School of Education

Leadership

Gary Ritter, Ph.D.
     Dean
Molly A. Schaller, Ph.D.
     Associate dean
Alexandra Boyd, Ph.D.
    Assistant dean for school and community partnerships
Benton Brown, Ph.D. 
     Assistant dean for teacher education
Karen Hall, Ed.D. 
     Director of graduate programs

Description

Established in 1925, the School of Education serves as the academic home for undergraduate and graduate programs in education at Saint Louis University. As part of a Catholic, Jesuit institution, the school provides professional preparation grounded in academic excellence, ethical leadership and service to others.

The SLU school’s programs prepare reflective scholar-practitioners who demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions articulated in the school’s conceptual framework. Guided by core values including cura personalis, trust and integrity, social justice, growth and transformation, and reflective practice, graduates are prepared to serve diverse learners and communities across educational settings.

Through interdisciplinary teaching, research, and service, the School of Education advances the University’s mission and promotes innovative, inclusive, and socially responsive educational practice.

About Our Programs

Undergraduate Degrees in Education

The School of Education offers two undergraduate degree programs:

• Bachelor of Arts in Education – A traditional, campus-based teacher preparation program designed for students pursuing initial teacher certification through a range of grade-level and subject-area concentrations.
• Bachelor of Arts in Teaching – A primarily online, practice-based program designed for working professionals and paraprofessionals seeking to complete a bachelor’s degree and prepare for classroom teaching.

Both programs offer multiple concentrations aligned with certification requirements of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

Graduate Degrees in Education

The School of Education offers graduate programs in curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, and higher education administration, leading to the following degrees:

• Master of Arts (M.A.)
• Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)
• Education Specialist (Ed.S.)
• Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) offers multiple pathways for individuals seeking initial teacher certification through alternative-route programs.

The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) and educational leadership programs meet Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requirements for alternative-route teacher certification and for certification as a K–12 principal and superintendent of schools.

Catholic Education

The School of Education offers specialized preparation for service in Catholic schools through designated concentrations within its educational leadership programs and Catholic education pathways within the Master of Arts in Teaching. These offerings prepare teachers and administrators for leadership and service in Catholic schools and systems, integrating professional practice with formation grounded in the Catholic and Jesuit traditions.

Additional Faculty Information

Jennifer Buehler, Ph.D.
Jeannine Butler, Ed.D.
Mary M. Chittooran, Ph.D.
Dannielle Joy Davis, Ph.D.
Karen I. Hall, Ed.D.
Christa Jackson, Ph.D.
Donna Jahnke, Ph.D.
John James, Ed.D.
Jessica Leonard, Ph.D.
Sheldon McAfee, Ed.D.
Joseph Nichols, Ph.D.
Takako Nomi, Ph.D.
Carolyn O'Laughlin, Ph.D.
Kristi Baker Patterson, Ph.D.
Kathryn Pierce, Ph.D.
Mark Pousson, Ph.D.
Molly A. Schaller, Ph.D.
Karen Tichy, Ed.D.
Robert Vogelaar, Ed.D.
Jaime Welborn, Ph.D.
Jo Nell Wood, Ed.D.