The Division of Education is committed to preparing highly effective educators and forward-thinking leaders who make a meaningful impact in schools, organizations, and communities. Serving approximately 200 students annually—making it one of the largest divisions at the university—the division offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, certification, master’s, and doctoral programs designed to support students at every stage of their professional journey.
Students pursuing initial teacher certification can choose between the Undergraduate Educator Preparation Program, which supports more than sixteen degree plans leading to certification in early childhood, middle school, secondary, and all-level teaching fields, and the Alternative Teacher Certification Program, which serves both degree-seeking and post-baccalaureate candidates. Both pathways have a strong record of preparing teachers for success in diverse K–12 classrooms.
Graduate students can advance their careers through the Master of Arts in Education program, which develops expertise in instructional design, curriculum development, corporate training, and nonprofit leadership. The online Doctor of Education (EdD) in Interdisciplinary Leadership offers concentrations in Organizational Leadership and Educational Leadership, preparing graduates to lead in K–12 education, higher education, business, and other professional settings.
Through its innovative programs and student-centered approach, the Division of Education continues to produce skilled professionals who excel as educators, scholars, and leaders. The Division of Education empowers graduates to lead positive change and address the evolving challenges and opportunities within their chosen fields and communities.
Initial Certification Program Options
Traditional Undergrad Educator Preparation Program
Graduate Programs
Meet The Faculty

Donna Kubena, MEd, PhD
Chair, Division of Education
Chair, Undergrad Education Department
Director, Alternative Certification Program
Certification Officer
Holder: Jo Murphy Chair in Education
Office: Tschoepe Hall – Room 212
830-372-8007
dkubena@tlu.edu
Dr. Luigi Penaranda, PhD
Director, Doctor of Education (EdD) in Interdisciplinary Leadership
Associate Professor – Division of Education
Holder: Helen I. Weiss Chair in Educational Leadership
Office: Tschoepe Hall – Room 235
830-372-6062
lpenaranda@tlu.edu


Dr. Amy Barrios, EdD
Director, Master of Arts in Education – Curriculum and Instruction
Associate Professor – Division of Education
Office: Tschoepe Hall – Room 210
830-372-6060
abarrios@tlu.edu
Dr. Shirley Bleidt, EdD
Associate Professor – Division of Education
Office: Tschoepe Hall – Room 209
830-379-6350
sbleidt@tlu.edu


Dr. Chris Bollinger, PhD
Professor – Division of Education
Office: Tschoepe Hall – Room 212
830-379-6050
cbollinger@tlu.edu
Sheri Boos
Lecturer– Division of Education
Office: Tschoepe Hall – Room 216
830-379-6050
sboos@tlu.edu
