After completing her bachelor's degree in elementary education at Sioux Falls College, Dr. Peterson taught in elementary schools in Nebraska and Minnesota. She then attended Augustana College and received her master's degree in special education. After completing her degree, Dr. Peterson taught at the Iowa School for the Deaf for seven years and then returned to Augustana College and taught deaf education courses for seven years. She went on to the University of South Dakota and completed an Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction. During this time, Dr. Peterson was hired by the TIE Office in Rapid City, S.D. She traveled throughout South Dakota training teachers on how to use technology in classrooms. She was also an adjunct professor for South Dakota State University at the Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City. Dr. Peterson returned to Sioux Falls College, renamed the University of Sioux Falls in 1995, and teaches in the Fredrikson School of Education.