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Alanna Lienig, Associate Professor for the Education Department, smiles in front of a gray mottled background.

Alanna Lienig

Associate Professor
Department: Education Department
Phone: 507-344-7869
Office Location: Memorial Library 102
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Education

Bethel University, St. Paul – Doctorate: Educational Leadership

  • Special Education Director Licensure
  • Reading Dissertation

Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall – Master of Science: Special Education

  • Reading Thesis

Martin Luther College, New Ulm – Bachelor of Science: Elementary Education

Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato – Associate in Arts: Liberal Arts

Academic Interests

  • Education Foundations/Philosophy
  • Teaching Mathematics
  • Teaching Math in Middle Level Classrooms
  • Curriculum & Assessment K-12
  • Student Teacher Supervisor K-12
  • Teaching English Language Arts & Reading
  • Special Education Law & Advocacy
  • Behavior Management for Students with Disabilities
  • Special Education Planning
  • Behavior Methods and Mental Health for Mild to Moderate Disabilities
  • Teaching Science & STEM
  • Teaching Science in Middle Level Classroom

Licensure-Certifications

  • District Director of Special Education, MN Department of Education
  • K-12 Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities, MN Department of Education
  • K-12 Learning Disabilities, MN Department of Education
  • K-6 Elementary Education, MN Department of Education
  • 5-8 Social Studies, MN Department of Education

Service

  • Sunday School Teacher
  • Summer School Teacher at Burnsville-Eagan-Savage
  • PELSB Site Reviewer
  • PELSB Program Reviewer
  • PELSB Portfolio Reviewer

Presentations/Publications

https://spark.bethel.edu/etd/399

College Teaching Experience

Bethany Lutheran College,  Mankato – Assistant Professor of Education

  • Education Foundations/Philosophy
  • Teaching Mathematics
  • Teaching Math in Middle Level Classrooms
  • Curriculum & Assessment
  • Curriculum & Assessment In Middle Level Classrooms
  • Education Teacher Performance Assessment
  • Student Teacher Supervisor
  • Children’s Literature
  • Special Education Law & Advocacy
  • Behavior Management for Students with Disabilities
  • Special Education Planning
  • Behavior Methods and Mental Health for Mild to Moderate Disabilities
  • Teaching Science
  • Teaching Science in Middle Level Classroom
  • Classroom Management
  • Capstone

Martin Luther College,  Mankato – Assistant Professor of Education

Western Governors University,  Mankato – Clinical Supervisor, Student Teaching

Bemidji State University, Bemidji – Adjunct Professor

Administrative Experience

Lakeville Treatment Center: Christian Family Solutions – Director of Special Services

  • Oversee educational programming for high school students

Minnesota Valley Education District,  St. Peter – Principal & Sped Coordinator

  • K-12 Principal
  • Birth-Age 21 Special Education Coordinator

Redwood Area Schools, Redwood Falls – Director of Special Education Resources

  • BIRTH-AGE 21

Sylvan Learning Center, Director of Teaching – Director of Teaching & Teacher

Teaching Experience

PreKindergarten Through Grade 12 & Age 21 (SPED)

  • Subjects Taught: Reading, Mathematics, Social Skills, Social Studies, Science, Emotional/Behavioral Support, Technology, Business, Accounting, College & Career Readiness, Music, Choir, Theatre, Dance, and Art

Teaching Philosophy

As a professor of education, my teaching philosophy centers on equipping candidates with a broad foundation of research-based knowledge while empowering them to choose the educational philosophies that best align with their ability to implement best practices. I emphasize the importance of understanding a broad base of pedagogical approaches, grounded in evidence-based findings, to foster critical thinking and adaptability in future educators. In valuing Christian education, I encourage candidates to integrate faith-based principles where appropriate, while also stressing the necessity of maintaining neutral, non-biased content in public school settings. By providing a comprehensive knowledge base and fostering autonomy, I aim to prepare educators who can confidently and effectively shape their teaching practices to meet the diverse needs of their students.

Additional Campus Responsibilities

  • Steering Committee
  • General Education Committee

Biography

Dr. Alanna Lienig is a professor of education with over 20 years of experience in various educational roles. She has taught students across all grade levels, including early childhood, elementary school, middle school, high school, and transitional programs up to age 21, covering all subjects. Her teaching experience includes English language learners, general education, and special education students with all types of disabilities. She worked in both rural and suburban school districts, in public and private schools. Before becoming a professor, she served as a special education resource director and K-12 school principal. She now teaches future educators and focuses on current teaching methods and trends.

Hobbies/Interests

Alanna finds joy in a variety of personal pursuits that enrich her life beyond the classroom. An avid reader, she immerses herself in the imaginative worlds of historical fiction and science fiction. At home, her four cats bring daily delight with their playful antics. A passionate traveler, Alanna seeks out new destinations to broaden her perspectives and create lasting memories. Above all, she treasures moments spent with her family, including her two teenage children and her husband, Gary.