Sioux Patashnik Maurer began teaching at Upper Iowa University in 2001.  Previous to her position with UIU, Sioux was a full-time faculty member and taught English literature and writing at Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey, for ten years.   Sioux received her B.A. from St. Thomas Aquinas College, an M.A. from Seton Hall University, and is currently working on her Ph.D. from Capella University.

In 2001, Sioux made a life changing and career move by accepting a full time position here at Upper Iowa and has never looked back.  Sioux said being a part of a small, academic community has provided many advantages and opportunities that influence the educational atmosphere for her students.

Her goal as a literature and writing instructor is to motivate her students by providing a rich diversity of teaching methods grounded in sound writing and pedagogical principles.  Working with a diverse student body provides a challenging and rewarding environment, and she looks forward to the opportunities that await her in her classroom each day.  To this end, she strives to provide a varied forum of learning in a place where the students feel comfortable to share ideas and work with other students.  Her classrooms are open arenas for discussion, and she encourages student participation to a large degree.  She feels it is her responsibility to help students think for themselves.

Her teaching load is varied; she teaches English 101 as well as sophomore writing classes, Introduction to Literature, Women and Literature, and Poetry of the Beats.  In addition to her teaching, she is a dedicated equestrian; she has been riding and training horses most of her life.  Sioux and her husband live on an acreage outside of Fayette where they keep horses and have built a new home.  When she is not teaching, Sioux spends her time training her three-year-old filly, riding, and maintaining her acreage.  She also enjoys quiet hours, too: reading and drawing, and working with stained glass.

Fall 1 2008 Office Hours: Monday and Thursday, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.; Tuesday and Friday, 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.; and Wednesdays by appointment.