Dr. Abigail Dutcher is an Assistant Professor and Department Chair of the Bachelor of Education programs at Indiana Wesleyan University, where she leads educator preparation, curriculum development, and innovation in teaching and learning. She also serves as a curriculum writer and consultant for CREATE Energy and New American History, designing K–12 instructional materials, artificial intelligence integration resources, and professional development for educators.
With experience spanning K–12 classrooms, instructional coaching, higher education, and statewide curriculum initiatives, Dr. Dutcher's scholarship focuses on artificial intelligence in education, educational technology, teacher preparation, instructional design, STEM integration, and social studies education. She has presented nationally and internationally on AI, curriculum design, classroom innovation, and teacher development, and her work has been featured through organizations including the National Council for History Education, the Technology, Colleges, and Community Conference, the Indiana AI Collaborative, and numerous educator professional development programs.
Dr. Dutcher is an active researcher, curriculum developer, and educational consultant who collaborates with universities, nonprofit organizations, and state agencies to create innovative learning experiences that prepare educators for rapidly changing classrooms. Her work bridges research and practice by helping teachers leverage emerging technologies while maintaining meaningful, student-centered instruction. She is committed to advancing high-quality educator preparation through scholarship, mentorship, and collaborative leadership.
EdD
Indiana Wesleyan University , 2025
EDS
Indiana Wesleyan University , 2023
MS
Purdue University – Fort Wayne , 2019
BA
Grace College and Theological Seminary , 2012
Workshops, Webinars, and Professional Presentations:
- Panel Moderator, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Professional Development Week (CSPDWeek 2026), Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, June 2026. CSPDWeek 2026
- Dutcher, A. (2026). Maintaining authenticity in the age of AI: Using artificial intelligence for meaningful student feedback. Indiana AI Collaborative.
- Dutcher, A., & Mancilla, R. (2026). Exploring the impact of artificial intelligence role-playing chatbots on classroom management competencies. Presented at the TCC 2026 Worldwide Online Conference.
- Dutcher, A. (2026, April). Teaching diaspora through local historical markers: From forced removal to refugee resettlement. National Council for History Education Annual Conference.
- Dutcher, A. (2026, March). Designing backwards with intelligence: Using AI to align standards, assessment, and instruction. Trine University.
- Dutcher, A. (2026). The Geometry of Purpose. Invited chapel presentation, Indiana Wesleyan University.
- Dutcher, A. (2026, March) Enhancing CREATE Lessons with NotebookLM and the 7C’s of Energy Research Inquiry. CREATE Webinar Series.
- Dutcher, A., & Eckel, K. (2026, February) Artificial Intelligence Implications for College Teaching and Lesson Planning. Fort Wayne Teaching and Learning Conference, Purdue Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN.
- Dutcher, A. (2025, November). Using AI to Create Standards and DOK Aligned Assessments. Trine University, Angola, IN. (60-minute professional development session)
- Dutcher, A. (2025, November). Revamp Your Why: A Journey to a Christ-Centered Teaching Philosophy. University of Saint Francis, Fort Wayne, IN. (90-minute professional development session).
- Dutcher, A., & Wise, T. (2025, November 15). Teen College Café: AI in the Classroom—Planning Smarter, Teaching Better (90-minute professional development session).
- Panelist, Roundtable Discussion on Best Practices for Online Learning, Faculty Fellows Program, University of Saint Francis, Fort Wayne, IN, October 23, 2024.
- Panelist, Keeping Us All Engaged, Roundtable Discussion, University of Saint Francis, Fort Wayne, IN, September 29, 2025.
- Dutcher, A., & Waring, S. (2025, July). AI Policies that Encourage Innovation and Creativity in the College Education Classroom. Presented at the annual meeting of the Association of Teacher Educators (ATE), St. Louis, MO.
- Dutcher, A., & Waring, S. (2025, July) Fostering the 4Cs in the Integrated STEM Classroom through Smart Use of Tech. Presented at the annual meeting of the Association of Teacher Educators (ATE), St. Louis, MO.
- Dutcher, A. (2025, April). Open Pedagogy: Applying Best Practices for Purposeful Student Work in Pre-Service Education Courses [Webinar]. Indiana Department of Education Learning Lab. https://inlearninglab.com/resources/open-pedagogy-applying-best-practices-for-purposeful-student-work-in-pre-service-education-courses
- Moderator. Award Winning Faculty on Teaching: A Panel. University of Saint Francis, Fort Wayne, IN, March 23, 2025.
- Dutcher, A. (2025, March 22) Local Historical Markers as Catalysts for Pedagogical Inquiry into State Standards. Breakout session at the All History is Local Conference, National Council for History Education (NCHE), St. Louis, MO.
- Dutcher, A. (2025, March 13). Unlocking Potential: Supporting High-Ability Students in the General Education Classroom. Presented at Marian High School, South Bend, IN.
- Dutcher, A. (2025, March 11). Unlocking Potential: Supporting High-Ability Students in the General Education Classroom. Presented for the First Year New Teacher Success group at the University of Saint Francis, Fort Wayne, IN.
- Dutcher, A. (2025, February 27). Energy education: Cross-curricular integration into core content areas. Webinar presentation for the Create Innovation Series, Create Energy.
- Dutcher, A. (2024, October 17). Empowering teachers with AI: Simplify, support, and differentiate with ChatGPT. Professional development session for First Year New Teacher Success, Marian Catholic School, South Bend, IN.
- Dutcher, A. (2024, October 15). Empowering teachers with AI: Simplify, support, and differentiate with ChatGPT. Professional development session for First Year New Teacher Success, University of Saint Francis, Fort Wayne, IN.
- Dutcher, A. (2024, October 10). Breaking barriers: Effective strategies for supporting struggling learners. Professional development session for International Leadership School, Fort Wayne, IN.
- Dutcher, A. (2024, September 26). Essential parts of effective teaching. Professional development session for International Leadership School, Fort Wayne, IN.
- Dutcher, A. (2024, May 2). K-12 educators and computer science classroom applications. Professional development session for Building Capacity for Indiana Computer Science Education, Manchester University, Manchester, IN.
- Dutcher, A. & Mancilla, R. (2024, April 18). Promoting technology acceptance of AI innovations through professional development and policy alignment. Presentation at the Technology, Colleges & Community (TCC) Conference (Virtual).
- Dutcher, A.M. (2024, April 9). Promoting technology acceptance of AI innovations through professional development and policy alignment. Presentation at the ISTE Community Leaders Global Impact Conference (Virtual).
- Dutcher, A. (2024, January). Qball and NGSS Asking Questions Standards. Presented at the Five Star Indiana STEM Cadre through the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) at Indiana University, Bloomington, IN.
- Dutcher, A.M. (2023, March 27). Artificial intelligence in the classroom. Presentation at the University of Saint Francis Business Symposium on Artificial Intelligence, University of Saint Francis, Fort Wayne, IN, United States.
- Dutcher, A.M. (2024, March 20). Promoting technology acceptance of AI innovations through professional development and policy alignment. Presentation at the Utah Coalition for Educational Technology (Virtual).
- Dutcher, A.M. (2024, March 6). Integrating “Teaching Hard History” into pre-service educator curriculum. Presentation at the Teaching Hard History and Learning for Justice Showcase (Virtual).
- Dutcher, A.M. (2024, February 16). Promoting technology acceptance of AI innovations through professional development and policy alignment. Presentation at Purdue Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN, United States.
- Dutcher, A.M. & King, B. (2023, November 29). AI Talks. Presentation & panel at the University of Saint Francis, Fort Wayne, IN, United States.
- Dutcher, A.M. (2023, October 17). ChatGPT and reading instruction. Presentation at the University of Saint Francis, Fort Wayne, IN, United States.
- Dutcher, A.M. & McDonnough, J.M. (2023, July 21). Instructional coaching and technology. Presentation at the Ignite Conference, Fort Wayne, IN, United States.
- Dutcher, A.M. (2023, July 14). Racial and social justice in education. Presentation at the Fort Wayne Education Association, Fort Wayne, IN, United States.
- Dutcher, A.M. & McDonnough, J.M. (2022, July 21). Instructional coaching and technology. Presentation at the Ignite Conference, Fort Wayne, IN, United States.
- Dutcher, A.M. (2019, July 20). Fantastic, fabulous formative assessments. Presentation at the Ignite Conference, Fort Wayne, IN, United States.
- Dutcher, A.M. (2019, December 12). Technology integration and monitoring effects on student learning. Presentation at Kekionga Middle School, Fort Wayne, IN, United States.
- Dutcher, A.M. (2018, November 10). LMS to enhance lessons and create student engagement. Presentation at FWCS Principals Training, Fort Wayne, IN, United States.
- Dutcher, A.M. (2017, February 17). Plickers QR codes as formative and summative assessments. Professional development session at Washington Center Elementary School Technology Development Training, Fort Wayne, IN, United States.
- Dutcher, A.M. (2015, November 15). QR codes integration into lesson planning and instruction. Professional development session at Abbett Elementary School, Fort Wayne, IN, United States.
- Dutcher, A.M. (2012, November 17). Data-driven instruction. Presentation at the Alpha Chi Conference, Baltimore, MD, United States.
- Dutcher, A.M. (2011, November 12). Integration of iPads in pedagogy. Presentation at the Alpha Chi Conference, San Diego, CA, United States.
