Theresa Gillespie, Ed.D

Chair of Graduate Student Retention

Hi everyone, I’m the Chair of Graduate Student Retention here at AOEU. I connected with Jessica Balsley years ago through a Professional Learning Network and was thrilled to join the team in 2013 and begin my dream job! I’ve held various positions over the years, including Associate Professor, Faculty Development Specialist, and Lead Academic Advisor, to name a few. 

I taught elementary art for over twenty years in Northwestern Illinois after receiving my Bachelor of Arts degree in Art Education from Augustana College. I went on to earn my Master’s degree in Education and Technology from Western Governor’s University. I loved giving my students a chance to let their creativity shine in various art mediums and see the pride on their faces as they learned new techniques and expressed themselves artistically. Later in my time in the classroom, I enjoyed showing students how to use technology as another art tool or medium. 

Outside of my work with AOEU, most of my free time is spent with my family. My husband and I have three adult children and are raising our two beautiful granddaughters. Our house is filled with dolls and Legos, lots of noise, and crayon-marked walls, but lots and lots of love! 

When I get time for myself, I enjoy listening to audiobooks and creating as much art as possible. I’ve never met an art medium I didn’t like; however, my current favorites are mixed-media painting and fiber arts. 

Professional Accomplishments

Education:

Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership

Maryville University, St. Louis, MO – 2025

Master of Arts in Education and Technology

Western Governor’s University, Salt Lake City, UT – 2010

Bachelor of Arts in Art Education

Augustana College, Rock Island, IL – 1992

Certificates/Training:

Foundations of Leadership: National Society of Leadership and Success – 2025

Leadership Training with Jessica Balsley – 2021

Assessment Training with Anne Weerda – 2014

PBIS Training – 2012-2013

Publications/Presentations:

AOEU’s FLEX Curriculum Content Producer – 2018

Content Producer for AOEU’s Graduate Course “Studio: Painting – Tempera & Acrylic” – 2016

Empowering Students with Seesaw’s Digital Portfolios, AOE Winter Online Conference – 2016

Taking the Mystery out of Augmented Reality, AOE Summer Online Conference – 2015

Connecting Math and Art Using Digital and Traditional Media, AOE Winter Online Conference – 2015

Content Producer for AOE’s Graduate Course “Advanced iPads” – 2014

Let’s Board the SketchBook Express – Learn to Use the Most Popular App for Artists, AOE Summer Online Conference – 2014

Simple Stop-Motion Animation for the Art Room, AOE Winter Online Conference – 2014

Using iPads in the Art Room, AOE Summer Online Conference – 2013

iPads in the Art Room, NAEA Convention, Fort Worth, TX – 2013

Using iPads in the Art Room, Moline School District Art Dept., Moline, IL – 2013

Boards/Committees:

AOEU Academic Governance Committee – 2023-present

AOEU Curriculum & Assessment Committee – 

District Technology Team – Moline School District 2014-2015

PBIS Behavior Committee – Moline School District 2012-2013

AOEU Accomplishments:

Pillar Award – Pace and Change ( 2022)

Pillar Award Finalist – Lifelong Learning (2021)

Faculty of the Year (2020)

Legacy Award: 5 years (2020)

Other Awards:

Moline Public Schools Foundation Award – 2013

Board of Excellence Award, Moline School District – 2013