Margaret Rintamaa, Ed.D.
Professor, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education
Margaret Rintamaa, Ed.D. is a Professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education. Dr. Rintamaa began her career as a science and language arts middle school teacher. She holds a B.A. from Emory University and an M.S. in education from the University of Kentucky. She earned her doctoral degree from the University of Kentucky with an emphasis on mentoring beginning teachers and the Kentucky Teacher Internship Program. Since her start at UK in 2006, Dr. Rintamaa has earned awards in teaching and advising, notably the UK Great Teacher Award and the Ken Freedman Outstanding Faculty Advisor. Dr. Rintamaa teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in adolescent development, middle level philosophy, classroom environment and culture, and literacy. She also serves as the Director of the Bluegrass Writing Project. Her research focuses on middle level teacher preparation and licensure, adolescent literacy in a variety of contexts, and the impact of those contexts on student learning.
Research categories: Middle Level Education, Literacy Education, Teacher Education
Key Responsibilities:
- Leads undergraduate student services, recruitment, UK Core, and first-year programming.
- Oversees academic progress, audits, registration, scheduling, and records.
- Manages Teacher Education Program processes (applications, field placements, certification).
- Enhances retention and graduation through holistic support (academic, wellness, financial, career).
- Administers scholarships, emergency funding, and student communications; handles petitions, appeals, and FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act).