Phone: 309-677-3267
Email: dkuester@bradley.edu

Deitra Kuester is an assistant professor of Special Education in the Department of Teacher Education. She teaches courses related to characteristics and methods for students with behavioral, learning and/or developmental disabilities. Among Dr. Kuester's eclectic interests are her research and discovery studies focusing on the behavior and interactions of students with and without disabilities during small groups and/or inclusive settings. In addition, she is exploring new and innovative strategies that target the intellectual and communicative abilities of students with developmental disabilities / autism.

As an Indiana Hoosier farm girl, Dr. Kuester utilizes a hands-on, discovery approach to teaching and learning. She believes students learn best in natural environments that provide appropriate supports for maximum learning. That is, practical, collaborative, kinesthetic methodologies are important to her teaching and learning style. Through these approaches, Dr. Kuester has won several teaching awards from the Department of Educational Studies, the Graduate School for the College of Education, and the College of Education at Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN. She is also a nominated and elected Associate Fellow of the Teaching Academy at Purdue University for whom she continues to serve as a resource to teachers, parents and colleagues. Dr. Kuester also provides support and assistance on several department and university committees for Bradley.

Among Dr. Kuester's experiences, she has taught several years at the elementary and secondary level as a special education teacher and department chairperson. She has provided several in-service workshops and presentations at the regional, state, national and international level. She works collaboratively with a variety of organizations and businesses in and around the community, and continues to welcome collaboration with those who have similar invested interests of improving the education of all learners.

Her interests extend beyond the classroom to include volunteering for Easter Seals, Habitat for Humanity and a nominated and elected board member for ANSWERS (Autism Needs Support WherEverR it Strikes) in and around the Peoria area.

Degrees and Certifications

Dr. Kuester earned her teaching certification in special education and computer education in 1995 from Purdue University, her Masters of Science degree from Butler University, Indianapolis, IN, and her doctorate from Purdue in 2004. She also maintains a license in Educational Leadership and Supervision from Purdue University, as well as certification in Experiential Training from IATTAP, Illinois, and a Level I TAGTeach certification from TAGTeach International.