Carrie Pfeifer

Dr. Carrie Pfeifer serves as Professor and Chair of the Education Department at Bethany Lutheran College, where she holds the prestigious Browne Literacy Chair and directs the campus literacy clinic providing free community interventions. With over 30 years of K-12 teaching experience, she shapes future educators through comprehensive course instruction across elementary, special, and secondary education domains.

Her academic preparation includes:

• Doctorate in Education (Special Education focus) from Nova Southeastern University-Fischler School of Education
• Master of Science in Education (Curriculum and Instruction) from Minnesota State University, Mankato
• Bachelor of Science in Education from Martin Luther College

Dr. Pfeifer's research centers on evidence-based literacy practices with specialized expertise in autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, and the science of reading. She pioneers inclusive instructional models for private-school settings while advancing neuroscience applications in educational practice. Her work bridges teacher preparation with clinical intervention through the Bethany Literacy Clinic.

Recent publications reveal a concentrated focus on Minnesota's literacy policy implementation and pre-service teacher development, particularly examining field experiences that build reading instruction efficacy. Her scholarship consistently addresses the critical intersection of special education needs and foundational literacy acquisition.

Professional recognition includes the Browne Literacy Chair appointment and LETRS Facilitator certification. She actively contributes to statewide education reform through service on the PELSB Program Review Panel and as a member of Higher Education Literacy Professionals (HELP).

Dr. Pfeifer provides extensive mentorship through 46+ recent courses including Early Literacy, Special Education methods, and student teaching supervision. She leads professional development for Mankato Public Schools and South Central Services Cooperative while directing the Bethany Literacy Clinic's community interventions.

The Bethany Literacy Clinic operates as her primary research and service hub, delivering evidence-based reading interventions to local children while serving as a training ground for education students. She also facilitates Professional Learning Communities studying seminal literacy texts and presents nationally on dyslexia interventions.