Dr. Derek Brower '89 Associate Professor of Education; Department Chair
Education:
Ed.D., Montana State University
M.Ed., Western Washington University
B.A., Western Washington University
B.A., Northwestern College
712-707-7032
dbrower@nwciowa.edu
VPH 300C
Dr. Brower brings a global perspective and extensive classroom experience to his position on the education faculty, having taught secondary science for 12 years at schools in Iowa, Botswana, the Marshall Islands and Thailand. He graduated from Northwestern College with a major in philosophy and earned a second degree in science education and a master’s degree in technology education from Western Washington University. He completed a Doctor of Education degree at Montana State University, where his research focused on science education curriculum and instruction. A former assistant youth director, Brower has been active in mission trips with high school students and taught physical science at the College of the Marshall Islands.
EDU227 - Instructional Technology
(2 credits) This course enables students to develop proficiency with a variety of technologies available for classroom instruction. It also provides insights and tools that would apply to 1:1 classrooms, flipped classrooms and online learning. Most of the coursework is based as students demonstrate basic working knowledge of various tools and equipment.
EDU328 - Teaching Science in the Elementary Classroom
(3 credits) A foundational course for the teaching of science at the elementary and middle school levels. Candidates will understand and utilize materials, lesson design, methods and procedures to teach earth and space science. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education Program. Note: This course includes a field experience. Candidates must earn a "C" or better to fulfill program requirements for elementary licensure.
NSC308 - Methods of Teaching Secondary Natural Science
(3 credits, alternate years, consult department) A study of the techniques and materials for teaching natural science at the secondary school level (for biology and chemistry majors). This course requires a 30-hour practicum and is required of each candidate seeking an endorsement in this content area. Prerequisite: upperclassman. Notes: Credit does not count toward the major or minor. See course offerings under biology, chemistry and physics.
Professor Brower has taught secondary science for twelve years before joining the faculty of NWC. Most of that time was spent teaching overseas. His teaching experience has included the U.S. Peace Corps in Botswana Africa, teaching on a U.S. military base in the Pacific, teaching missionary kids overseas in Thailand, and teaching at a public high school in Iowa.
Iowa Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
National Science Teacher Association
North Central Association of Science Teacher Educators
