assignment (classes or work duties)
Typically I teach in the METL program or in the University Honors program.

Personal Hobbies
Gardening, reading

Education/Degrees

• Ph.D.-Child Psychology and Early Childhood Education
  
• M.S. in Education-Early Childhood and Elementary Education
  
• B.S. in Education-Elementary and Early Childhood Education

Certifications
Indiana Life License, Nursery School through Grade 8, non-compartmentalized

Professional Credentials
I have been appointed by three Governors to two different state boards and have worked on many child advocacy projects, including testimony to the Indiana Legislature and participating in the creation of policy documents.

Awards/Honors

• Indianapolis Business Journal (IBJ) "Women of Influence" recipient
• Outstanding Educator Award, 2011, Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents
• The Joseph Nygaard Award, 2011, Experiential Program for Preparing School Principals (EPPSP)
• President-Elect, Indiana Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (IACTE)
• Mortar Board Excellence in Teaching Award:  1985, 1996, 2002, 2004
• May 2000, Selected as Faculty Commencement Speaker by the Butler Class of 2000

Association Memberships (professional/educational)

• NAEYC/IAEYC
• Reggio Children International
• North American Reggio Educators Alliance-NAREA
• AACTE/IACTE

Professional Experience
I joined the Butler faculty in 1982.  My focus on Dean is providing high quality teacher education, keeping abreast of school reform, policy changes, and being engaged in policy and legislation that impacts P-20.  Developing new models of school/university partnerships such as the IPS/Butler Laboratory School and the Shortridge Magnet High School partnership are two examples of being a change agent.  Creating learning experiences and environments that will prepare students as 21st century learners is central in leading the College of Education.