Faithful leadership guiding the next chapter of teacher preparation at CUW.
The School of Education at Concordia University of Wisconsin is delighted to welcome Dr. Seth Westfall into a new leadership role, one that builds naturally on her deep expertise, servant heart and passion for supporting future teachers.
Westfall has recently been named program director for the Alternative Education and Cross Categorical Special Education Add-On License programs, a role that reflects both her professional strengths and her longstanding partnership with the School of Education.
“We are absolutely blessed to have Dr. Seth Westfall stepping into this leadership role,” shared Dr. Adam Paape, assistant dean in the School of Education. “She has already been a wonderful partner to us through her work in instructional design and assessment, and she brings that same energy, clarity and heart for students into everything she does. We’re eager to see her leadership in action. God is good.”
A trusted partner with a strong institutional presence
Westfall joined CUW in July 2024 as an instructional designer and assessment specialist in the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching. In that role, she collaborates closely with program directors and faculty to design effective, engaging courses across teacher and administrator preparation programs.
Her work includes designing and delivering professional development for faculty on topics such as student engagement, effective rubric design, curriculum development and meaningful assessment practices. She also supports ongoing faculty growth through formative classroom observations and instructional coaching, always with an emphasis on reflective practice and continuous improvement.
In addition to her work behind the scenes, Westfall also serves as an adjunct instructor for in-person undergraduate students, teaching the human learning course. Her classroom presence is marked by enthusiasm, care and a genuine love for supporting future educators.
“She brings incredible energy and passion to her teaching,” Paape noted. “Our students feel her commitment to them, and our faculty value her insight and support. She is exactly the kind of leader we want walking alongside our programs.”
A career grounded in service to students
Before joining Concordia, Westfall served in public education beginning in 1996, with teaching experience spanning preschool through eighth grade. Her first teaching position was in a therapeutic nursery, where she worked with toddlers and preschoolers with autism and significant disabilities, a formative experience that shaped her lifelong commitment to meeting students where they are.
Her career has also included roles as an instructional coach, literacy coach and assistant principal, giving her a well-rounded perspective on teaching, leadership and school improvement. In 2020, she transitioned into higher education as a full-time faculty member in the education division at Alverno College.
Westfall holds lifetime licensure in K-9 education and early childhood special education and earned her doctorate in educational leadership with a focus on curriculum and instruction.
Leading with faith, purpose and a student-centered vision
At the core of Westfall’s work is a deep belief in student-centered education and a clear calling to ensure all learners have access to high-quality teaching. Her leadership is rooted in the development of master teachers, educators who are both highly skilled and deeply committed to serving students with compassion and integrity.
“Seth has such a natural ability to lead with humility and purpose,” Paape shared. “She supports future teachers, faculty and programs with wisdom and grace. We are truly thankful for her willingness to serve in this capacity.”
As she steps into this new role, the School of Education looks ahead with confidence, gratitude and prayerful anticipation for what God will continue to do through her leadership.
Fun facts about Dr. Seth Westfall
- Purple is her favorite color. If it comes in purple, she will probably choose it.
- As an avid reader, she relies on the public library to keep up with her reading habit.
- Baseball is her favorite sport. “Go Brewers!”
Want in?
Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world. The School of Education equips and inspires Christian servant leaders to pursue integrity and excellence in the delivery of educational services within professional and lifelong learning.