معرفی
Dr. Theresa Pedersen is an Assistant Professor of Education at Northwestern College (IA), currently serving in an adjunct capacity. With a career spanning over two decades, she has held roles as a K-12 teacher, principal, teacher-educator, and continuous-improvement coordinator in both U.S. public schools and Department of Defense schools in Europe.
Education:
- Ed.D. – Liberty University
- M.A. in Teaching (Special Education) – Rockford College
- B.A. in Journalism – Loyola University of Chicago
Research & Teaching Focus:
Her scholarship centers on inclusive practices for students with mild disabilities, purposeful co-teaching models, and self-determination in individualized education planning. Through peer-reviewed articles, practitioner-oriented books, and professional presentations, she translates evidence-based strategies into actionable guidance for educators.
Publications Overview:
Across 2006–2017, Dr. Pedersen co-authored works that collectively address high-quality instruction for students with special needs, test-preparation supports, effective mentoring of novice teachers, and frameworks for collaborative teaching. These contributions sit at the intersection of special-education policy, classroom practice, and teacher preparation.
Awards & Recognition:
- Teacher of the Year Finalist, DoDEA Europe East (2017–18)
- Instructor of the Year, Northern Illinois University, Dept. of Teaching & Learning (2006)
- Student Teacher of the Year, Rockford College (1999)
Advising & Service:
Dr. Pedersen has guided graduate students in Northwestern’s Master of Education programs, focusing on teacher leadership, special-education endorsements, and early-childhood education. She has also led professional-learning initiatives for K-12 faculties in Illinois, Florida, and Germany, emphasizing data-driven instruction and inclusive pedagogies.
Laboratory & Outreach Work:
While not tied to a single named laboratory, her applied research occurs in authentic classroom settings—ranging from elementary inclusion rooms to middle-school English classes and K-12 administrative offices—where she pilots co-teaching protocols and evaluates their impact on student outcomes and teacher efficacy.
