Coming Home to Dickinson State: DSU Welcomes Alumna Andrea Krebs to the School of Education

Andrea Krebs has joined Dickinson State University as Director of Field Experiences and assistant professor in the School of Education. For Krebs, the role is also a homecoming: she earned her bachelor's degree at DSU and is now returning to the campus that shaped her as an educator.

“We are so excited about Andrea joining the School of Education faculty.  She brings a strong background in K-12 education and passion for education that will be a great benefit for our students,” shared Amy Grinsteinner, dean of the School of Education.

Krebs earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, with a minor in Art Education, from DSU. She went on to the University of North Dakota, where she completed a master's degree in Special Education Strategy.

Her classroom career has taken her through schools across southwestern North Dakota, including DeMores Elementary in Medora, Prairie Elementary in Fairfield, South Heart Public School, and Belfield Public School. Most of her experience is in special education, which she calls her greatest professional passion, but she has also taught in a combined sixth-through-eighth-grade classroom, provided Title I services, and taught intermediate elementary grades. Outside her own classroom, she contributed to School Improvement Committees, Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) initiatives, and curriculum planning aimed at raising student achievement.

The pull back to DSU was personal.

"My journey to Dickinson State University was inspired by the lasting impact the institution had on me as a student," Krebs said. "DSU challenged me to grow both personally and professionally, helping to shape the educator I am today. The university is connected to many of my most meaningful memories and accomplishments, making it especially rewarding to return in a new role."

In the classroom, Krebs wants her students to leave with confidence and a solid foundation.

"I hope to give students confidence in their abilities to become sound and masterful educators," she said. "Experience is the best teacher, and I hope the experiences I am able to share in the classroom and with our teachers in practicums will help create a foundation they can stand upon while creating their own experiences in education."

That practical emphasis is central to her work as Director of Field Experiences. Krebs says students apply what they learn by practicing their skills in authentic classrooms during practicum experiences, and she finds it rewarding to watch them in action and offer feedback that both challenges and encourages them.

"In the short time I have been at DSU, I have appreciated the discussions with students in and out of the classrooms," Krebs said. "These conversations allow students to connect theory with practice, deepen their understanding of teaching and learning, and develop the confidence needed to become successful educators."

A belief in empowering students drives her work.

"I believe education is first and foremost about empowering students to become effective, driven, and compassionate individuals who contribute meaningfully to their communities," she said. "This belief fuels my commitment to preparing future educators who can see the potential in themselves, inspire confidence in others, and help every student discover their own capacity for growth and success."

Looking ahead, Krebs hopes to become an integral member of the DSU faculty by serving on university committees. Data and assessment collection have long been a passion of hers, and she is especially interested in committees focused on academic assessment, student success, and continued research into educational practices.

Outside of work, Krebs describes herself as having "the heart of a traveler," often dreaming about places she hopes to visit around the world. For now, raising six children keeps her happily grounded at home.

"When I'm not working, my time is centered on family and faith, which are at the heart of everything we do," Krebs said. "Our faith serves as a guiding force in our lives, shaping our values, strengthening our family bonds, and influencing the way we live, serve, and connect with others."

The family also loves being outdoors together, whether fishing, hiking, exploring new places, gardening (Krebs especially enjoys tending flowerbeds), hunting, or playing golf.

Krebs says she is excited to be back at DSU and in the Dickinson community.

"I believe deeply in Dickinson State University and am incredibly proud to be part of the institution that helped shape me into the educator I am today," she said. "I often reflect on my time as a student at DSU and the many experiences, mentors, and opportunities that contributed to my personal and professional growth. It is both an honor and a privilege to come back to DSU in a different capacity, serving as a professor and helping to prepare the next generation of educators."

The School of Education welcomes Andrea Krebs back to Dickinson State University.