Dr. Donna Elder is the Dean of Teacher Education at National University and a highly experienced educational leader. Dr. Elder served as principal of Corinne A. Seeds University Elementary School at UCLA (now known as the UCLA Lab School), and served as a district superintendent for 15 years in the San Bruno School District, the Orchard School District and the Luther Burbank School District.

A frequent speaker and author on teacher effectiveness, coaching, and instructional methodologies, she previously taught at the elementary, middle and high school level. Donna also served as a principal in the Palo Alto Unified and Duarte Unified School Districts, and was the interim executive director of a charter school. Among numerous professional associations, Donna served as president of the International Association of Laboratory and University Affiliated Schools. Donna received a bachelor of science degree from Washington State University, a master’s degree in education, curriculum and instruction from Texas A&M University, an administrative credential from Whittier College and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of La Verne.