ABOUT DR. GIERHART
MIDWESTERN ROOTS
I grew up in Northern Illinois about two hours west of Chicago. I completed all of my education in Illinois, and after finishing my doctorate, I moved to Western Georgia in 2020Â my Wisconsin-born wife, two daughters, and cat.
RESEARCH
My research primarily focuses on critical digital pedagogy and pedagogical design of elementary teachers who consistently integrate technologies. In my upcoming research, I will seek to illuminate the nature of how elementary teachers develop and enact digital pedagogy in ways that diverge from dominant discourses.
PERSONAL INTERESTS
I enjoy traveling, photography, music, film, and pro wrestling. I have been a big New England Patriots fan since I was a youngster and have been to five WrestleMania events.
EDUCATION
2020
DOCTOR OF EDUCATION: TEACHING & LEARNING
Illinois State University (Normal, IL)
2015
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION: ELEMENTARY
EDUCATION (ELEMENTARY CURRICULUM)
Western Illinois University (Macomb, IL)
2009
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE: EDUCATIONAL STUDIES
(ELEMENTARY EDUCATION)
Illinois Wesleyan University (Bloomington, IL)
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2020 - present
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
Columbus State University (Columbus, GA)
2018-2020
ASSISTANT INSTRUCTIONAL PROFESSOR
Illinois State University (Normal, IL)
2009-2020
ELEMENTARY TEACHER (GRADES 1 & 3)
Geneseo CUSD 228 (Geneseo, IL)
CERTIFICATIONS
Level 5
GEORGIA CERTIFIED ELEMENTARY TEACHER
Level 2