As a first generation college graduate, I am passionate about teaching undergraduate students from underrepresented populations and providing opportunities for them to get involved in research.

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I started my career as an educator teaching English abroad in diverse cultural settings including Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Upon, returning to the United States, I got licensed as a secondary math, chemistry, and biology teacher and taught secondary science for five years. After that, I worked for a year on the standardized state science assessments in Kansas before completing a PhD in educational psychology and research. 

 

Now I teach university level psychology courses and conduct research in the areas of educational psychology, adolescent development, and moral psychology.

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Courses taught:

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University of Texas at Tyler​

• Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science (EDUT 3370)

• Educational Psychology (EPSY 3330)

• Evaluation in the Educational Setting (EDRM 6350)

• History of STEM Education (EDUC 5386)

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University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

• Educational Psychology (PSYC 260)

• Psychology of Adolescence (PSYC 332)

• Moral Psychology (PSYC 491)

• Research Apprentice in Psychology (PSYC 396)

• Academic Apprentice in Psychology (PSYC 397)

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University of Kansas

• Adolescent Development (EPSY 306)

• Introduction to Statistics (EPSY 711) (lab)

• Childhood Development (EPSY 305) (discussion)

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Quotes from anonymous student feedback:

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• “Dr. Bretl always has such interesting lectures that make me want to come to class and learn!”

• “Dr. Bretl is my new favorite professor… I will definitely be looking for more classes with his name on them!”

• “…Dr. Bretl also incorporated different cultures and ethnicities into the course, which was helpful, and he always was able to tie course content to our personal experiences and lives. Dr. Bretl never made us feel foolish if we asked a question, and he always gave a thorough and meaningful answer, making sure we understood. Dr. Bretl was one of the best and most professional professors I have ever had the pleasure of having”

• “Professor Bretl is such an honest and down to earth teacher…”

• “Dr. Bretl is truly one of my favorite professors I have had at UWEC…”

• “One of my favorite professors I have at at UWEC. I looked forward to every class knowing that I was going to learn something new and have it be interesting.”

• “Dr.Bretl is an amazing professor and really knows how to make sure everyone is involved. I really enjoyed this class and I encourage everyone to take it with him.”

• “Dr. Bretl is probably the best professor I've had at UWEC. He cares about teaching, psychology, and his students so much. He is super passionate about this course and it is clear through his teaching. Very effective teacher especially in times like this, super understanding, and just all-around great.”

• “Great professor, loved the way the class was formatted!”

• “The class was very well organized…”

• “Overall, a very passionate and wonderful professor. He helped me with my academic writing for assignments that were assigned.”

• “Dr. Bretl was seriously one of the best professors I've had at UWEC. He cares so much about his students mentally and academically. He deserves the world, such a kind human.”

• “Dr. Bretl is seriously one of the most efficient professors that I have ever taken a class with thus far in my college career. He is always prepared for class with relevant and interesting information that directly relates to the assignments and projects that we are working on, and I feel as though we did not waste anytime on irrelevant topics like many of my other classes have.”

• “Great class I always felt engaged in the assignments, Bretl ties what we're doing to our future jobs incredibly well.”

• “…Thanks for an awesome semester!”

• “I have learned a lot, and I always look forward to lectures…”

• “Just wanted to send an email to say a big thank you for being a great professor this semester… I have thoroughly enjoyed this class…”

• “…It means so much to me and I can tell you really care about your students.”

• “…I can't thank you enough. Please know how much of an impact you have on your students…”