Dr. James Pelech

Snapshot of Career in Education

Teaching

  • 30 years as a High School Math Teacher
  • 18 years as a College Professor

Curriculum Development

  • Developed and taught a course for the Masters in Integrative Physiology: Global Challenges for the Health Services Professional: Using a Critical Reflection Platform
  • Developed and taught an undergraduate Interdisciplinary course: IDS 303 Human Dignity/ Common Good: Advancing Global Wellness
  • Part of team that developed the Mathematics Curriculum for the Alternative Certification Program

Published Books

NOTE: Originally, books were published by Information Age Publishing (IAP), but IAP was bought by Emerald Publishing. Books are now available from Emerald.

  • Pelech, J. (2010). The Comprehensive Handbook of Constructivist Teaching:  From Theory to Practice.
  • Pelech, J. (2013). Guide to Transforming Teaching through Self-Inquiry.
  • Pelech, J. (2021). Student Centered Research: Blending Constructivism with  Action Research
  • Pelech, J. (2025). Integrating the Curriculum Through Active Processing.

Peer-Reviewed Articles 

  • Pelech, J. & Hibbard, S. (2011). Evaluating the effects of Reading Strategies for College Students: An Action Research Approach. Journal of Research in Education. 21(1).
  • Pelech, J. (2016). Comparing the Effectiveness of Closed-Notes Quizzes with Open-notes Quizzes: Blending Constructivist Principles with Action Research to Improve Student Learning. i.e.:Inquiry in Education

School-University Partnership

  • Created and Implemented Saint Ethelreda School-Benedictine University Partnership. Co-Teaching with School faculty in grades 3-8 (Junior High Math, Science, English Language Arts- Grades 3,4,8). 2004-2021 and President of Board
  • Created and Implemented Saints Peter and Paul School Partnership. Administering and analyzing diagnostic tests. Created multimedia presentations to increase student learning and motivation.

 Professional Developer

  • Fulbright Specialist. Guest lecturer at Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. April 2016.
  • Team Facilitator for the Constructivist Design Conference hosted by the Institute for Learning Centered Education, 2010-2012.

Professional Organizations

  • Association for Constructivist Teaching (ACT) (Board and Past President)
  • Institute for Learning Centered Education (ILCE) (Board and Current Board President)
  • Army Transportation Museum Foundation (Board and Director of the STEAM Initiative)
  • National Association for Alternative Certification (NAAC) (2004-2010)
  • National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)

Military Service

  • United States Army Reserves, 1973-1996
  • Active Duty, 1996, Operation Joint Endeavor. Senior Logistics Officer and Liaison.
  • Retired with rank of Lieutenant Colonel,1996.