Dr. Karen Ladendorf is an Assistant Professor of Education at College of DuPage. She teaches students in the teacher preparation program and advises them as they gain their Associates Degree in education.

Karen was previously the Director of Technology in the Chicagoland area. She guided the Technology Department and district in purchasing and implementing technology and networking software and equipment. Prior to this role, Karen was a Curriculum Integration Specialist where she provided support to teachers in grades 3-8 as well as exploratory teachers at both the elementary and middle school levels as they work to integrate standards, technology, and personalize learning for all students. She has taught adjunct masters level technology courses at a local university. Karen is also a freelance online content designer. Karen previously taught music and technology applications that the K-12 level. She also served as a middle school technology specialist, providing support and guidance to teachers in her building when using technology.

Karen completed her Ph.D. in Instructional Technology at Northern Illinois University. Her interested areas of research are emergent technologies (Makerspace, Augmented Reality, 1:1 learning, etc.) with a current focus on Immersive Virtual Reality. She is also interested in STEM education, STEAM education, personalized learning, technology professional development for teachers and pre-service teachers, and instructional design with technology.

Karen holds a masters in Educational Leadership from Concordia University Chicago, a Masters of Educational Technology from American College of Education, and a Bachelors in Music Education from Illinois Wesleyan University.

She is a previously National Board Certified Teacher in early adult/young adult music, specialized in band performance. She has read and critiqued National Board Candidates portfolio entries.

Karen has published articles and book chapters on virtual reality and distance learning in K-12 education. She has also presented on technology integration and her research throughout the US and internationally.

Karen currently resides in Wheaton, IL with her husband, Andrew, and their two daughters, Laura and Emily.