Gladys Ritterhouse

Personal Info:

Joining the faculty of Sterling College was like coming home for me.

My family's affiliation with Sterling College runs deep. My great-grandmother, Aunt Ella Smith, ran the Sterling College cafeteria for 40 years. Some of my earliest memories include playing tag in the Sunken Garden and exploring Campbell Hall where the cafeteria was then housed. Both of my parents and numerous other relatives graduated from Sterling College and I earned my undergraduate degree from here, as well.

Prior to returning to Sterling College as an assistant professor, I taught in the area of special education for 14 years. After earning my Master's Degree in Education Administration and Supervision from Wichita State University, I became an elementary education administrator, and with the addition of a district level certificate, I also served as special education director for Rice County for a total of 12 years.

During my 26 year tenure as a public school teacher and administrator for USD 405, Lyons, I had opportunity to observe many great teachers in action. An early retirement from public education and subsequent employment in the education department at Sterling College has allowed me the privilege and joy of sharing that expertise with teacher candidates as they progress through the Sterling Teacher Education Program (STEP).