Dr. Thomas Claassen Ph. D. Assistant Professor Director of Bethany Student Support Services Coordinator, Services for Students with Disabilities claassent@bethanylb.edu Ext. 8151 Bethany Academic Support Services

I graduated from Bethel College (North Newton, Kansas) in 1980 with a B.S. in Industrial Arts and a teaching certificate. I started teaching at Salina South (Kansas) in fall of 1981, and stayed there until 2003. In 1989 I earned my Masters, and in 1999 I earned my Doctorate of Philosophy in Education, concentration on Curriculum and Instruction. My primary interest during this time was the evolution of Industrial Arts into Technology Education, and my dissertation compared typical Kansas introductory Technology Education classes with classes in award winning programs from across the country.

After 22 years in one place, I decided a vocational change was in order. I taught a year in Salina's adult education school, and then moved to Bethany to become the Director of Academic Support.

Outside of work, I enjoy reading novels and technological history, and listening to a variety of music. I have one child in college in Minnesota and one in elementary school.  We live in Salina, where my wife teaches kindergarten in a public school, and are active members at Salina Mennonite Church.

I am grateful to be at Bethany where I have a good mix of academic discourse, program development responsibilities, a very helpful faculty, and contact with serious students. If I can be of help, please call!