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Dr. Amy Belcastro, Professor

Amy Belcastro - SOU Faculty

"A master's degree provides opportunities to advance into careers realized and unknown, networking with a wide variety of people, and self-discovery."

Degrees Held:

  • PhD in School Organization Education Policy (Higher Education) – University of California, Davis, 2009
  • MA in Education (Behavioral Science – Women’s Studies) – California State University, Sacramento, 1991
  • California Professional Clear Teaching License. Middle Level (Social Science & English), Elementary Multiple-Subject – California State University, Sacramento, 1991
  • BA in History – University of California, Santa Cruz, 1988

Career Highlights:

I have been at Southern Oregon University since 2002. I have worked in teacher licensure, state-level policy work, educational reform, and curriculum development. I received my PhD in Educational Policy with an emphasis in Higher Education from University of California, Davis. Before moving into higher education, I taught 12 years in public schools and worked for the California Dept. of Education.

As the first person in my family to attend college, I understand the challenges of negotiating the culture of the academy. I have a passion for program development and have been able to develop an alternative pathway for teachers, a first-year Bridge Program at SOU, and the Adult Education concentration for the MSEd. I am committed to providing opportunities, access, and support for those seeking education. I have served on state and institutional committees and have written grants on issues of student success with a focus on historically under-served populations. I coordinate the MSEd program and advise both the General Studies and the Adult Education concentrations

Which online degree program(s) do you teach?

1

  • Which classes do you teach online?

    ED 515: Critical Issues in Education
    ED 535: Program Planning for Adult Learners
    ED 531: Project Proposal

  • What do you want students to take away from your classes?

    By valuing students' lived experiences, I wish to provide opportunities to develop students' critical thinking and perspectives as they become leaders in the workplace and society.

    I want students to explore innovative instructional designs and strategies to help them create effective learning units relevant to 21st-century learners.

  • How long have you been teaching online courses?

    I have been teaching in both traditional face-to-face and distance learning delivery models for over 20 years.

  • Why did you start teaching?

    Central to my teaching philosophy is my commitment to teaching for social justice and equity by supporting success and providing opportunities for all students to meet their personal and professional goals.

  • What is the value of a master's degree in education?

    A master's degree provides opportunities to advance into careers realized and unknown, networking with a variety of people, and self-discovery.

  • What advice would you give to those considering an online MSEd program?

    In my courses, I want students to build the confidence and skills to lead meaningful change in education. We dig into theory and research, but always with an eye toward real-world application—designing practical, inclusive solutions that support access, equity, and success for all learners. Most of all, I hope they leave seeing themselves as advocates and change agents who can influence policy, support communities, and create lasting impact.

  • Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students might not know.

    I love all things outdoors and almost all foods.

  • What is the one book you think everyone should read?

    Two books I often recommend are Dare to Lead by Brené Brown (2018) and The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee (2021). Dare to Lead is insightful and grounded—it pushes us to lead with courage, empathy, and purpose, which feels so essential in education and beyond. The Sum of Us is equally powerful, exploring how equity benefits everyone and what it really takes to build systems that serve us all.


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Submit this form, and an Enrollment Specialist will contact you to answer your questions.

  • *All fields required.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Or call 800-490-7974 800-490-7974

By submitting this form, I am providing my digital signature agreeing that Southern Oregon University (SOU) and its agent, Risepoint, may email me or contact me regarding educational services by telephone and/or text message utilizing automated technology or a pre-recorded message at the telephone number(s) provided above. I understand this consent is not a condition to attend SOU or to purchase any other goods or services. Privacy Policy. SMS Terms.