Kristina Cerling, EdD

College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Education
  • Professor of Education
  • Associate Provost for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Graduate School

Education

  • BA in English Education, Bethel College Mishawaka
  • MEd, Indiana Wesleyan University
  • EdD, Oakland City University

Courses Taught

  • Secondary Content Area Reading
  • Secondary English Methods
  • Current Issues in Educational Administration
  • Ethics in School Leadership
  • Educational Pedagogy II
  • Student Teaching Seminar
  • Teaching in the 21st Century
  • School Administration Capstone
  • Folklore, Children’s, and Adolescent Literature
  • Master’s in Education Capstone
  • Written Communications III
  • College English

Teaching Focus

Dr. Cerling’s primary teaching focus is school administration and secondary literacy. She spends much time studying teaching strategies, classroom management, and methodology.  Through the National Writing Project and The Olga Lengyl Institute for Holocaust Studies and Human Rights, Dr. Cerling has studied Holocaust Education and Social Justice in America.

Research Interests/Publications

She has published in The Journal of Liberal Arts and Sciences and has presented at many conferences on the topics of building a community in your professional life, Content Area Reading, and Classroom Management. Dr. Cerling has presented at conferences related to Teaching Generation Z and also the use of rubrics in college classrooms.

Committee Service/Offices Held

While in Indiana, Dr. Cerling served on dozens of committees. She was included on a state-level committee at the Indiana Department of Education. Nationally, Dr. Cerling is a trained CAEP reviewer for Education Preparation Providers.  Other committees include: Education Advisory Council, ULead, Secondary Education Advisory Council, Academic Curriculum Policies and Procedures, Early Learning Consortium of St. Joseph County, School City Mishawaka Grades 6-8 Curriculum and Planning Team and more.

Honors/Awards

Holocaust Memorial Library Grant Recipient- Created Anti-Bullying Program, Bethel College Innovation Grant Recipient- Created Cadet Teacher Professional Development Day, Selected Participant: Women’s Leadership Development Institute (CCCU and Azusa Pacific University), Selected Participant: Worlds Apart but not Divided Montana Writing Project (Member of National Writing Project) University of Montana, Target, Take Charge of Education grant recipient.

Previous Professional Jobs

Prior to coming to Higher Ed., Dr. Cerling has been an English, theatre, and speech teacher and also a principal, curriculum director, and superintendent of schools.  She has been the Program Director and Department Chair of Bethel College Education Department.

Personal Interests or Hobbies

Dr. Cerling has been actively involved in her church teaching Sunday School, small groups, and leading activities. She has enjoyed the opportunity to invest in and mentor undergraduate and high school students.  Other hobbies include reading and attending events in which her children participate.