Ph.D., Human Development and Educational Psychology, University of South Dakota, 2023

Ed.S., Mathematics Education, Black Hills State University, 2019

M.A., Teaching and Learning, Northern State University, 2015

B.A., Elementary Education, Mount Marty College, 2001

Dr. Leslie D. Sauder joined Northern State University with 20 years of experience teaching at the K-8 level. Her classroom experience includes preschool, kindergarten, fourth-grade, seventh-grade life science, eighth-grade pre-algebra and health, and K5 computers and technology. She focused on improving science and STEM education in elementary and middle school classrooms and incorporating technology and robotics in elementary classrooms. 

As a computer and technology teacher, Dr. Sauder received a STEM grant from the South Dakota Department of Education, with which she purchased STEM building kits, STEM robots, STEM sports kits, and three 3D printers.  As an elementary and middle school teacher, Dr. Sauder worked to improve science and math education and teaching practices at the local and state levels. 

Dr. Sauder is an active member of the National Science Teacher Association and a past member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. 

In her work with the South Dakota Department of Education, Dr. Sauder participated in the 2022-23 Math and Science Leadership Cohort, was a math mentor as a virtual math coach from 2019-2021 and was part of the team that created the South Dakota Unpacked Standards Document for Mathematics in 2019.

At Northern, Dr. Sauder is a member of the Instructional Technology Advisory Committee. 

Courses Taught

Introduction to Education

Earth and Physical Science for Elementary Teachers

Science Methods

Psychology of Learning

Research Interests

STEM education

Women in STEM

Inquiry-based science education

Project-based learning

Presentations

Sauder, Leslie D. (October, 2023). Building student excitement in the classroom: How the Engineering Design Process increases student excitement for science and math. Workshop at the NSTA National Conference, Kansas City, MO

Sauder, Leslie D. (February, 2023). Hands-on STEM Learning Activities for Elementary Students. Workshop at the South Dakota STEM-Ed Conference, Huron, SD 

Sauder, Leslie D. (December, 2022). Hands-on STEM for Middle School – Increasing Engagement in the Math classroom. Workshop at the NCTM Regional Conference, Baltimore, MD

Sauder, Leslie D. (February, 2022). STEM in the Elementary Classroom. Presentation at the South Dakota STEM-Ed Conference, Huron, SD