Introduction
A firsthand experience tutoring neighborhood children led Dr. Aura Wharton-Beck to pursue a BA and MEd from the University of Illinois-Chicago Circle and an Educational Specialist (EdS) from the University of St. Thomas. Aura began her career as a teacher for hearing impaired students in the Chicago Public Schools. Armed with six years of teaching experience, the Minneapolis Public Schools recruited her to teach elementary and middle school students. Her leadership positions include mentoring and coaching teachers, serving as an adjunct faculty in higher education and as a public school principal.
Aura's passion for arts integration in education led her to create a pint-size orchestra in an elementary school. Among her student-centered achievements, Education Minnesota captured her philosophy of education in a statewide television commercial titled "validatED." The Minnesota Orchestra Showcase Magazine published her essay, "Practice, the Best Homework," which defined her lifelong pursuit of advocating arts education and academic equity for all students. The Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association (MESPA) recognized her for leadership accomplishments in 2012 by awarding her a Division Leadership Award.
Dr. Wharton-Beck earned her EdD degree of the University of St. Thomas College of Education, Leadership and Counseling. She is the recipient of the 2017 University Advocates for Women and Equity Award (Sapientia Award) for scholarly or creative work focused on women. In January 2018, Aura joined the faculty of the Department of Educational Leadership as an Assistant Professor.