Dr. Sheryl Reinisch
Associate Professor of Education
Contact Information
MAT Program Director, Associate Professor of Education
College of Education
sreinisch@cu-portland.edu
Education
B.A., Concordia University, River Forest, IL
MEd, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
EdD, Portland State University, Portland, OR
Background
Sheryl joined the faculty of Concordia University in1999, following 19 years of experience in the field of early childhood education. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership, specializing in classroom learning environments. Sheryl was instrumental in developing the early childhood education strand for the Master of Education Degree program at Concordia. She currently teaches undergraduate and graduate level courses in child development, early childhood curriculum, and play in early childhood.
Sheryl began her professional career in Chicago teaching kindergarten and preschool classes. After moving to Florida, she taught 2nd grade for two years before taking the position of director of Prince of Peace Lutheran Preschool and Kindergarten. In her tenure at Prince of Peace, Sheryl taught pre-kindergarten classes, initiated a variety of programs and services within the school, and developed a child and family ministry program for the sponsoring congregation. Under her guidance, the school achieved accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the National Lutheran School Accreditation.
Throughout her career, Sheryl has been actively involved in the field of early childhood education at the local, state, and national level. While in Florida, Sheryl served as President of the Orange County Association for the Education of Young Children, Historian for the Early Childhood Association of Florida, and on advisory boards for institutions such as Mid-Florida Technical Institute and Sea World of Florida. Nationally, Sheryl has served as Chairperson for the Department of Early Childhood Education of the Lutheran Education Association. She has also been a consultant for projects including Faith Alive and the Early Childhood Leadership Academy. Sheryl currently serves on the board of the Oregon Association for Childhood Education International.
Sheryl and her husband, Chris, have been married for over 25 years. They have a Siberian husky named Kodiak. Sheryl enjoys collecting art, gardening, traveling, and spending time relaxing in her backyard with Chris and Kodi.