New director draws on K–12 and higher education experience to support educators nationwide.
Dr. Wendy L. Hardy knows classrooms from the inside out.
After more than two decades in education spanning higher education, Lutheran schools, public schools and environmental learning spaces, Hardy has joined Concordia University Ann Arbor as director of the Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction program. She began working part time in January and steps into the role full time Feb. 1.
For Hardy, the move feels both timely and personal.
Her path to CUAA has been shaped by both breadth and consistency. Hardy earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a middle school endorsement from Central Michigan University, followed by a master’s degree in middle-level education. She later completed her doctorate in educational leadership at Walden University. Before college, she attended Lutheran schools from preschool through high school, an experience that continues to shape how she approaches teaching, leadership and faith.
Early in her career, Hardy spent 11 years teaching at the University of Pittsburgh, where she supervised more than 100 student teachers across rural, urban and suburban schools. That work kept her closely connected to K–12 classrooms and grounded in the realities new teachers face.
“I like being in schools,” Hardy said. “Supervising student-teachers keeps you connected to what’s actually happening. You see what curriculum looks like, how classrooms are changing and what teachers are dealing with day to day.”
That connection became even more important after Hardy and her family returned to Michigan during the COVID-19 pandemic to be closer to aging relatives. When online instruction at the University of Pittsburgh ended, she transitioned back into K–12 education, first teaching at a Lutheran school and later at an environmental school where learning often took place outdoors.
“It was completely different,” Hardy said. “And I’m glad I did it. It reminded me that there isn’t just one way students learn well.”
That perspective now informs her vision for the MSCI program at CUAA. Hardy hopes to help more educators discover the program while protecting what already makes it strong. The fully online, asynchronous format allows working teachers to engage with coursework on their own schedules, and the eight-week course structure keeps the program focused and efficient.
Growing visibility through connection and experience
The interest is already there. During the fall semester, 163 students were registered for coursework in the MSCI program, a sign that educators across the country are seeking graduate programs that fit alongside full-time teaching and family life.
“People don’t always realize this program exists or how efficient it is,” Hardy said. “It takes less than 18 months, and students are learning alongside other working educators. They’re getting feedback from supervisors who are in the field with them.”
Many of those students teach in public schools, something Hardy sees as an opportunity rather than a challenge. She believes the program equips educators to live out Christian values thoughtfully and respectfully, even in settings where faith expression requires care.
“There’s a fine line in public schools,” she said. “But Christian values still show up in how you treat students, colleagues and families. Helping teachers understand that matters.”
As director, Hardy oversees student teaching placements, accreditation requirements, adjunct faculty and course scheduling, while also teaching and traveling to visit student teachers. It is a wide-ranging role, but one she embraces.
“I’m excited to build on what’s already here,” she said. “This is a strong program. I want people to know that.”
More than anything, Hardy hopes students experience the MSCI program as both professionally grounding and personally supportive.
“Classroom management is always a challenge,” she said. “But so is balance. Many of our students are teaching full time, raising families and taking graduate courses. Helping them manage all of that, now and long term, is really important to me.”
As she settles into her new role, Hardy looks forward to continuing the work she values most: walking alongside educators as they grow, both in their classrooms and beyond them.
Fun facts about Dr. Wendy Hardy
- One of the MSCI adjunct faculty members was her band director from seventh through 12th grade.
- She is a first-generation American. Her father immigrated to the United States at age 15.
- She has played the clarinet since fourth grade.
Want in?
Concordia University Ann Arbor is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.
Click here to view a full list of the programs.