Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty recently appointed Louise Wilson, Ph.D., to the Minnesota Board of Teaching. Wilson is an associate professor and chair of the Department of Education at Bethel, where she teaches both graduate and undergraduate courses in addition to supervising and advising students.

“I’m honored to be able to serve public education and teacher preparation by serving on the Board of Teaching,” says Wilson. “As we prepare teachers for working in the schools in Minnesota, the board is significant in the design and approval of programs and licensure of our graduates. This will be an opportunity to represent Bethel and our students, but also to represent the wider educational and teacher preparation community.”

Wilson received her Ph.D. in educational psychology from the University of Minnesota. She received a master of arts degree in education of deaf and hard of hearing from Northwestern University (Evanston, Ill.) and a bachelor of arts degree in English and elementary education from North Park College (Chicago). Wilson is appointed as the higher education representative member on the board and will serve a four-year term that expires January 3, 2011.

The Board of Teaching provides leadership for improvements in teacher education programs and assures that the state has well-qualified, professional teachers. The board determines the standards and practices that will serve the state’s teachers and teacher preparation institutions. The board consists of 11 members appointed by the governor.

“Dr. Wilson has a deeply held commitment to excellence in preparing the next generation of K-12 teachers,” says Debra Harless, dean of academic programs at Bethel. “She is keenly aware of the life-changing impact that teachers have in the lives of students, and she is passionate about training highly competent teachers who are committed to the education and well-being of students. She is a wise and energetic leader in the area of teacher education, and I am grateful for her willingness to serve in this significant leadership position.”