Languages and Cultures
Our professors are distinguished scholars, active researchers, published writers, and faithful Christians who demonstrate what it means to be both Christ-followers and leaders in their academic fields. As mentors and role models, they play a huge role in the integration of faith and learning at Bethel.
Department Chair
Barrett Fisher
Department Chair | b-fisher@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1988
Department Chair for Languages and Cultures
Faculty
Lisa Bekemeyer
Adjunct Instructor of Languages and Cultures | ldb86486@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2001
I am passionate about teaching language through CI (Comprehensible Input) and TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling). I base my courses on these tenants and strive to help my learners gain a variety of strategies for teaching language through content.
Adjunct Faculty
Brittany Clausell
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Languages and Cultures | bnc22935@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2023
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Languages and Cultures
Laura Elias
Adjunct Instructor of Languages and Cultures | lae29245@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2022
Adjunct Instructor of Languages and Cultures
Emily Isik
Adjunct Instructor of Languages and Cultures | emily-isik@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2009
Adjunct Instructor of Languages and Cultures
Gina Maltese-Preciado
Adjunct Instructor of Spanish Language | gim74778@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2012
Languages: Spanish
Mark Norlander
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Languages and Cultures | mrn26537@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2016
Professor Norlander's teaching experience has involved secondary and post-secondary French instruction since 1979. He and his wife, Sharon have also directed the St. Paul Intercultural Institute at Bethel University for the past 20 years, which is a study abroad program for Japanese and Chinese university students.
Can Sakirgil
Adjunct Instructor of Languages and Cultures | sakirgil@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2023
Adjunct Instructor of Languages and Cultures
Sarah Steil
Adjunct Instructor of Languages and Cultures | scn88976@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2016
Languages: Spanish
Laura Sánchez González
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Spanish | laura-sanchez@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2007
Sánchez González is from Guadalajara, Mexico, and has taught and administered in a K-12 bilingual school. She has a passion for Latin American culture and film.
Becki Tate
Adjunct Instructor of American Sign Language | becki-beckman@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2017
Becki taught in Anoka-Hennepin for 12 years before joining Bethel University.