Paula L. Armstrong, M.A., is Assistant Professor of Education

Ms. Armstrong received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Tulane University and her master’s degree in education with a specialization in reading from the University of Michigan. She began her teaching career as a middle school reading consultant in Hahnville, Louisiana, then worked as a middle school reading specialist for the Ann Arbor, Michigan public schools. She then moved from middle school to elementary school and taught preschool, kindergarten and first grade at the Maharishi School in Fairfield, Iowa, where she also tutored children in reading and math for many years.

At Maharishi University of Management Ms. Armstrong teaches courses in the elementary education sequence, as well as a course on exceptional children. Her particular academic interests currently are helping preservice teachers understand the nature of the reading process, exploring the uses of technology in elementary education, and integrating children’s literature throughout the elementary curriculum.

“It is very exciting to be part of the University’s education department. Our teacher education program is unique: students participate in daily group meditation while they are studying to become exemplary classroom teachers.

One aspect of the our education program that I am very enthusiastic about is the high degree of classroom experience that students have even before student teaching. After students have taken some basic "foundational" courses, those who want to become elementary teachers study different areas of the elementary curriculum. During these few months they not only study with a college professor, but they spend almost half their time in local elementary classrooms working with a mentor teacher and elementary students. In this way they gain a high degree of experience even before they are assigned to a class full-time during student teaching. Our students are very enthusiastic about their teaching experiences during our program, the level of faculty attention they receive, and the opportunity they have for personal growth and self-development while at the University.”

Ms. Armstrong has developed and maintains the Enlightened Children’s Literature web site for elementary teachers, students and parents.