Courses Taught

EDS 203 - School, Society, and Teachers: In this course, students examine social, historical, and philosophical foundations of schooling and the teaching profession, with specific attention on the individual roles of teachers. Students explore the ways teachers are positioned within the twenty-first century and begin to delve into the complexities and nuances of the field of education in relation to school law, governance, ethics, school financing, and accountability reforms. Students critically examine reform movements; pedagogical innovations in the field of education; and policy changes such as ACT 31 (which addresses the history, culture, and tribal sovereignty of the twelve Native American nations and tribes in WI). Students also begin to articulate their personal philosophies of education through analysis of social class, race, gender, conflicting aims of education, and formal and hidden curricula. 

EDS 206 - Multicultural Education: This introductory diversity course explores the role multiculturalism plays in schools and the broader society. This course examines aspects of identity from anthropological, sociological, historical, political, and economic perspectives and how they intersect in school settings. It uses schools as the site for analyzing the ways in which aspects of minority cultures are addressed and incorporated into educational instruction in public schools. Through engagement with diverse texts, activities, and presentations, it prepares students for teaching and working in increasingly diverse and pluralistic schools and communities, and specifically with minority cultures. Moreover, the course maintains a concerted focus on how students, teachers, parents, and community members experience and perceive schooling in the United States. The students in the course develop a nuanced understanding of cultural representation at the individual, institutional, and societal levels by critically examining key texts as well as their own personal experiences. Finally, the course provides future teachers and all citizens with the analytical and pedagogical tools to ensure that multiculturalism is valued, cultivated, and promoted in classrooms across the U.S.

EDS 311 - Curriculum and Pedagogy for Early Childhood-Middle Childhood/Middle Childhood-Early Adolescence:  The course is designed to consider the nature of a teaching profession, the use of standards in a profession, and responsibilities of PK-12 educators. The role of schools in society will be examined along with the history and politics of school curriculum. Possible levels of curriculum use in schools from knowledge reproduction to curriculum integration will be discussed. Culturally responsive teaching and conflict resolution will be emphasized. 

EDS 492 - Student Teaching Seminar: This seminar course provides an opportunity to discuss and further develop teacher candidates' critical thinking regarding issues of the field and practice of educating school-age individuals. As a result of this course teacher candidates will discuss current issues experienced within their student teaching experiences as well as issues around the areas of professionalism, conflict resolution, and classroom management. 

EFN 705 - Human Relations in School and Society (for School Psychology Master's program): This course explores human differences with special attention to diverse cultural, ethnic, and other group identifications and maintains a concerted emphasis on the intersectionalities between these differences. It examines the interplay between misperceptions and ethnocentric perspectives that foster prejudicial attitudes, actions, and inactions. The course asks students to critically examine aspects of their own identities, including how membership in various social groups affects their sense of being as well as how they interact with others. It highlights the importance of developing a nuanced vocabulary to discuss race, class, gender, sexual orientation, and disabilities through a critical sociocultural lens in order to contribute to a more inclusive and democratic society. Finally, the course considers the important role of education and other public organizations in promoting social justice and diversity in communities.