Bernd Ferner, EdD, is an associate professor of practice in the Curriculum and Instruction Department. He received his doctorate as well as his MS in curriculum and instruction from Portland State University. Dr. Ferner specializes in world language education, elementary mathematics methods, and multicultural education. Currently, he teaches courses on reflective practice, classroom management, curriculum theories, action research, and world language methods. As a cohort leader in the Graduate Teacher Education Program (GTEP), Dr. Ferner considers creating strong relationships with and among students a key element in creating a safe and productive learning environment. Dr. Ferner utilizes his teaching experience in public and private K-12 schools in the U.S. and his home country, Germany, in his work as the coordinator of both the International Teacher Education Program (ITEP), as well as the MA/MS in Curriculum and Instruction Program.
Dr. Ferner sits on the board of directors of Zeitgeist Northwest, as well as the Confederation in Oregon for Language Teaching (COFLT). He established and coordinated a German for Adults program and is co-founder of a German Saturday school here in Portland. In his research, he focuses on teacher candidates’ perceptions of multicultural and multilingual learners, and how to best prepare teacher candidates to use a culturally responsive framework in their teaching.