TERRE HAUTE, IN, April 30, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Patricia J. Wheeler has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Dr. Wheeler is a retired professor who was an educator for 50 years, making significant contributions to the field of education and literature. She has dedicated her life to nurturing future educators and inspiring young minds through her work. Now professor emerita, she has published her first children's book with Pat's Pages, and she is working toward publication of two additional books.

After working in the children's department in the Carnegie public library in Brookings during high school, Dr. Wheeler's journey in education began in 1969 as an elementary teacher, first in Belvidere IL, and then in Harrisburg IL. From 1974 to 1987, she served as a library media specialist at Christopher Elementary School, where she opened their brand new library and honed her skills in reading and language arts. She was the first teacher to bring her computer to school to show the kids. She then transitioned to Indiana State University, where she served as a professor of Elementary Education until her retirement in 2019. During her tenure at the university, she was instrumental in training both undergraduate and graduate students, emphasizing innovative teaching methods and literacy. She was especially proud of her role as co-director of the Clinical Supervision Group during work on a three-year grant process with nine other universities, called the Urban Network to Improve Teacher Education. This work led to the creation of the TOTAL program at Indiana State that put teachers-in-training into a full semester teaching intership before student teaching. Her career also allowed her to lead study-abroad programs for teacher ed students in Europe and present numerous papers on teaching methods.

Dr. Wheeler's professional affiliations reflect her commitment to education and literature. She has been a member of esteemed organizations such as the American Educational Research Association, the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, the International Reading Association, the Association of Teacher Educators, as well as Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Delta Kappa, and Kappa Delta Pi. These memberships have provided her with platforms to share her insights and collaborate with fellow educators and authors.

Highly credentialed, Dr. Wheeler earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Supervision from Southern Illinois University in 1987. Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, her educational journey began at Brookings High School in Brookings, South Dakota. The support of her family played a crucial role in her accomplishments; her father's love for reading inspired her lifelong passion for literacy.

Beyond academia, Dr. Wheeler has been actively involved in civic organizations and creative projects. Since 1996, she has served as a state board member, properties chair, stage manager, costume designer, set designer, and sound designer for the Community Theatre of Terre Haute. Other volunteer work included co-directing River City Players Community Theater and Camp Invention for kids. Additionally, she contributes as a Gallery Assistant and a member of the Education Committee at the Swope Art Museum in Terre Haute.

Dr. Wheeler is a firm believer that books can serve as bridges, inviting everyone into the realm of knowledge, and she finds joy in bringing this message to young people and families. Her expertise in reading and language arts has earned her recognition as an authority in the field, with accolades such as the 2024 Firebird Book Award for Children in Arts and Entertainment awarded to her first book, Winnie Acts Up. Above all, she takes pride in being a role model for her seven beloved grandchildren.

In her personal life, Dr. Wheeler enjoys reading children's books (of course), going to the gym and volunteering, as she continues to promote active lifestyles through her writing. Her future aspirations include sharing her books with children and parents worldwide while advocating for balanced screen usage through the concept of being "screen smart" and having "device-free fun."

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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