Professor

Eugene Bechen, PhD

Gene Bechen, Ph.D. is a professor of Teacher Education Program in the College of Health and Human Services and College of Arts and Sciences. With a PhD in Music Education from University of Iowa, Bechen has research interests instudent success, study strategies, student learning. Bechen teaches courses in educational technology, history and philosophy of education, and elementary music education.
Strong advocate for the inclusion of technology in the classroom and the development of online course delivery methods.

Contact Us

Contact Eugene Bechen for information on Elementary Education

Ambrose Hall 217

563-333-6380

BechenEugeneF@sau.edu

Education and Training

PhD, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; Music Education
MEA, St. Ambrose University; Educational Administration
MA, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; Music Education
BFAE, Wayne State College, Wayne, Neb.; Music Education

Recent Publications

Bechen, E. (2015). Epilogue: Moving Into the Workplace. In K. H. Phillips (2nd Ed.) Developing the Choral Music Program. New York, NY. Oxford University Press.
Bechen, E. (2011). Miles, R. (Ed.) Teaching Music Through Performance in Band (Solos with Wind Band Accompaniment). Chicago, IL. GIA Music Publications, Inc.
Bechen, E. (2010). Miniature Set for Band. In R. Miles (Ed.) Teaching Music Through Performance in Band (Volume VIII). Chicago, IL. GIA Music Publications, Inc.
Bechen, E. (2009). Ginger Marmalade. In R. Miles (Ed.) Teaching Music Through Performance in Band (Volume I, 2nd edition). Chicago, IL. GIA Music Publications, Inc.
Bechen, E. (2009). Top 10 Ways to Avoid Burnout for Music Education Students. Conn-Selmer Keynotes: May 2009.
Bechen, E. (2009). Burnout and the Beginning Music Educator. Conn-Selmer Keynotes: March 2009.
Coppola, C. (2009). Avoiding the Pitfalls of Teacher Burnout. Teaching Music, Vol. 16, Number 4, January 2009. (interview)
Bechen, E. (2008). Burnout and the Beginning Music Educator. MENC Collegiate: November 2008
Bechen, E. (2008). Top Ten Ways to Avoid Burnout for Music Education Students. MENC Collegiate: August 2008 Newslink.

Courses Taught

Music in the Elementary Classroom

Provide elementary education teachers materials and skills for teaching music in the classroom. Emphasis on basic theory, ukelele, drums, and singing. Twenty-five hours of field experience required for music education majors.

Educational Technology

An introduction to a variety of technologies and media used in the classroom. Learn and use technology in the K-12 classroom through assignments, class workshops, presentations, discussions, and literature. Prerequisite: Pre-Education status. *An additional course fee will be charged.

History and Philosophy of Education

Introduces students to the history of American schooling from the Colonial period to the present. This study includes the legal foundations of education in America, school governance, and the philosophies/philosophers that have influenced teaching and learning in the United States. As a writing intensive course, students will be expected to conduct historical research, read current literature relative to issues impacting schools in the 21st Century, and write a personal philosophy of education based on recognized educational thinking.

Observation/Student Teaching

Directed observation and supervised teaching experience. The student is required to spend a full day, five days a week, for a quarter in the elementary schools and for a quarter in the secondary schools. Student teaching is a full-time professional obligation. Prerequisites: Senior status. *An additional course fee will be charged.

Honors and Awards

Nominee Chick-Fil-A Teacher of the Year Award, Davenport, Iowa, April 2016

"Helping Us Grow" Award (Service Award), Davenport Community School District, Davenport, Iowa, May 2013

Recognized Faculty Member, SAU Honors Program, April 2013

Outstanding Alumnus, Wayne State College, College of Arts and Humanities, Wayne, Nebraska, October 2003

Member, Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honor Society, Indiana State University, April 2002

Member, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, Gamma Omega Chapter, Indiana State University, April 2001

Visiting Lecturer, University of Transkei (UNITRA), Umtata, Eastern Cape, South Africa, May 2001

Teacher of the Year Award, Stephen Hempstead Senior High School, Dubuque, IA, 1994-1995

Teacher of the Year Nominee, Dubuque Community School District, Dubuque, IA, 1994-1995

New Teacher of the Year Award, Clark County School District, Clark County, NV, 1991-1992 (Chosen from over 1,100 new teachers in the district)

New Teacher of the Year Award, Mahoney's Professional Music & Drum Shop, 1991-1992