I am a proud member of the Alvernia University Faculty, serving as an assistant professor in the Education Department. Thirty-three years experience in public education; 9 as an elementary teacher and 24 as an elementary principal has prepared me to instruct and mentor future teachers and principals. Currently my passion is the development of standards based ePortfolios as pedagogical tools to promote deep learning in developing educators.  If you are reading this introduction you are experiencing the introductory page of my professional ePortfolio.

My formal education includes of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from West Chester University (1978), Master of Science Degree in Elementary Education from West Chester University (1983), Master of Science Degree in School Administration from the University of Scranton (1986), and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Temple University (1995). My professional PA certifications include: Elementary and Secondary Principal Certification, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Certification, and the Superintendent's Letter of Eligibility.

I served as a principal in the Warwick School District from 1994 until 2011, at Lititz Elementary for 11 years and Kissel Hill Elementary for 7 years. My first principalship was in the Lebanon School District for 7 years at Southeast and Henry Houck Elementary Schools.  Prior to the principalship I spent 9 years teaching elementary language arts, math science and social studies spanning third, fourth and fifth grades. I also taught graduate education courses at Penn State University.

I am hopeful that the knowledge, skills, and values I have gained throughout a fulfilling career in public education will benefit the development of future teachers and school leaders.

• Postal address: Alvernia University, 540 Upland Avenue, Reading, PA
• Business phone: (610)-750-8339
• Occupation: Assistant Professor of Education
• Email address: joseph.elder@alvernia.edu