Rate My Professor Bette Bergeron

Dr. Bette S. Bergeron serves as Professor in the School of Education and Professional Studies at the State University of New York College at Potsdam. She earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education and master's degree in reading from the University of Maine, followed by a Ph.D. in language and literacy from Arizona State University. Her distinguished career spans multiple leadership roles in higher education. Prior to her current faculty position, Bergeron held the office of Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at SUNY Potsdam from 2016 until 2025. She previously served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Southern Connecticut State University from 2014 to 2016, and as Dean of the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Earlier appointments include Associate Dean of East College, Director of the School of Educational Innovation and Teacher Preparation, and Professor of Education at Arizona State University Polytechnic campus, as well as Professor of Education at Purdue University Calumet. Throughout her tenure in these positions, she has demonstrated expertise in fostering innovative educator preparation programs and advancing academic excellence.

Bergeron's research specializations center on literacy education, teacher preparation, culturally responsive curriculum, and reading strategies in primary grades. She has made significant contributions to the field through key publications, including co-authorship of the textbook Learning to Teach with Billie J. Enz and Michael Wolfe, and Teaching Reading Strategies in the Primary Grades: Engaging Lessons and Activities with Melody Bradbury-Wolff. Notable articles encompass 'Enacting a Culturally Responsive Curriculum in a Novice Teacher's Classroom: Encountering Disequilibrium' (2008), 'What Does the Term Whole Language Mean? Constructing a Definition from the Literature' (1990), 'Power and Classroom Discourse: A Comparative Study' (1993), and 'Initiating Portfolios through Shared Learning' (1997). Her work has influenced teacher education practices, emphasizing authentic learning frameworks and assessment strategies. Bergeron has also engaged in public scholarship, delivering keynote addresses such as at the Cuba TIES 2017 conference, and contributed to initiatives in applied learning and international partnerships during her administrative roles at SUNY Potsdam.