Michael Bechtel, Ed.D.

Dr. Michael Bechtel - Biography

Dr. Michael Bechtel, better known as Bec, is a current NCSE fellow and has been a Midwest educator for the last three decades. Receiving a BA in biology and secondary education with minors in chemistry, physics, and environmental science (Wartburg College), a ME-PD in science education (University of Wisconsin – La Crosse), and Ed.D. in Pk-12 & Higher Education Leadership, with certifications for principal, director of curriculum, and superintendent (Edgewood University). Bec focuses his professional practice as the Professor of Science Education (Wartburg College) towards the “sweet spot” where content and heutagogy overlap. He relishes new experiences/ opportunities and teaches his pre-service educators and professional development attendees to do likewise, whether building high-occupancy microchiropteran housing structures in the Amazon, aquaponics systems around the U.S., or blapticomposting units in their future classrooms. Bec shares the natural affinity for living things, biophilia, by being totally submerged in native and exotic flora and fauna through a classroom of herptiles and plants. Immersive science education is for everyone.