Triangle Copy careerplus-badges careerplus-degree Created with Sketch. careerplus-employers Created with Sketch. careerplus-faq Created with Sketch. careerplus-individuals Created with Sketch. careerplus-local-experts Created with Sketch. careerplus-pricing careerplus-registration Created with Sketch. careerplus-responsive Created with Sketch. careerplus-self-paced Created with Sketch. careerplus-stackable Created with Sketch. + Facebook LinkedIn PinterestRSS Instagram Twitter Vine

Campus Closed on February 12

Due to the forecasted inclement weather, the Clarke University campus will be closed on Wednesday, February 12. All classes and events are canceled.

Faculty and staff are excused from work, however, essential employees should report to campus unless otherwise advised by their supervisor.   

Hours of Operation 
The Dining Hall will operate for lunch and dinner during normal hours.

Café 1843 will be closed. 

The library will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.  

The Kehl Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Practices are canceled except for teams with competition the next day. 

Clarke University Logo
Portrait of Paula Schmidt

Paula Schmidt, Ed.D.

Professor of Education

Educational Background

University of Northern Iowa , Ed.D. in Special Education, Emphasis:  Inclusive Leadership, 2008

Marian College, Fond du Lac, WI, Master of Arts in Education, Emphasis:  Students At-Risk, 2000

Winona State University, Winona, MN, Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education & Special Education, Licensures: Elementary Education · Learning Disabilities (K-12) · Mild to Moderate Mentally Impaired (K-12), Emphasis: Spanish, 1997

Teaching Philosophy

I believe that all students bring unique experiences, perceptions and abilities to the classroom. These differences shape who they are and how they interpret the material being presented. I believe in embracing, not stifling, these differences in my students. My teaching philosophy is based on the constructivist learning theory. I believe that it is my role to create and maintain a classroom environment that allows students to construct, deconstruct and reconstruct their learning in alignment with the content presented.

The relationships I have formed with students, faculty and staff at Clarke are the best part of working here. Clarke is truly a caring, learning community committed to excellence in education. I see and feel it daily at Clarke.

Paula Schmidt

Profile

Professional Background

Iowa licensure (currently held):

  •                   K-6 Teacher Elem Classroom
  •                   K-6 Mildly Disabled
  •                   K-6 Mentally Disabled Mild/Moderate
  •                   7-12 Mental Disabled Mild/Moderate
  •                   K-6 Learning Disabilities
  •                   7-12 Learning Disabilities
  •                   K-6 Multicategorical Special Class Intg
  •                   7-12 Multicategorical Special Class Intg
  •                   K-6 Instructional Strategist I: Mild/Moderate
  •                   7-12 Instructional Strategist I: Mild/Moderate

Wisconsin licensure (previously held):

  •                   Alternative Education Program Middle/secondary (grades 6-12)
  •                   Pre-K through grade 12 Cognitive Disability
  •                   Pre-K through grade 12 Learning Disability
  •                   Elementary 1st-6th grade

Research Interests

  • Special education
  • Differentiation
  • Professional Development Schools
  • Adolescent learner
  • How people learn

Certifications and Memberships

  • American Educational Research Association (AERA)
  • Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
  • National Association of Professional Development Schools
  • National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET)
  • Iowa Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (IACTE)
  • American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (AACTE)
  • Phi Delta Kappa International
  • Iowa Association for Professional Development Schools – Executive Board member 2012-Present
  • Member of the Iowa Educator Preparation State Panel (2016- present)