Education Department

Title: Associate Professor/Program Director
Program: Early Childhood Special Education
Office Location: DL 322
Email: pruittre@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5626

Educational Background:
Ph.D. Oklahoma State University
M.S. Oklahoma State University
B.A. Oklahoma Baptist University

Courses Taught:
Child Development
Child, Family, Culture and Community
Physical Development and Creative Expressions
Liability, Ethics and Advocacy in Early Education
Foundations of Early Childhood Education
Introduction to Psychology
Applied Psychology

Research Interests:
Constructivist approaches in higher education
Epistemological development in adult women
Developmental benefits of interaction with nature
Novice teachers and developmentally appropriate practice

Title: Associate Professor/Program Director
Program: Early Childhood Special Education
Office Location: DL 322
Email: pruittre@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5626

Educational Background:
Ph.D. Oklahoma State University
M.S. Oklahoma State University
B.A. Oklahoma Baptist University

Courses Taught:
Child Development
Child, Family, Culture and Community
Physical Development and Creative Expressions
Liability, Ethics and Advocacy in Early Education
Foundations of Early Childhood Education
Introduction to Psychology
Applied Psychology

Research Interests:
Constructivist approaches in higher education
Epistemological development in adult women
Developmental benefits of interaction with nature
Novice teachers and developmentally appropriate practice

Title: Assistant Professor
Program: Early Childhood Special Education
Office Location: DL 323
Email: jreyes5@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5014

Educational Background:
2008 Ed.D., Educational Organization, University of Illinois
1996 M.Ed., Educational Psychology, Loyola University
1992 B.A., Psychology and Spanish, St. Louis University

Title: Assistant Professor/Program Director
Program: Elementary Education
Office Location: DL 312
Email: obrienan@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5241

Educational Background:
1996 MS University of St. Francis
1990 BA University of St. Francis

Courses Taught:

• Methods of Teaching Mathematics K-9 Undergraduate Level
• Differentiated Instruction Undergraduate Level
• Instructional Methods K-9 with Field Experience Undergraduate Level
• Child and Adolescent Literature and the Fine Arts Undergraduate Level
• Methods of Teaching Language Arts K-3 Undergraduate Level
• Instructional Strategies and Learning Communities for Mathematics in Special Education P-12 Undergraduate Level
• Instructional Methods K-9 with Elementary Field Experiences Undergraduate Level
• Classroom Management with Elementary Field Experience Undergraduate Level
• Elementary/Middle School Student Teaching Graduate Level
• Methods of Teaching Mathematics K-9 Graduate Level
• Instructional Strategies and Learning Communities for Mathematics in Special Education P-12 Graduate Level
• Endorsement Certification Mathematics 6-9 Graduate Level

Research Interests:

• Early Childhood
• Singapore Math
• Brain Based Learning

Title: Assistant Professor
Office Location: DL 305
Email: hlee6@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 834-5139

Educational Background:
Ph.D., Educational Studies, Purdue University
M.A., Gifted Education, Columbia University
B.A., Elementary Education, Seoul National University of Education

Title: Assistant Professor
Program: Elementary Education
Office Location: DL 313
Email: mwilkins1@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5258

Educational Background:
2016 Ed.D., Educational Leadership, Lewis University
2009 M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, Concordia University
2007 B.S., Elementary Education, University of Illinois

Title: Professor/Accreditation and Regulatory Coordinator
Department: Educational Studies
Office Location: DL 132D
Email: huvaerdo@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5885

Educational Background:
1997 Ph.D. Loyola University
1989 M.A. Northeastern Illinois University
1981 B.A. Northeastern Illinois University 

Courses Taught:
Educational Psychology
Instructional Strategies and Learning Communities for Adolescents
Secondary Education Student Teaching

Research Interests:
Improving Teacher Quality

Title: Associate Professor
Program: Secondary/Middle School/Foreign Language
Office Location: DL 132B
Email: kwiatker@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5984

Educational Background:
2013 PhD, Mathematics Education, Illinois Institute of Technology
1997 M.Ed., Mathematics Education, University of Missouri-Columbia
1994 B.A., Mathematics & Psychology, Lewis University

Courses Taught:
Methods of Teaching Mathematics
Elementary Field Experience
Classroom Assessment and Intervention
Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers

Research Interests:
Improving Clinical and Field Experiences for Prospective Elementary Teachers
Mathematical Knowledge of Prospective Elementary Teachers
Preparing Elementary Education Candidates for the edTPA

Workshops, Conference Presentations, Lectures, Events:

Kwiatkowski-Egizio, E. (2014). Preparing Elementary Candidates for edTPA: Documenting Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching in a Coordinated Math Methods Course and Field Experience. 2014 American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education 66th Annual Meeting, Indianapolis, IN.

Kwiatkowski-Egizio, E. (2014). Developing Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching: Documenting Preservice Elementary Teachers’ Experiences. 2014 Association of Teacher Educators Annual Meeting, St. Louis, MO.

Kwiatkowski-Egizio, E. (2013). Preparing Elementary Teacher Candidates for the edTPA prior to Student Teaching: Documenting Experiences in a Math Methods Course. 2013 EdTPA National Implementation Conference, San Diego, CA.

Kwiatkowski-Egizio, E. (2013). Developing Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching: Documenting Preservice Elementary Teachers’ Experiences. Lecture given at Lewis University, sponsored by the Lewis University Diversity Committee.

Kwiatkowski-Egizio, E. (2013). Let’s Take a Tour of the Common Core Math Standards. Professional Development Workshop, St. Norbert School, Northbrook, IL.

Kwiatkowski-Egizio, E. (2013). Family Curriculum Night. Event conducted at Lewis University.

Kwiatkowski-Egizio, E. (2012). Family Curriculum Night. Event conducted at Lewis University.

Title: Associate Professo/Program Chair
Program: Secondary/Middle School/Foreign Language
Office Location: DL 132C
Email: palmich@lewisu.edu
Phone: 815-836-5963

Educational Background:
2009 Ed. D. Curriculum and Social Inquiry, National-Louis University
2003 C.A.S. Administration and Supervision, National-Louis University
1994 M. Ed. Curriculum and Instruction, National-Louis University
1991 B.A. Education and English, National-Louis University

Courses Taught:
History and Philosophy of Education
Pedagogy and Assessment for Effective 6-12 Instruction
Student Teacher Supervision

Research Interest:
Critical Pedagogy
Social Justice and Responsibility
Multicultural Education

Title: Associate Professor/Department Chair
Program: Secondary/Middle School/Foreign Language
Office Location:  DL 336
Email: rentfrla@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5026

Educational Background:
Ed.D.  2007  in Educational Administration from Northern Illinois University
Ed.S.  2005  in Educational Administration from Northern Illinois University
M.S.  1989  in Education and Social Policy from Northwestern University
M.S.  1987 in Neurobiology and Physiology from Northwestern University
B.S. 1986 in Psychology from Culver-Stockton College

Courses Taught:
Instructional Strategies & Learning Communities for Adolescents
Secondary Field Experience
History and Philosophy of Education
Special Methods:  Teaching Science

Research Interests:
Ethically constructs of building level administrators and teachers
Methods of teaching science
Interdisciplinary Teaching and Learning
Reading Instruction within the Science classroom

Recent Publications/Presentations:        

Rentfro, L.D. (2013, May).  Let’s take action:  Applying science knowledge & technology incorporation through service learning projects.  Presentation at the National Science Teacher Association STEM Conference & Expo.  St. Louis, MO.

Rentfro, L.D., & Rentfro, B.B. (2013, April).  How science shapes art – the next chapter:  Sharing student work and reflections.  Presentation at the National Science Teacher Association Annual Expo & Conference.  San Antonio, TX.

Rentfro, L.D. (2013, February).  So you wanted to be a teacher?  10 ideas to make life better for you and your students.  Presentation for the Diocese of Joliet Region 1 Schools Institute Day, Glen Ellyn, IL.

Rentfro, L.D. (2012, July).  So when did I become a brain surgeon…I thought I was a teacher, Part 2:  What the learning brain likes and doesn’t like in the classroom.  Presentation at the Summer Seminars for Educators Session hosted by Lewis University, Shorewood, IL.

Rentfro, L.D. (2012, June).  So when did I become a brain surgeon…I thought I was a teacher, Part 1:  The Brain & Classroom Management.  Presentation at the Summer Seminars for Educators Session hosted by Lewis University, Shorewood, IL.

Rentfro, L.D. (2012, June).  ¿Cuándo me convertí en cirujano cerebral? Creí que era un professor:  El cerebro y el manejo de aula (So when did I become a brain surgeon…I thought I was a teacher, Part 1:  The Brain & Classroom Management.).  Presentations at the School of Pedagogy and the School of Languages at The Royal and Pontifical Major University of Saint Francis Xavier of Chuquisaca, Sucre, Bolivia.

Rentfro, L.D. (2012, June).  So when did I become a brain surgeon…I thought I was a teacher, Part 2:  What the learning brain likes and doesn’t like in the classroom.  Presentations at the School of Pedagogy and the School of Languages at The Royal and Pontifical Major University of Saint Francis Xavier of Chuquisaca, Sucre, Bolivia.

Rentfro, L.D. (2012, June).  Métodos de enseñanza:  Qué está siendo discutido actualmente en los Estados Unidos… (Methods of teaching:  What’s currently being discussed in the United States…Presentation at the School of Pedagogy at The Royal and Pontifical Major University of Saint Francis Xavier of Chuquisaca, Sucre, Bolivia.

Rentfro, L.D., Huvaere, D., & Klump, R. (2012, May).  Green and renewable energy workshop (GREW):  A STEM summer experience for K-8 teachers.  Presented at the National Science Teacher Association STEM Conference & Expo.  Atlantic City, NJ.

Klump, R., & Rentfro, L.D. (2012, April).  GREW:  Green and renewable energy workshop.  Poster presented at the U.S. Department of Education Math and Science Partnerships Regional Conference.   Chicago, IL.

Rentfro, L.D. (2012, March).  Rubrics:  Engaging students in constructing assessments.

Presented at the National Science Teacher Association Annual Expo & Conference.  Indianapolis, IN.

Rentfro, L.D., & Rentfro, B.B. (2012, March).  How science shapes art:  The real science/art connections through content.  Presented at the National Science Teacher Association Annual Expo & Conference.  Indianapolis, IN.

Rentfro, L. (2011, June).  So when did I become a brain surgeon?  What the brain likes and doesn’t like in the classroom.  Presentation at the Summer Seminars for Educators Session hosted by Lewis University, Tinley Park, IL.

Rentfro, L. (2011, April). Using discrepant events to engage students in inquiry-based learning.  Paper presented at the Midwest Association of Teachers of Education Conference, Lafayette, IN.        

Rentfro, L. (2011, February).  Drop the Worksheets!  Inquiry-based Science Instruction for Grades K-8.  Presentation at St. Andrew Elementary School Teacher Institute Day, Romeoville, IL.

Rentfro, L. (2011, February).  Teachers and Ethical Decision-Making:   What No One Warned You About.  Presentation at Aux Sable Middle School Institute Day, Joliet, IL.          

Rentfro, L. (2010, September).  Using research-based teaching strategies to teach Sunday school and to engage children.  Presentation at the United Methodist Church of New Lenox, New Lenox, IL.

Rentfro, L. (2010, August).  So when did I become a brain surgeon?  I thought this was teaching! Presentations at Valley View School District 365U Summer Teacher Institute, Bolingbrook, IL.

Rentfro, L., & Alexander, S. (2008, October).  Staff Meetings & Institute Days:  A Perfect Opportunity to Model Engaged Learning!  Presentation at the 37th Annual Principals Professional Conference & Educational Exhibition,  Peoria, IL.

Rentfro, L. (2008, October).  Parent University:  Learning & Fun for the Whole Family.  Presentation at the 37th Annual Principals Professional Conference & Educational Exhibition,  Peoria, IL.

Rentfro, L. (2008, October).  Toward a code of ethics:  An inquiry into the ethical constructs valued by selected superintendents.  Paper presented at the 13th Annual Values & Leadership Conference, Victoria, BC.

Rentfro, L. (2007, April).  Parent universities:  Family fun and learning nights.  Presentation given at the National Conference of the National Association of Elementary School Principals, Seattle, WA.

Title: Associate Professor
Program: Special/Combined Education
Office Location: DL 124C
Email: bussje@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5627

Educational Background:
2015 Ph.D. University of Illinois at Chicago
2000 Masters Administration Type 75 Aurora University
1996 B.A. Illinois State University Special Education
1993 Joliet Junior College
15 additional Graduate hours completed

Courses Taught:
Foundations Teaching Learning
Instructional Strategies for the Exceptional Learner in the Community
Student Teachers Supervisor
Clinical Instructor

Research Interests:
Inclusion
Autism

Title: Associate Professor/Program Director
Program: Special/Combined Education
Office Location: DL124B
Email: fishermm@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5651

Educational Background:
1996 Ph.D. University of Virginia
1977 M.S. University of Illinois
1973 B.A. Saint Mary’s College

Courses Taught :
Assessment for Learning
Instructional Strategies and Learning Communities for Teaching Reading and the Integrated Language Arts, P-3
Special Education Field Experience
Exceptional Learners in Inclusive Communities

Title: Professor
Program: Special/Combined Education
Office Location: DL 124A
Email: robertch@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5317

Educational Background:
1998 Ph.D. Texas A&M University
1991 M.Ed. Sam Houston State Univeristy
1987 B.A. Stephen F. Austin University

Courses Taught:
Instructional Planning and Performance Based Assessments
Foundations of Teaching and Learning

Research Interests:
Teachers as Leaders
Intergrated Teacher Preparation Programs
Adult Lives of People with Disabilities

Title: Associate Professor
Program: Special/Combined Education
Office Location: DL124E
Email: sturmel@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5624

Educational Background:
2015  Ed.D. Lewis University
2005  M.A. Lewis University
2003  B.A. National Louis University

Courses Taught :
Development and Characteristics of Unique Learners
Approaches and Applications for the Multicultural Classroom
Special Education Clinical Experience II
Special Education Clinical Experience III
Instructional Strategies and Learning Comm. for Social Studies P-12

Research Interests:
Social Studies and Diverse Learners
Social Justice and Equity in Schools