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.
Seann Dikkers
Department Chair and Associate Professor of Education | seann-dikkers@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2015
Areas of expertise
Seann Dikkers formerly served fourteen years as a middle school history teacher, high school principal, and education consultant. Dikkers’ work focuses on the integration of new media technologies for formal and informal educational settings. His books, Real-Time Research, Mobile Media Learni. . . read more.
Susan Brooks
Director of 5-12 and K-12 Education Programs | susan-brooks@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1998
Research interests
Teacher conceptions of literature and how they are manifested in the classroom; Preservice teachers' understanding of literary theory; Student engagement
Scott Brown
Professor of Mathematics Education | sbrown@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1996
Areas of expertise
Brown has years of practical classroom experience as a mathematics teacher in the public schools of Cody, Wyoming. He teaches a wide range of courses in both mathematics and education and oversees Bethel's 5-8 and 5-12 math education programs, ensuring compliance with Minnesota teacher licensur. . . read more.
Katharine Churchill
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Art Education | k-churchill@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1990
Areas of expertise
Churchill is currently writing and illustrating a book on painting activities for intermediate and middle school students. Her interests include acrylic painting and art education.
Steven Henkel
Professor of Physical Education | s-henkel@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1986
Areas of expertise
Henkel speaks and writes about creative movement, motor skill development, self-esteem, and developmentally appropriate games for children and youth.
Sandi Horn
Associate Professor of Education | sandi-horn@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1997
Areas of expertise
Horn’s research interests include charter school development, experiential learning for teacher education candidates, and integration of social studies concepts into elementary curriculum. Her teaching specialties include introduction to education and elementary social studies methods.
Bonnie Houck
Associate Professor of Education | bhouck@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2016
Areas of expertise
Literacy
Lisa Kepple
Instructor in Health Education | patlis@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2015
Andre Koen
Adjunct Instructor in Education | ank73572@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2013
Areas of expertise
My focus is in multicultural education in K-12 educational setting and in workplace demographics as they apply to EEO challenges and ADA compliance.
Donna LeGrand
Associate Professor of Spanish Education | legdon@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2001
Teaching Specialty
LeGrand developed and directs Bethel’s Spain Term and works with the World Languages and Cultures education program at Bethel. Her interests include teaching all levels of Spanish, teaching about and applying theories of second language acquisition, and researching reading in a second languag. . . read more.
Mary Lindell
Adjunct Associate Professor of Education | mlindell@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2015
Areas of expertise
I am interested in practices and interventions that support student success in inclusive environments. I enjoy facilitating general and special education teacher development and partnering with schools to better prepare teachers and serve (P-12) students well.
Jill Martin
Associate Professor of Education | jmartin@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1996
Areas of expertise
Martin’s scholarly interests include content area literacy, reflective teaching, and teacher’s use of metacognation. Her teaching specialties include secondary social studies, middle level philosophy and pedagogy, and educational psychology.
Patricia Paulson
Professor of Science Education | patricia-paulson@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1999
Areas of expertise
Paulson focuses her research on trustworthy practices for learning science, focusing specifically on scientific practices. She has led the GEMS program, coordinates the STEM certification program, teaches Life Science Concepts, Applied STEM Practices, and Science Curriculum and Methods at all l. . . read more.
Jolene Pearson
Associate Professor and Director of Early Childhood Services | jolene-pearson@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2012
Areas of expertise
Pearson has focused her research and professional work in pre-service teacher education, professional development for early childhood educators, online education, and infant mental health. Her teaching specialties include premature infants, infant mental health, early childhood special educatio. . . read more.
Linda Probert
Associate Professor of Education | linda-probert@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1997
Areas of expertise
My expertise is in Literacy for K-2 children and Kindergarten education. I am passionate about working with teacher candidates as they learn to teach young children in developmentally, active, and creative ways. My research interest is the importance of play in children's school experience.
Jay Rasmussen
Professor of Education | rasjay@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1997
Areas of expertise
I have now served for 27 years as a teacher educator and I am currently a Professor of Education at Bethel University. My teaching responsibilities include undergraduate and graduate level courses in literacy education and assessment. My administrative responsibilities include serving as a Facu. . . read more.
Mark Rhoads
Professor of Music Education | rhomar@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1988
Areas of expertise
Rhoads teaches courses in church music, music education, and gen. ed. arts courses. He is a member of the Hymn Society of the United States and Canada and is active in discussions on music and worship, with current research in American hymnody, especially the reform movement in the American Pro. . . read more.
Danny Swensen
Professor of Education | d-swensen@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2008
Areas of expertise
Areas of expertise include mathematics and physics education, education technology, and statistics.
Sarah Tahtinen-Pacheco
Associate Professor of TESL | s-tahtinen@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2006
Areas of expertise
30 years experience in teaching & research in: Teacher Education, Bilingual-Bicultural and World Languages and Cultures Ed.; Pre-K -Adult, Curriculum, Assessment, and Instructional Design, ESL/Bilingual/Foreign Language Program, Development & Evaluation, Faculty Development/Teaching Mentor, and. . . read more.
Steven Thompson
Professor of Music Education | s-thompson@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2002
Areas of expertise
Thompson teaches courses in instrumental conducting, instrumental pedagogies, private trumpet instruction, and conducts the Bethel Wind Symphony. Thompson maintains an active performing schedule as a trumpeter in the Upper Midwest and the Eastern United States. He is sought after as a clinician. . . read more.
Geri Von Grey
Instructor in Education | geri-vongrey@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2012
