Professor of Education

Degrees Earned

Chapman University, Orange, CA, Ph.D. in Education, Cultural & Curricular Studies, 2013
National University, La Jolla, CA, M.S., Instructional Leadership, Curriculum & Instruction, 2001
CSU Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, B.A., Sociology, 1994

Bio

Dr. Kellie Albrecht is an assistant professor of education and lead program coordinator for the Master of Arts in Education (MAED) program. As subject matter expert (SME) for the educational research courses, Dr. Albrecht manages the capstone course content and trains faculty on effective action research facilitation. In the curriculum and instruction emphasis, Dr. Albrecht teaches MAED level courses in the areas of curriculum design, assessment, and evaluation, cultural discourses and educational foundations, and educational research. In addition to working with MAED students and faculty, Dr. Albrecht serves as chair and committee member for multiple doctoral dissertations. Dr. Albrecht is a servant leader and has been involved in institution-wide committees for institutional research, educational effectiveness, and technological readiness. Dr. Albrecht was a committee member for Concordia's Institutional Review Board (IRB), who worked with the board to develop IRB procedures and protocol. Currently, Dr. Albrecht serves on the Educational Effectiveness Committee (EEC).

Prior to teaching in higher education, Dr. Albrecht was an elementary school educator having taught in grades 1, 4, 5, and 6. Dr. Albrecht's experience teaching in urban schools sparked her passion for educating in diverse settings. Her experience working with culturally diverse and underrepresented children led to an interest in English language development and differentiated instructional practices. Additionally, Dr. Albrecht is the mother of four children, her oldest being identical twin boys. Dr. Albrecht's doctoral dissertation was an interpretive phenomenological analysis focused on identifying twins as a cultural group, which investigated individual needs for educating twins. The dissertation is titled, Beyond Bonded Voices: A Qualitative Study with Adult Monozygotic (Identical) Twins.

Dr. Albrecht's experience in higher education includes MAED program development and improvement, teaching undergraduate, graduate, and multiple and single subject credential courses, supervising student teachers in the field, assessing TPAs, and facilitating TPA student workshops.

Areas of Expertise

• Qualitative Research Methods
• Action Research
• Differentiated Instructional Practices
• English Language Development
• Curriculum Design, Assessment, and Evaluation
• Distance Learning
• Program Improvement
• Technological Pedagogy

Executive Director, Doctor of Education Program
Professor of Education

Biography

Dr. Dwight Doering is a professor of education and executive director of the Doctor of Education program. Prior to accepting the executive director position, Dr. Doering was the chair of the Educational Effectiveness Committee (EEC), where his responsibilities included designing the university’s framework for assessment of student learning and review of academic programs, monitoring and guiding program faculty through the program assessment and review processes, and serving as EEC representative on various university-level committees, including Academic Council. Dr. Doering has also held the position of director of graduate research for the School of Education from 2001-2013, where he oversaw the design and implementation of capstone experiences, among other responsibilities.

Before joining the faculty at Concordia University, Dr. Doering served as a research associate at the School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University, where he oversaw the management and analysis of federal and state education data and reported findings to educational leaders and policymakers. Dr. Doering has nine years of teaching experience in middle school settings.

Education

• Ph.D., Educational Leadership, Georgia State University
• M.A., Educational Administration and Supervision, University of Missouri, St. Louis
• B.A., Education, Concordia College, River Forest, IL

Areas of Expertise:

• Learning Organizations
• Organizational Change
• Education Policy
• Assessment and Accreditation
• Evaluation Research
• Quantitative Methods
• Action Research
• Content Analysis

Assistant Professor, Online MAEd

Associate Professor (Resident), Coordinator of Special Education Programs and Teacher Induction

Dean of Education
Professor of Education

Biography

Dr. Deborah Mercier has been a full-time professor at Concordia University, Irvine in the School of Education since 1997 and was an adjunct professor for three years preceding that. She specializes in literacy acquisition and learning disabilities. Prior to arriving at Concordia full-time, she served at the junior high school level teaching English, reading, and English as a second language. She was also a Title One Teacher and a Reading Specialist. Dr. Mercier has also served as principal and assistant principal in a large parochial kindergarten through 8th grade school.

Dr. Mercier earned her bachelor’s degree and a Master of Science degree in Reading from California State University, Fullerton. She holds a Standard Secondary Teaching Credential in English and Geography and a Reading Specialist Credential for grades K-community college. She earned her Ph.D. in Education from Claremont Graduate University. Her dissertation thesis was “The effects of a focused approach to front-loading English language instruction on the writing skills of fourth grade English language learners.”

Beyond her teaching duties, Dr. Mercier serves on the Educational Policies Committee at Concordia University, in addition to being the literacy specialist in the School of Education. She also founded TEAM Learning Center in Orange, CA which provides educational therapy for students challenged by ADHD, learning disabilities, and other needs.

Education

• California State University, Fullerton, B.A., 1972; M.S.Ed., 1976
• Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA, Ph.D., 2006

Professional Experience

Kraemer Jr. High School, Placentia, CA. (Reading Specialist) 1973-83. CME Associates and TEAM Learning Center (Owner/Director) 1978-Present, St. Paul’s Lutheran School, Orange, CA., (Administration) 1994-97. Concordia University, Irvine, CA, (adjunct) 1994-1997. Concordia University since 1997.

Adjunct Faculty

Assistant Professor of Special Education Credentials

Sara Morgan is a graduate of Chapman University, where she earned a B.A. in Communications. After graduation, she continued on to receive two teaching credentials (Multiple Subject and Education Specialist) and a Master's Degree in Special Education. She taught, as a resource teacher, for Lutheran Special Education Ministries, a special day class teacher, for the Westminster School District, and served as a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) and Program Specialist, for the Garden Grove Unified School District.

Sara is pursuing advanced education in Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) and continuously strives to sharpen her teaching practices to model universally designed learning experiences.

Education

• B.A.: 1999, Chapman University, Communications: Speech Communications
• MAED.: 2003, Chapman University, Special Education

Teaching

• Introduction to teaching Diverse Populations
• Typical and Atypical Development of Diverse Populations
• Advanced Curriculum Methods for Teaching Special Populations
• Coping with Stress and Violence in Today's Diverse Classroom

Director of Lutheran Teacher Placement
Professor of Education

Biography

Dr. Becky Peters has been at Concordia since 2000. Her experience includes 20 years in Lutheran education teaching elementary, middle school, and high school. She has written professionally and is the author of Building Faith One Child at a Time as well as curriculum for Lutheran day schools, Sunday school, and vacation Bible school. She has also served as a consultant for various curricular projects of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

Becky earned her undergraduate degree from Concordia Teachers College, River Forest, in 1973. In 1999, she graduated with her masters degree from Concordia, Irvine; and in 2006, completed her doctorate in Christian education from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. Her dissertation was titled "Sanctification and the Role of the Affective Domain in Lutheran Secondary Education".

In addition to teaching in the School of Education, Becky teaches in Christ College in the Church Vocation classes. She is Director of Lutheran Teaching Programs and the Colloquy Program on campus.

Education

• Talbot School of Theology, La Mirada, CA, Ed.D., 2006
• Concordia University, Irvine, CA, M.A., 1999
• Concordia University, River Forest, IL, B.A., 1973

Professional Experience

Immanuel Lutheran School, Mt. Vernon, NY, 1973-76. Concordia Lutheran School, Cerritos, CA, 1982-91. St. Paul’s Lutheran School, Orange, CA, 1991-99. Concordia University since 2000.

Professor of Education

Biography

Dr. DeeAnn Ragaisis was called into full-time ministry for Concordia University, Irvine, in 2007. She is currently teaching undergraduates and graduates in the School of Education both on campus and in the regional cohort programs. Her emphases include teaching Educational Psychology, Classroom Management, and the Educational Research methods courses. One of her greatest joys is supervising student teachers. In addition to serving Concordia, she is also adjunct faculty for her alma mater, Concordia University, Chicago in the Doctoral Program for Educational Leadership teaching courses and mentoring students through their dissertations.

Prior to arriving at Concordia University, Irvine, Professor Ragaisis earned her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction (2005) from Argosy University in Phoenix, Arizona. While completing her doctoral studies, she taught education courses for Ottawa University, Southwestern College, and for the Maricopa Community College District. At the elementary and middle school levels, she taught English and the Language Arts, Reading and Writing, and worked to foster positive classroom management practices. Her dissertation is titled: “The Preparation of Pre-service Teachers to Understand the Warning Signs and Risk Factors of School Violence: A Qualitative Study Comparing Perceptions of College and K-12 School Personnel.” A copy is held in the Concordia University, Irvine library stacks.

Beyond her teaching roles, Professor Ragaisis serves on the Educational Effectiveness Committee (EEC) for the university and is involved in collecting, organizing, and analyzing data for reports required by WASC that demonstrate quality and improvement for the continued accreditation of the School of Education.

Education

• Concordia University, River Forest, IL, B.A., 1989.
• University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, M.S., 1993.
• Argosy University, Phoenix, AZ, Ed.D., 2005.

Professional Experience

Bethlehem Lutheran School, Sheboygan, WI, 1989-90. St. Paul’s Lutheran School, West Allis, WI, 1990-91. John Burroughs Middle School, Milwaukee, WI, 1992-93. Joy Community School, Glendale, AZ, 2000-02. Cathedral Christian Academy, Glendale, AZ, 2002-03. Southwestern College, Phoenix, AZ, (adjunct) 2003-05. Ottawa University, Phoenix, AZ, (adjunct) 2003-07. Glendale Community College, Glendale, AZ, (adjunct) 2005-07. Concordia University since 2007.

Director of Education Institute, Professor of Doctoral Studies,
Professor of Education

Biography:

Dr. A.Y. “Fred” Ramirez is a professor of education within the doctoral studies program in the School of Education, and Director of the Education Institute. Before coming to Concordia University, Irvine, Dr. Ramirez was a Professor of Education at Biola University where he served as graduate chair, led the creation of the online MA courses, directed the schools popular scuba diving club, and oversaw the universities first online interdisciplinary peer-reviewed journal, and interdisciplinary conference on Justice, Spirituality, and Education. Prior to Biola, Dr. Ramirez was as a tenured professor at California State University, Fullerton where he served as graduate chair, teacher educator for secondary education, and was one of the first to embrace and deliver online instruction. During his time as a professor, Dr. Ramirez has served on the editorial boards for the School-Community Journal, Urban Education, and edited the Justice, Spirituality, and Education journal. He has been recognized for his scholarship, awarded as one of the 10 most “influential” for CSUF 40th anniversary, as well as his work in multicultural affairs. Dr. Ramirez has also been a consultant for governments around the world concerning their education programs. A sought after speaker for countries, schools, and teachers, Dr. Ramirez devotes his time serving in his local community, as well as around the world. Prior to his work in academe, Dr. Ramirez was a high school teacher in both parochial and public schools. His passion for working with students proved influential in his creation of the nonprofit EdActs Global, Inc., where he assists in creating leadership opportunities for youth in conducting local and global projects. Dr. Ramirez is also a certified SCUBA Instructor.

Degrees Earned:

• Ph.D. Indiana University, 1999
• M.A. Loyola Marymount University, 1995
• B.A. San Diego State University, 1990

Areas of Expertise:

• Global Education-Partnerships
• Global Consulting
• Intercultural/Multicultural Education
• Qualitative Research
• Action Research
• Social Justice Theory
• Online delivery systems

Assistant Dean at Large

Associate Dean

Biography

Dr. Scharlemann is a full-time Professor of Education at Concordia University, Irvine. She received her undergraduate degree in Education from the University of Missouri, St. Louis and her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Pepperdine University. She earned her Psychology degree from the United States International University in 2000, and is a licensed psychologist.

She has extensive teaching experience in both public and Lutheran schools. She has taught the very young child in the kindergarten and first grade levels, and has gained experience at many other grade levels all the way through the college level. She has served as an assistant principal and has also held positions at Longview Community College and Avila University in Missouri.

She served as a member of the medical staff at Truman Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri. In this position, she was part of the hospital’s teaching team, focusing on mental health and working with the Medical Rehabilitation Department. She also served as an Emergency Room psychologist for over two years.

Dr. Scharlemann has presented many workshops including topics on creative classroom ideas, multiple intelligence, gangs as a culture, classroom stress, body language, and life in the ministry of the church.

Sandra is married to John P. Scharlemann, Pastor of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Diamond Bar, CA. They have an “only” dog, Frisbie.

Education

• University of Missouri, St. Louis, B.S. Ed, 1982
• Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA, M.S., 1991
• United States International University, San Diego, CA, Psy.D., 2000

Professional Experience

Maplewood-Richmond Heights School District, St. Louis, MO, 1982-83. Bethany Lutheran School, Long Beach, CA 1983-87. Immanuel Lutheran School, Riverside, CA, 1988-94. Concordia University, Irvine, CA, (adjunct) 1989-94; (faculty) 1994-2000. Longview Community College, Lee’s Summit, MO. (adjunct) 2000-04. Avila College, Kansas City, MO, (adjunct) 2001-04. Licensed Psychologist since 2002. Concordia University since 2004.

Professor of Science Education; Co-Director of Undergraduate Teacher Credential Programs; Director of MEd

Biography

Dr. Michael Schulteis has been a full-time faculty member in the School of Education since 2003 specializing in science and math education, teaching instructional methods, classroom management and research methods courses, and supervising graduate research projects. His educational research has focused on evolution education in parochial schools.

Dr. Schulteis is currently a mentor for the American Meteorological Society Datastreme program. He also conducts seminars and makes presentations to educators across the United States and from Korea, Japan, China, South Africa, and Australia on such topics as instructional methods and evolution education. Prior to arriving at Concordia University, Dr. Schulteis taught multiple subjects at the junior high and senior high school levels.

Education

• Sc.Ed.D., Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Western Australia
• M.A.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, Concordia University, Irvine
• B.A., Biology: Pre-Med, Concordia University, Irvine

Areas of Expertise:

• Curriculum
• Instructional Strategies
• Common Core Standards
• School Climate
• Assessment of Programs and Student Learning
• Quantitative Methods
• Statistics
• Qualitative Methods

Assistant Professor of Educational Technology

Degrees Earned

• M.A. in Educational Technology - Pepperdine University (2001)
• B.A. in Elementary Education - Concordia College, River Forest (1987)

Biography

Prof. Schumacher is a Lutheran educator and technology integration specialist. The Minnesota-South District of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS), honored Tim as the Educator of the Year in 2003 as he was cited for his accomplishments as a classroom teacher, staff leader, and innovative educational technologist. He has had successful experiences leading and teaching at nearly every level of Lutheran education from elementary to secondary to university. Tim also has served as the director of adult ministry in a Lutheran congregation, and has been a consultant and presenter in a variety of educational settings. Prior to arriving at Concordia Irvine in 2012, Tim had taught for 4 years at a K-12 Lutheran school in Western Australia.

Co-Director of Undergraduate Teacher Education Programs
Professor, Teacher Credential Program

Dr. Stanton teaches EDU 101, the first class all Liberal Studies majors will take; serves as an advisor to Liberal Studies majors; and interviews students for admission into the SOE Credential program.

Dr. Rebecca Stanton has been teaching in the School of Education at CUI since 2005, specializing in secondary teaching methods, classroom management, and differentiated instruction. Beyond her teaching duties, she supervises student teachers and guides students as they write their Masters capstone projects. As a university supervisor of student teachers and as a parent volunteer, she has spent innumerable hours in K-12 classrooms. Her sons' special needs have inspired her interest in how the brain learns and how to set up positive, inclusive learning environments. She presents on various teaching strategies at local, regional, and national conferences.

Prior to coming to Concordia University, Dr. Stanton taught German at the university and junior college levels. She also taught German and beginning drama for 9 years at the high school level, and math and science for one year at the junior high school level. She enjoyed taking students on educational trips to Europe and New York City.

Education

• EdD, Instructional Leadership, Argosy University, Orange County
• MA, German Literature, University of California, Irvine
• Teaching Credential, Single Subject (German, Literature), Concordia University Irvine
• BA, German major, Russian minor, University of Arizona

Areas of Expertise

• Teaching methods, including Differentiated Instruction and foreign language methods
• Mentoring new teachers
• Classroom Management
• Creative learning spaces and activities

Director of Preliminary Teacher Credential Programs

Biography

Professor Heather Vezner first came to Concordia in 2009 as the Field Experience Coordinator and TPA Assistant Coordinator. From 2011-2015 she served as Director of Student Teaching and has most recently become Director of Preliminary Teacher Credential Programs.

Prior to coming to Concordia, Professor Vezner was an early childhood educator and administrator, an elementary teacher, and a parent educator for a grant-funded early education program. Professor Vezner has presented at numerous conferences on topics such as literacy development, creative dramatics, music and movement, and early childhood curriculum.

Education

• California Multiple Subject Clear Teaching Credential, 2009
• Illinois Early Childhood Teaching Credential, 2007
• M.A. - Early Childhood Education, Concordia University, Chicago, 1996
• B.A. - Elementary Education, Concordia University, Chicago, 1993
• Illinois Elementary Education Teaching Credential, 1993

Professor of Education

Asst. Professor of Education

Biography

Professor Karen Wiggins has been at Concordia University since 2006, in the School of Education specializing in Reading as well as Instructional Planning. Beyond her teaching duties she serves on committees such as The China Initiatives, Servant Leadership, and Educational Effectiveness and participates in the Faithfulness and Excellence program. Outside of her teaching duties she has given several keynote addresses and workshops to educators across the United States.

Prior to arriving at Concordia University she taught various grades at the elementary school level teaching multiple subjects and as a Talented and Gifted specialists. Professor Wiggins was educated at Concordia University in Austin, Texas and earned a master’s degree in Reading Education at the University of North Texas.

Education

• Concordia Lutheran College, Selma, AL, A.A., 1985
• Concordia College, Austin, TX, B.A., 1987
• University of North Texas, Denton, M.A., 1992

Professional Experience

Ascension Lutheran School, Landover Hills, MD, 1987-88. Dallas Public Schools, TX, 1989-98. Fulton County Schools, GA, 2001-02. Atlanta Public Schools, GA, 2002-06. Concordia University since 2006.