ED 233: Principles of Elementary and Secondary Education

ED 349: Science and Mathematics for Elementary teachers

ED 325-330: Methods (7-12) with Reading

ED 353 and 355: Student Teaching

ED 263: Educating the Exceptional Person

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I especially enjoy the diversity of my teaching and mentoring roles as a member of Mount Mercy’s Education Division. My teaching assignments span the Elementary and Secondary grade levels, and it is always a pleasure to visit or hear from alums with whom I have worked.

Serving currently as Secondary Education chair and advisor provides the opportunity for in-depth planning so students can meet their goals in an efficient and timely way.  In my years at Mount Mercy I have taught a variety of courses, and my present responsibilities include those on the sidebar. My professional interests include performance assessment, instructional improvement, and in the mathematics area, the development of algebraic thinking.

A few years ago, I received a distinct campus honor when selected as first appointee to the Dr. Thomas R. Feld Endowed Professorship for Teaching Excellence (2002-2004). As part of this appointment, I conducted faculty workshops and consulted with colleagues in relation to the teaching/learning process.  

Prior to Mount Mercy, I was an Associate Professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where I taught a range of undergraduate and graduate courses in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. My background includes an undergraduate mathematics degree, a Masters degree from Rutgers University, studying and teaching in Connecticut and New Jersey, a doctoral degree from the University of Tennessee, and consulting work with teachers and administrators in several states.

Until recently, I served as faculty sponsor of Mount Mercy’s chapter of the Student Program-Iowa State Education Association (S-ISEA). I still participate actively and enjoy getting to know many students outside the classroom. My advisees are always encouraged to become involved in campus organizations like S-ISEA to the extent possible. Personally, I belong to many professional organizations and have built a collection of resources that reflect my cross-curricular interests. Students are encouraged to stop by to browse, borrow, or discuss ideas of interest.

Family life is very important to my husband Jerry and me. We have twin sons who are pursuing graduate study in science. I enjoy running, most often on the treadmill these days, and love to bake bread, read, and learn to paint.

contact me at:
Education Division
Mount Mercy College
1330 Elmhurst Drive NE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402phone 319-363-8213 x1387
email handler@mtmercy.edu

Jan Handler