Dr. Theresa Pedersen

Education:
Ed.D., Liberty University
M.A., Rockford College
B.A., Loyola University of Chicago

theresa.pedersen@nwciowa.edu

Dr. Theresa Pedersen is an experienced public school teacher and administrator who teaches graduate education courses. After earning a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in special education, she was a special education, English, and inclusion teacher for schools in Illinois and Florida. She also served two years as the principal of First Coast K-12 School in Jacksonville, Florida. She also taught at Northern Illinois University, where she was the instructor of the year in the Department of Teaching and Learning. Pedersen served as a full-time faculty member for Northwestern's undergraduate and graduate education departments before transitioning to an adjunct instructor.

Pedersen has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Loyola University of Chicago, a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in special education from Rockford College in Illinois, and Education Specialist and Doctor of Education degrees from Liberty University in Virginia.

+Publications and presentationsPurposeful Co-Teaching: Real Cases and Effective Strategies, Conderman, G., Bresnahan, V., & Pedersen, T. (2009). Corwin Press. Pedersen, T. (2017) 'Let Their Voices Be Heard: Self-Determination and Elementary Student Participation in the Individual Education Plan,' NASET Special Educator E-journal, 2017. Conderman, G., & Pedersen, T. (2010) 'Preparing Students with Mild Disabilities for Taking State and District Tests,' Intervention in School and Clinic, 45(4), 232-241. Conderman, G., & Pedersen, T. (2007). 'Twenty Ways to Avoid the Tutoring Trap,' Intervention in School and Clinic, 43(4), 85-89. Conderman, G., & Pedersen, T. (2006). 'Supporting Student Teachers,' NASSP Bulletin, 90(4), 1-8.

+Professional experienceSpecial Education Teacher-Leader and Continuous School Improvement Coordinator/Professional Learning, Netzaberg Elementary School, 2014-2020 Principal, First Coast K-12 School, Jacksonville, FL, 2012-14 8th Grade Inclusion Teacher, Charles E. Bennett Elementary School, Clay County, Florida, 2011-12 Sure-Start Teacher/Substitute, John O. Arun Elementary School, 2009-10 7th Grade English Teacher, Eisenhower Middle School, Rockford, Illinois, 2007-09 Instructor/Special and Early Education, Northern Illinois University, 2004-07 Instructor/Adult Developmental Education and Reading, Rock Valley College, 2001-05 5th/8th Grade Special Education Teacher, Harvard Junior High School, Harvard, Illinois, 1999-2002

+HonorsTeacher of the Year Finalist, Department of Defense Education Activity Europe East, 2017-18 Instructor of the Year, Department of Teaching and Learning, Northern Illinois University, 2006 Student Teacher of the Year, Master of Arts in Teaching program, Rockford College, 1999