Myrel Cooke teaches in the elementary education program of the School of Education, with a combined focus on curriculum and leadership.  She received her doctoral degree in education and masters degree in liberal studies from Loyola University-Chicago.  She received her bachelor’s degree in political science and education from Marquette University, Wisconsin. Her recent scholarship has explored the integrative aspects of learning through research on curriculum and technology integration, including the presentation of professional development opportunities for educators, titled “Can I Use My IPOD Touch in Class?” at the Catholic Leadership Conference in Chicago in February 2010.  In addition, she has published in the field of leadership, profiling educational innovators in elementary education whose work has created new strategies in science and the arts to enhance literacy development.

During her 25 years’ experience as a teacher, school board member and administrator in private and public K-12 settings, she has facilitated programs for English Language and Gifted Learners, developed and  coordinated learning assistance programs, mentored pre-service teachers and taught at the elementary and secondary levels.

Myrel and her family make their home in the Chicago and Decatur areas. She has been an active member of the Lakeshore Advisory Council of Loyola University and Phi Delta Kappa.