Dr. Thieman's Website

I am a professor in the College of Education at Portland State University, specializing in curriculum and instruction and social studies pedagogy.    I am the department chair of the Curriculum and Instruction Department and also teach in the program.   My research interests include civic engagement, equity and diversity in teacher preparation,   social studies disciplinary literacy,  teacher practice, and instructional technology. 

I earned my doctorate in Educational Leadership at Portland State University, and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. I worked as a high school administrator in Washington and Alaska. Before becoming an administrator, I  helped develop and taught social studies at Howard Luke Alternative School in Fairbanks.  The school attracted a high percentage of Alaska Native youth, and our program featured interdisciplinary as well as subject specific teaching, experiential learning, and differentiated instruction. I also taught high school social studies in Colorado and Illinois.

 I am a past President of the National Council for Social Studies and a past president of the Oregon Council for Social Studies.  I remain active in both organizations.  Currently I co-chair the NCSS First Timers Scholarship program, which provides the opportunity for early career educators,  teachers of color, and social justice allies and those who work in high poverty schools and  serve under-represented groups to participate in NCSS.   

On a personal note, my husband  was a family doctor in Fairbanks, Alaska and is currently a medical reviewer with Care Oregon.   I am an avid downhill skier and enjoy time with our two grandchildren,  gardening, sea kayaking , and camping.