Tell us about the type of work you do
"I am a professor in the Department of Educational Psychology. Since 1991, I have been teaching writing intensive sections of psychological foundations to pre-service teachers and others. I also teach graduate seminars on university teaching and writing for publication in education, as well as numerous classes in development and learning, educational research, and educational psychology. I particularly enjoy teaching in other parts of the world, so I've taught 22 courses in our college’s Territorial Teacher Training Program in American Sāmoa (TTTAP). I've also taught courses at the College of Micronesia, Chuuk campus. I've recently added to my international teaching experience by conducting workshops at universities in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City – both as part of our COE's international efforts and collaborations."
As a university faculty member, Dr. Iding also contributes regularly to research in her field. You can see a list of her scholarly works here.
How did you become interested in educational psychology?
"After completing my BA degree and without any teaching preparation, I became a 9th and 10th grade English teacher at a private alternative school in Southern California. Over half of my students had been expelled from other schools, making my job challenging and my teaching strategies largely trial-and-error. I started taking education classes at night at CSU Northridge to help me in my teaching. I grew interested in how teachers can best be prepared and in the psychology of learning and teaching, particularly in literacy and science areas. I always knew I wanted to earn a PhD, and educational psychology seemed like the perfect field."
The College of Education offers a variety of advanced degrees in educational psychology. Some can lead to work at a university, others to a career in applied research settings in educational agencies, testing organizations, and profit/non-profit institutions.
- MEd Educational Psychology
- MEd Educational Psychology with a focus on Measurement, Statistics, and Evaluation (MSE)
- PhD Educational Psychology
Why is a degree in educational psychology a good choice?
"Educational Psychology helps us to understand how people learn and how to teach effectively. I believe a basic understanding of educational psychology is useful for anyone – teachers, parents and future-parents, those involved in the business world who supervise and train employees, and those involved in human services."
What are your future plans?
"To see my academic books Becoming a Professor: A Guide to a Career in Higher Education (Iding & Thomas) and A Guide to Teaching at Colleges and Universities (Iding & Thomas) published with Rowman & Littlefield. In my spare time, I also tinker with writing fiction, and it would be wonderful to see my young adult novel, Shark Catcher, about an American Sāmoan boy published, too."
If you are considering becoming a professor at a community college or university, Dr. Iding's books and her career field may be a good choice for you!
Read interviews with students, alumni, and faculty in other College of Education programs.
