Pursuing Your Curiosity
Pride of PNW: David Pratt
David Pratt, associate professor of Education, has dedicated his career to the academic success of students from kindergarten to college, initially as a public school teacher and now as a university professor.
Recently, he shifted his attention to additionally supporting students’ social and emotional outcomes.
Pratt has presented to audiences around the U.S. on how to best implement a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum at multiple stages of education. Even an Indianapolis-area school corporation invited him to consult on its application.
Pratt is also contributing his expertise with a group examining how the human brain works and is trained through Neurosequential Modeling. Pratt expects the research to help him further understand how students think and behave, as well as provide specific strategies to help all learners thrive.
As an expert in technology integration, Pratt has focused his efforts on developing and publishing new frameworks to engage students more in using technology collaboratively and in ways that help students think more creatively. Pratt has led cybersecurity camps for high school teachers in the local area to help promote careers in that discipline. As a nationally certified technology teacher, he is on the cutting edge in helping teachers understand appropriate usage of technology, create better “digital citizens” and to keep them safe online.
There has been a shift of focus on helping students grow at all levels, not just in growing intellectually but in other key areas, to help them be successful in life.
David Pratt, Associate Professor of Education
What do you like to do outside the office?
It’s all about music! I love to DJ and host karaoke parties in addition to singing and playing in cover bands. I play piano/keyboard and love playing a variety of styles.
I was even in an education-based cover band called Common Denominator with some former education majors /current teachers which was so fun to play at local schools. We re-wrote lyrics to popular songs to teach and inspire children about school subjects like math and reading.
What mentor inspired you in your career?
My dad was the best mentor for me. He was a high school English teacher and a great role model. He is the reason why I became a teacher. I learned from him how important it is to have passion for what you teach and how to develop positive long-lasting relationships with students. I eventually ended up being a student in my father’s class. I admired him so much that I joined the speech and debate club he ran after school. I wouldn’t be where I am today without his example and support.
The Pride of PNW series highlights Purdue Northwest researchers, scientists and practitioners from around the world who are driving change in their fields.
