Gayle Tucker

When Dr. Gayle Tucker completed his A. A. degree at Spring Arbor College he sought the advice of siblings concerning his future—since it was evident that he was too short to become a professional basketball player. The advice from family was “…be a teacher, after all it is in your genes.” (Four of Dr. Tucker’s seven brothers and sisters were teachers.) He earned his B.A. from Greenville College, his M.A. from Ball State University, and Ed. D. from the University of Alabama. Professor Tucker began his professional career as a middle school teacher in Indiana and later taught in San Marino, California. He enjoys reading (books he does not have to read), traveling (to locations he does not have to travel to), driving (sports cars he cannot afford), and playing school with his grandchildren (so they will become teachers like his two daughters). Professor Tucker became enchanted with travel and other cultures when he attempted to hitchhike across Africa. Based on this experience, he decided to enter International Education. For nine years he was a Superintendent in American International Schools affiliated with the U.S. Department of State in South America, Africa, and the Middle East. Due to these experiences, Dr. Tucker has continued for the past eighteen years to send a selected group of students to Costa Rica for their student teaching assignment. While having the privilege of helping to develop the talents of hundreds of Westmont student teachers, Professor Tucker has also enjoyed the opportunity of serving as an advocate for youth and children in the K-12 schools and as an advocate for teachers and the teaching-learning process. He has served as a school board member, a founding member, and chair of the board for a Christian day school; church board member; and currently has served as an elected member of the State Council for the California Teachers Association for fifteen years. Recently, Professor Tucker was awarded the California Teachers Association “State Education Higher Education Award” for his contribution to the teaching profession in California.