AMES, Iowa -- Veronica Stalker has been named associate director of Iowa State University's teacher education program. Stalker is an instructor in the department of educational leadership and policy studies for the College of Education and will add her new responsibilities Aug. 15.
"The naming of Veronica Stalker to this pivotal position at Iowa State reinforces the importance and commitment of the university to a strong and diverse undergraduate and graduate teacher education program," Jerry Thomas, interim dean for the College of Education, said. "She has exceptional practical experience working with teachers and is highly regarded in state and national education circles."
Stalker came to Iowa State in December 2004 after 10 years as superintendent of the Waukee Community School District, one of Iowa's fastest growing districts. She earned a bachelor's degree in 1964 in home economics/household equipment from Iowa State; a master's degree in education in 1982 from Drake University, Des Moines; and a doctorate in professional studies in education in 1991, also from Iowa State.
Stalker began her teaching career as a fifth-grade teacher in the Clarke Community School District, Osceola. She later served as an elementary principal for the Clarke Community School District, and as an assistant superintendent for the Urbandale Community School District, before going to Waukee as its superintendent in 1994.
"We know the single greatest predictors of student achievement are the quality of the teacher in the classroom and leadership that focuses on the development of a culture around student achievement," Stalker said. "The teacher education program at Iowa State prepares quality teachers, new educators ready to accept their first position with the skills they need to make a difference in the lives of young people."
For more information on Iowa State's teacher education program, visit http://www.educ.iastate.edu/teached/homepage.htm.