Gwendolyn K. Deger

Greetings! I am an assistant professor of early childhood and special education. I am a lifelong learner who is passionate teaching teachers how to interact with students with neurological and physical differences as well as how to develop instruction that is engaging for students. My educational journey began with my family. I am the oldest of eleven children (yes, you ready that right) and I have two siblings with Down Syndrome. They awoken my passion for working as an advocate and eventually why I pursued the field of special education. I obtained my B.S. Ed. in Special Education and Elementary Education from Millersville University. Post graduation from Millersville University, I spent time working as a Family Supports Specialist, providing in-home and community based services to individuals with neurological differences prior to becoming a learning support teacher. I worked at both the elementary and high school level in providing direct instruction and co-teaching instruction to help students find the most success. Based on student needs, I decided to pursue my M. Ed. in Reading Instruction from Edinboro University becoming a specialist in reading. I decided to pursue my Ph.D. after that in Special Education from Penn State University to further my passion in preparing future teachers. 

After I take my professor hat off, I wear several other hats. I am a parent of three and a guardian to my one sibling with Down Syndrome. I am a gamer and creator, always looking for new ways to create something beautiful. My siblings and I grew up playing games and when I began to learn about gamification of education, I was hooked.