Gene Pfeifer
Biography
Adjunct Graduate Faculty
President of Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato MN
PhD University of Minnesota, Twin Cities: Curriculum & Instruction
MS University of Wisconsin, Whitewater: Education, Curriculum & Instruction
BS Dr. Martin Luther College, New Ulm MN: Education
Dr. Gene Pfeifer teaches EDU 5105 Improving Instructional Methodologyin the MLC master’s degree program. Presently, he serves as the President of Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN.
Previously, Dr. Pfeifer was the President of St Croix Lutheran High School and Middle School for 7 years. Prior to that he spent 14 years as a Professor of Education on the MLC campus. While there he taught courses such as Curriculum and Instruction in Elementary and Middle Schools, Teaching Social Studies, Psychology of Learning, and Human Growth and Development. In addition, he served as the Director of Clinical Experiences, providing oversight to the student teaching opportunities for MLC education majors in both their Lutheran school and public school pre-service teaching experiences.
While at Martin Luther, Dr. Pfeifer earned his Ph. D. from the University of Minnesota, majoring in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in social studies education. His supporting field was in child development. It was while at the U of M that he was introduced to the field of authentic assessment. Following his dissertation dealing with students’ perceptions and attitudes toward authentic teaching and learning, he has spoken nationally on the topic. What he most enjoys about teaching Improving Instructional Methodology in the master’s program is that he can continue to work with in-service teachers while they explore the notion of authenticity in their teaching practice.
Pfeifer began his service as principal and upper grades teacher at St. Matthew, Niles, IL, and St. Paul, Menomonie, WI. He thanks God for allowing him to serve in these two ministry settings.
