Deborah Taylor

Deborah Taylor has B.A. and M.A. degrees from Biola University and earned her Ph.D. from Claremont Graduate University with an emphasis in educational research and assessment. Deborah spent nine years in the Biola University School of Education teaching children's literature, foundations of education, student teaching seminar, and first year seminar for incoming freshmen. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she served as undergraduate chair and director of the teacher preparation program. Prior to coming to Biola, she was the principal of a K-8 private school.

Deborah led the Biola University School of Education through the rigorous accreditation process for the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. In 2010, the School of Education earned the maximum accreditation possible with a commendation by the Commission for the quality of the program. As a result of this success, she was invited to join the Provost's team as Dean of Educational Effectiveness and Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO) to lead the university's WSCUC (formerly WASC) accreditation process. She also oversees the IDEA evaluation program and works with university faculty in ways to improve their learning outcomes and teaching practices.

During the past six years, Deborah has also been active in Biola University's Diversity Leadership Committee. Her doctoral dissertation focused on teaching practices in Christian universities that foster a positive environment for students of color. She has presented at several regional and national conferences, supporting faculty in higher education in adapting their behavior and pedagogy to create a more positive learning environment. Her publications include articles in devotional books, chapter in a children's literature text, and articles in peer-reviewed journals on increasing student engagement through appropriate faculty pedagogy and behaviors.