Your AU Staff
College of Education
Joen Rottler, EdD - Dean
Dr. Joen Rottler is the Dean of the College of Education (COE) so she works with the Teacher Preparation Program on the Clinton, Iowa, campus. She is the Licensure Officer, and is responsible for graduate programs and new program development in the COE. Since she works with teacher candidates, she believes it is very important for them to realize that they are developing a professional reputation the minute they enter the program. That includes exhibiting the behavior of a role model for K-12 students, demonstrating professional behavior in field-based experience/practicum, and practicing leadership skills throughout the program. "I am a positive person and believe teachers are leaders who make lasting impressions on students. I am an advocate for teacher leaders who believe in service. I find teacher preparation to be a very rewarding field since I am putting my thumbprint on future teachers by developing teacher leaders who serve students, parents, communities and the teaching profession." She holds a Master of Counselor Education from Iowa State University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Northern Iowa. She has experience as a preschool owner, K, 1st, and 5th grade teacher, elementary principal, high school guidance counselor, consultant with the Iowa Department of Education and IPTV, and college professor at Upper Iowa University, Grand View College and Education Department Chair at Waldorf College. Read more about Dr. Rottler.
Cynthia Martinek, EdD
Dr. Martinek has been with Ashford University since July, 2008, and currently serves as the Associate Dean for the College of Education. She holds a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Drake University, a 6th Year Certificate of Advanced Study Superintendent Certificate from Iowa State University, and a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Education from Iowa State University. Her professional experience includes being an adjunct professor at Waldorf College, an Elementary Principal in Belmond, IA, a PreK-Principal/K-12 Curriculum Coordinator in Latimer, IA, a teacher in the Mason City School district, a Research Associate at Iowa State University, and a teacher in Terril, IA.
David Quinn, PhD
Dr. Quinn holds undergraduate degrees from Eastern Illinois University, and Educational Specialist and Doctorate degrees from the University of Iowa. He joined Ashford in Fall, 2008, and will be teaching education and special education courses. Dr. Quinn has served as a teacher at the elementary and secondary levels, a special education consultant, a supervisor of special education instructional services, an assistant director of special education and a director of special education. He has also been an adjunct instructor for Drake University and St. Ambrose University.
Dr. Quinn believes that the following quote from Dr. Haim Ginott provides guidance for all students who wish to become educators.
"I've come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom. It's my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power to make a child's life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated and a child humanized or de-humanized."
Dianne Willging, MS
Dianne Willging is in her eighth year of teaching at Ashford University. The courses she teaches include Foundations of American Education, Principle of Education II, Math for Educators, Math Methods, Diagnosis and Assessment of Reading, Strategies and Techniques for Corrective Reading, and Practicum in Reading. Willging also supervises student teachers and reading practicum students. She received her Master of Science in Elementary Education with specialization in language arts from Western Illinois University. Her Bachelor of Arts degree is also in Elementary Education with a specialization in reading from the University of Iowa. She continues her education with graduate courses in reading and math instruction. She holds elementary teaching certificates in Iowa and Illinois. Her work experience includes K-5 Title 1 teacher, kindergarten teacher, Talented and Gifted coordinator, and 2nd grade teacher. Accomplishments include the Ashford University Faculty Excellence Award in Teaching and Learning with Technology, Who's Who in Education, and the Gold Key Award for Excellence in Education.
Laurie Zahn, MS
Laurie Zahn holds a BS from Concordia University and an MS from Western Illinois University. Zahn currently teaches Elementary Reading Methods, Language Arts Methods for Elementary Teachers, Science Methods for Elementary Teachers, Social Studies for Elementary Teachers, Child and Adolescent Literature, and Secondary Reading in the Content Areas. She has been with Ashford University since 1998.
