After teaching in the Department of Teaching and Learning at the University of Iowa College of Education for 23 years, Carol Girdler retired in spring of 2022.

Prior to her time as a clinical instructor, Girdler was a faculty member with the former Department of Health, Physical Education, and Sports Studies for 14 years. Additionally, she taught elementary physical education in the Iowa City Community School District.

“Carol Girdler supported our Elementary and PE Endorsement students for many, many years. She is a dedicated and caring instructor that our students felt supported by in their first semesters in our program,” says Lia Plakans, department chair of teaching and learning.

Girdler came to the College of Education after realizing she could make an impact on the field of education by teaching students to be teachers.

“I will miss seeing the ‘light bulb’ turn on in a student’s eyes and the smile on their face when they understand what I have been talking about,” says Girdler.

Girdler says her proudest accomplishment is the impact she made on her students throughout her time in the College of Education.

“In some small way, I helped to prepare thousands of students to go out and be the best possible teachers that they can be,” says Girdler. “Those teachers then teach thousands of students over their careers. I feel that I have made a difference in the field of education.”

See more from the Annual Report