Faculty

Our professors are distinguished scholars, active researchers, published writers, and faithful Christians who demonstrate what it means to be both Christ-followers and leaders in their academic fields. As mentors and role models, they play a huge role in the integration of faith and learning at Bethel.

Program Directors & Lead Faculty

Tracy Reimer

Program Director, Professor | t-reimer@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2011

Tracy served as an elementary principal for 10 years before joining the faculty. During her tenure, she led a successful turnaround initiative, transforming a school labeled "Needs Improvement" by the Minnesota Department of Education into a National Blue Ribbon School, recognized for high student achievement by the U.S. Department of Education. Tracy now focuses on the daily actions of school and district leaders that foster a culture of professional learning communities, hold high expecta. . . read more.

Adjunct Faculty

Cheryl Bostrom

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Education | c-bostrom@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1995

My areas of expertise include culturally valid assessment, international education, teacher education, educational leadership, English language learning, scholarly research and writing, and intercultural communication. In addition to teaching and advising at Bethel University, I am serving with TeachBeyond.

Joni Burgin-Hartshorn

Adjunct Instructor of Education | j-burgin-hartshorn@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2008

Educational Leadership, School Safety, Instructional Leadership, Policy and Administration

Cindy Hansen

Adjunct Instructor of Education | cjm54467@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2017

Cindy has been honored to serve God as a teacher and principal in PK-12 public education (Illinois, Minnesota, and Missour) since 2000. She is currently the superintendent of Jasper R-5 School District in Jasper, MO. Her research interests include principal and superintendent career paths, employee turnover and retention, and social, emotional, and spiritual health of both students and adults.

Erica Hering

Adjunct Instructor of Education | e-hering@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2005

Erica is a former elementary school teacher who has served in higher education for 19 years. Erica has worked with the Doctoral and Licensing Program in Educational Leadership since 2006. She also received her doctoral degree through Bethel's program.

Melanie Keillor

Adjunct Instructor of Education | mek94264@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2020

Educational leader committed to Interrupting the status quo. Currently serving Minneapolis Public Schools to identify strong solutions, create structures, and measure school improvement work. Research focuses on SLIFE, immigrant populations, and the under-served.

Michelle Langenfeld

Adjunct Instructor of Education | m-langenfeld@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2007

Langenfeld served as the Superintendent of Schools and Learning for the Green Bay Area Public Schools from 2011-2020. Since retiring in 2020, Dr. Langenfeld served as an education consultant and was elected to serve on the Anoka-Hennepin Board of Education beginning her 4 year tenure in January of 2024. Prior to serving at Superintendent, Michelle served as an Associate Superintendent, Principal, Assistant Principal and Dean the Anoka-Hennepin School District. She also taught in both ur. . . read more.

Scott Moats

Adjunct Instructor of Education | scm44939@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2018

I have been in Christian Higher Education for about 34 years. I have worked in many areas, including teaching, administration, and operations.

Judith Nagel

Adjunct Instructor of Education | j-nagel@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2020

Dissertation Advisor/Reader & Adjunct Instructor

Emily Rustman

Adjunct Professor of Education | emily.rustman@gmail.com | Started at Bethel: 2019

Emily is passionate about developing special education programs for students with special needs; focusing on social-emotional learning, strategic planning and systems theory. She enjoys collaborating and learning with other educational professionals to promote a growth mindset while developing high expectations for all students. Emily is currently the Director of Special Services for Westonka Public Schools.

Michelle Wang

Adjunct Instructor of Education | mfw38922@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2018

Michelle's research interests focus on effective school leadership practices specifically focused on change management. Topics include equity, data/assessment, standards, school reform, and adaptive leadership.

Annette Ziegler

Adjunct Instructor of Education | annette-ziegler@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2010

Annette Ziegler received her masters in educational leadership and administration from the University of LaVerne, CA, and her educational doctorate in educational leadership from Bethel University. She is the Director of State and Federal Programs and Elementary Schools in the Anoka-Hennepin School District. In her 30 years in education, she also served as the Principal of Coon Rapids High School in the Anoka-Hennepin School District and the former principal of Coon Rapids Middle School. S. . . read more.

Emeritus/Emerita Faculty

Craig Paulson

Professor of Educational Leadership Emeritus | craig-paulson@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2002

Craig is a tenured faculty member within the Bethel University Doctor of Education: Leadership in Higher Education Program as well as the Doctor of Education: Leadership in K12 Administration and K12 Administrator Licenses Program. He has moved from full-time to phased-in retirement focusing on Comprehensive Examinations, Institutional Review Board approvals, and dissertation advising.