- Home >
- Faculty Websites >
- Beth Christian
- > Vita
Vita
Beth Christian, Ed.D.
Education
Graduate Studies
Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. Nashville, Tennessee. Major Area: Language and Literacy Education. Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) May, 2002.
Dissertation: An Ethnographic Inquiry of the Distribution of Cultural, Linguistic, and Symbolic Capital in a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse First-Grade Classroom. Major Professor: David Bloome.
- University of Laval. Quebec City, Quebec. Study abroad program in Linguistics, Pedagogy, French. 1996.
Middle Tennessee State University. Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Major Area: Foreign Language Teaching and Learning (French). Master in the Art of Teaching (M.A.T). May 1993.
- Teaching Internship. Elementary English Teacher. College de Lattre. Le Perreux, France. Taught reading, grammar, conversational English and American culture to fifth and sixth grade French students studying English. Spring, 1993.
Undergraduate Studies
University of Tennessee. Knoxville, Tennessee. Major Area: French. Bachelor of Arts with Honors (B.A.). May, 1991.
- Institut d'Etudes Francaises. La Rochelle. Study abroad program through the University of Richmond as part of Bachelor’s degree. Summer, 1990.
- Clarife. Lille, France. Study abroad program through the University of Tennessee as part of Bachelor’s degree. Summer, 1990.
Current Certifications
Tennessee State Certification (# 000552487 ): Elementary K-6, French 7-12 (TN# License Number- 000552487)
Professional Experience
- Professor. Teaching and Learning. Literacy, Diversity and Research. College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, Tennessee State University (August 2013-Present).
-
Off-Campus Program Director. 2 + 2 K-6 Licensure Program in Articulation with Volunteer State Community College, Gallatin Tennessee. (Jan. 2007-Present).
- Associate Professor. Teaching and Learning. Literacy and Multicultural Education. College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, Tennessee State University (August 2005-2013).
- Reading Program Coordinator. (Undergraduate and Graduate) Department of Teaching and Learning. Tennessee State University. Nashville, Tennessee (Spring 2011-present).
- Assistant Professor. Division of Literacy. College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. Western Kentucky University (2002-2005).
- Assistant Professor. Teaching and Learning. College of Education. Austin Peay State University (2001-2002).
- Instructor. Teaching and Learning. Peabody College, Vanderbilt University. Taught undergraduate course concerning the teaching of reading and language arts in the primary grades. The courses focus upon teaching reading and language arts through a “balanced approach”, teaching diverse students, and social aspects of language and literacy learning. (Fall, 2000).
- Supervisor. Teaching and Learning. Peabody College, Vanderbilt University. Observed, evaluated, supported, and consulted with Early Childhood and Elementary student teachers in their field experience (1998-2000).
- Secondary French Teacher. Battle Ground Academy. Franklin, Tennessee. Taught French I-V to high school students (1994-1998).
- Middle/Secondary Reading Lab Teacher/French Teacher. The Webb School, Bell Buckle, Tennessee. Taught French I-II to high school students. Taught a reading lab for struggling seventh and ninth grade readers (1993-1994).
- Elementary English Teacher. College de Lattre. Le Perreux, France. Taught reading, grammar, conversational English and American culture to fifth and sixth (Spring, 1993).
- Instructor.Foreign Languages. Middle Tennessee State University. Taught French I to undergraduate students. Fall, 1992.
Teaching
University Teaching and Clinical Supervision Experience
Undergraduate Courses
- Literacy Methods l (EDRD 3500). Tennessee State University. Currently teach undergraduate course concerning the teaching of reading and language arts in the primary grades. The courses focus upon teaching reading and language arts through a “balanced approach”, teaching diverse students, and social aspects of language and literacy learning.
- Literacy Methods II (EDRD4500). Tennessee State University. Currently teach undergraduate a course concerning the teaching of reading, content area reading, writing, and reading and writing assessments.
- Student Teaching Seminar (EDCI 4706). Tennessee State University. Currently teach a seminar for student teachers in Elementary Education.
- Multicultural Education. (EDCI 4900 Web-Enhanced course). Tennessee State University.Taught undergraduate courses concerning the foundations/implications of multicultural education.
- Reading Methods in the Elementary School (EDRD 4240). Tennessee State University. Taught undergraduate and graduate courses concerning the teaching of reading and language arts in the primary grades. The courses focus upon teaching reading and language arts through a “balanced approach”, teaching diverse students, and social aspects of language and literacy learning.
- Classroom Behavior Management (EDCI 3110). Tennessee State University. Currently teach undergraduate level course concerning managing democratic classrooms in diverse settings.
- Measurements and Assessment (PSYC 3120). Tennessee State University. Taught undergraduate level courses regarding educational assessments.
- Primary Reading Methods Block (LTCY 420). Western Kentucky University. Taught undergraduate courses concerning the teaching of reading and language arts in the primary grades. The course focuses upon teaching reading and language arts through a “balanced approach”, teaching diverse students, and social aspects of language and literacy learning.
- Elementary Reading Methods (LTCY 320-ITV). Western Kentucky University. Taught an introductory undergraduate course concerning the teaching of reading and language arts in the primary grades.
- Reading Methods in the Middle/Secondary Grades. (LTCY 421/444 –Web-Based). Western Kentucky University. Taught undergraduate courses concerning the teaching of reading and language arts in the middle and secondary grades.
- Language Arts Methods in Elementary School Settings (Educ 2217). Peabody College, Vanderbilt University. Taught undergraduate course in the teaching of the language arts. The course focused upon teaching literature-based language arts, teaching culturally and linguistically diverse students, and social aspects of language and literacy learning.
-
Teaching Assistant: Methods in Teaching Reading in Elementary
Settings (EDUC 2215). Peabody College, Vanderbilt, University. - French I. Department of Foreign Languages. Middle Tennessee State University. Taught French to undergraduate students.
Graduate Courses
- Advanced Methods of Research. (EDCI 7120). In process of developing a web-based graduate level course for doctoral candidates.Directed Individual Study in Supervising Reading Instruction and/or Programs (EDRD 6210). Work with M.Ed. and Ed.D. students on projects and practical experiences related supervision of Reading.
- Reading across the Curriculum-Middle/Secondary. (EDRD 6050-ELEARN). Developed and currently teach web-based graduate level course concerning literacy instruction across the content areas.
- Reading across the Curriculum-Middle/Secondary. (EDRD 6050). Web-supported graduate level course concerning literacy instruction across the content areas.
- Multicultural Education. (EDCI 5300/6300-ELEARN). Tennessee State University.Taught graduate courses concerning the foundations/implications of multicultural education.
- Teaching Reading in the Elementary Schools. (EDRD 5610). Tennessee State University. Taught a graduate level course concerning the foundations of literacy instruction in diverse classrooms.
- Foundations of Literacy Instruction (LTCY 519). Western Kentucky University. Taught graduate level course concerning the foundations of literacy instruction. (On-campus and Web-based sections)
- Content Area Literacy (LTCY 524-Web-based). Western Kentucky University. Taught a Web-Based graduate level course concerning literacy instruction across the content areas.
- Research in Literacy Instruction (LTCY 522). Western Kentucky University. Taught a graduate level research course concerning research and trends in reading education.
Web-Based Courses
- Advanced Methods of Research. (EDCI 7120). In process of developing a web-based graduate level course for doctoral candidates.
- Reading across the Curriculum-Middle/Secondary. (EDRD 6050). Developed and currently teach web-based graduate level course concerning literacy instruction across the content areas.
- M ulticultural Education. (EDCI 4900). Tennessee State University. Developed and taught undergraduate courses concerning the foundations/implications of multicultural education.
- Multicultural Education. (EDCI 5300/6300). Tennessee State University. Developed and taught graduate courses concerning the foundations/implications of multicultural education
- Reading Methods in the Middle/Secondary Grades. (LTCY 421/444). Western Kentucky University. Taught undergraduate courses concerning the teaching of reading and language arts in the middle and secondary grades
- Foundations of Literacy Instruction (LTCY 519). Western Kentucky University. Taught graduate level course concerning the foundations of literacy instruction.
- Content Area Literacy (LTCY 524). Western Kentucky University. Taught a Web-Based graduate level course concerning literacy instruction across the content areas.
Clinical Field Placement Coordination and Supervision:
- Field Study Placements-Currently facilitate field placements (Pre-Residency and Residency 1) for students in the K-6 program at Vol State in Sumner County Schools and serve as supervisor for a small group of students.
- Student Teaching Placements- Currently facilitate student teaching placements (Residency 2) in Sumner County Schools for TSU students in the K-6 program at Volunteer State Community College
-
Student Teacher Supervisor: Elementary Education Student Teachers. Tennessee State University. Observed, evaluated, supported, and consulted withElementary student teachers in their field experience.
SCHOLARSHIP
National Presentations
Christian, B.M., McAtee, R. & Dillard, H. (October, 2013). Problem-based Learning among Pre-service Teachers: Implications for Teacher Preparation and Professional Collaboration. Paper to be presented at the annual meeting of SRATE.
Christian, B.M., McAtee, R. & Dillard, H. (November, 2012). Problem-Based Learning Enhances Collective Efficacy and Problem Solving Skills among Pre-service Literacy Teachers. Paper presented at the annual meeting of Literacy Research Association. San Diego, CA.
Christian, B.M. (April, 2009). Tracing Critical and Reflective Thinking About Race and Culture Among Pre-service Teachers Through Online Threaded Discussions. At the annual conference of the American Educational Research Association. San Diego, CA.
Christian, B.M. (April, 2009). National Conference on Research in Language and Literacy Presents Authors of Its Series “On…” Series. Invited Panel Discussion. At the annual conference of the American Educational Research Association. San Diego, CA.
Christian, B.M. (April, 2008). National Conference on Research in Language and Literacy Presents Authors of Its Series “On…” Series. Invited Panel Discussion. At the annual conference of the American Educational Research Association. New York, NY.
Christian, B.M. (April, 2008). On Discourse Analysis in Classrooms. Invited Panel Discussion. At the annual conference of the American Educational Research Association. New York, NY.
Christian, B.M. (November, 2007).Electronic Literacy Environments for Informing Learning and Practice. Paper presented at the annual meeting of National Reading Conference. Austin, TX.
Christian, B.M. (November, 2006). Discourse as a Noun, Modifier, and Verb: Re-Searching the Discourse Analysis of Literacy Events in Classrooms. Paper presented at the annual meeting of National Reading Conference. Los Angeles, CA.
Christian, B.M. (November, 2006). On Classroom Discourse Analysis . Invited Panel Discussion at the annual conference of the National Council for Teachers of Reading. Nashville, TN.
Christian, B. M. (April, 2004). Reading the Body Reading: What Counts as Reading in a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse First-Grade Classroom. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Research Association. San Diego. CA.
Christian, B. M. (December, 2003). Christmas Trees and ABC's: The Holiday Marginalization of Non-Mainstream Students in First-Grade Language Arts Lesson. National Reading Conference. Scottsdale, AZ.
Christian, B. M. (December, 2002). Reading the Body Reading: A Microethnographic Inquiry of What Counts as Reading in a Linguistically Diverse First-Grade Classroom. National Reading Conference. Miami, FL.
Christian, B. M. (December, 2002). A Microethnographic Exploration of Symbolic Capital and Social Identities in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse First-Grade Classroom. National Reading Conference. Miami, FL.
Christian, B. M. (November, 2001). The Language & Literacy Education of English Language Learners in a first grade monolingual classroom: Symbolic capital and social identities. The annual conference of the National Council of Teachers of English. Baltimore, MD.
Christian. B. M. (November, 2001). Literacy and Globalization in the 21st century. Discussant at the annual conference of the National Council of Teachers of English. Baltimore, M.D.
Christian, B. M. (December, 2001). Technology and literacy. Program Chair at the National Reading Conference. San Antonio: TX.
Morton, B. (November, 2000). Locating Knowledge through Discourse Analysis: Power, Language and Race in a Seventh Grade Language Arts Classroom. Paper presented at the National Reading Conference. Scottsdale, AZ.
Morton, B. (April, 2000).Girlfriend Talk: African-American Preschool Girls' Narratives from the Housekeeping Center. Paper presented at the annual conference of the American Educational Research Association. New Orleans, LA.
Morton, B., Bloome, D., Otto, S., Power, S., & Shuart-Faris, N. (April, 2000). Locating Knowledge in a Seventh Grade Language Arts Classroom. Paper presented at the annual conference of the American Educational Research Association. New Orleans, LA.
Power, S., Morton, B., Otto, S. & Shuart-Faris, N. (April, 2000). Articulating and Reflecting Power Relations in a Seventh Grade Language Arts Classroom. Paper presented at the annual conference of the American Educational Research Association. new Orleans, LA.
Shuart-Faris, N., Morton, B., Otto, S. &. Power, S. (April, 2000). The Process of Intertextuality in Problematizing Race in a Seventh Grade Language Arts Classroom. Paper presented at the annual conference of the American Educational Research Association. New Orleans, LA.
Bloome, D., Morton, B., Otto, S., Power, S., & Shuart-Faris, N.(December, 1999). Discourse analysis and the study of classroom language and literacy events, Paper presented at the National Reading Conference. Orlando, FL.
Morton, B. (1999, June). Storytelling and Narrative in the Housekeeping Center in an African-American Preschool Classroom. Paper presented at the Eleventh Annual Conference on Ethnographic and Qualitative Research. New York, NY.
Local/State Presentations
Christian, B.M. (Aug. 2013). Effective Instructional Strategies of Undergraduate and Graduate Students: Providing Opportunities for Collaboration and Success. Tennessee State University New Faculty Orientation. Nashville, TN.
Christian, B.M. (Feb, 2012). Reading to Learn: Strategies for Reading and Studying Texts. Presentation Prepared For the LEAD Program, TRiO Student Support Services program funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Fisk University, Nashville, TN.
Christian, B.M. (Sept., 2009). Creating Arts and Sciences Partnerships. Presentation at Tennessee Board of Regents: Teacher Quality Initiative Fall Retreat, Fall Creek Falls, TN.
Christian, B. M. (July 2006). Strategic Reading in the Content Areas. Tennessee Vocational Education Conference. Murfreesboro, TN.
Christian, B. M. (June, 2004). Visual Communicator. Etrain Express Meeting. Bowling Green, KY.
Christian, B. M. (September, 2003). Developing On-Line Courses. Etrain Express Meeting. Bowling Green, KY.
Christian, B. M. (Fall 2002) Reading across the Curriculum in the Middle Grades. Russellville Middle School. Russellville, KY.
Christian, B. M. (Fall 2002) Writing across the Curriculum in the Middle Grades. Russellville Middle School. Russellville, KY.
Christian, B. M. (September, 2002). Critical Literacy in the Middle/Secondary Grades: Theory and Practice. Paper Presented at the annual conference of the Kentucky Reading Association. Bowling Green, KY.
Christian, B. M. (January, 2002). An Exploration of the Distribution of Symbolic Capital in a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse First-Grade Classroom. Presentation for the local chapter of Phi Delta Kappa. Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN.
Christian, B. M. (September, 2001). English Language Learners in monolingual classrooms. Paper presented at the annual conference of the Tennessee Council of Teachers of English. Chattanooga, TN.
Publications
Dillard, H., Christian, B.M., McAtee, R. (submitted, 2013). The Effects of Professional Learning Communities on Efficacy Levels of Novice Teachers: Implications for School Administrators. Submitted for consideration for publication in the AASE Journal of Scholarship and Practice.
Christian, B.M., McAtee, R. & Dillard, H. (submitted, 2013). Problem-based Learning among Pre-service Teachers: Implications for Teacher Preparation and Professional Collaboration. Submitted for consideration for publication in the Journal of the Southeastern Regional Association for Teacher Educators.
Christian, B.M. & Zippay, C. (2012). Breaking the Yoke of Racism and Cultural Biases: A Case Study of Two Pre-Service Teachers’ Online Discussions and Candid Reflections about Race and Culture. Multicultural Magazine. New York.
Christian, B.M. and Zippay, C. (2012). Tracing the Evolution of Critical and Reflective Thinking about Race and Culture among Pre-service Teachers through On-line Discussions. Journal of Multiculturalism in Education, 7 (1).
Bloome, D., Carter, S. C., Christian, B. M., Otto, S., & Shuart-Faris, N. (2008). On Discourse Analysis in Classrooms: Approaches to Language and Literacy Research. NY: Teachers College Press.
Bloome, D., Carter, S. C., Christian, B. M., Otto, S., & Shuart-Faris, N. (2005). Discourse Analysis and the Study of Classroom Language and Literacy Events. N.J.: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Christian, B. M. & Bloome, D. (2004). Learning to read is who you are. Reading and Writing Quarterly, 20(4).
Jones, D., Powers, S., Bintz, W., Cox, A., Christian, B., Davis, M., Greenwalt, Y., Higgins,P., & Norman, A. (2004). An Examination of Early Reading Intervention Instructional Practices for Diverse Groups of Primary Grades. International Journal of Learning, 10.
Bloome, D., Champion, T., Katz, L., Morton, B, & Muldrow, R. (2000). Spoken and written narrative development: African-American preschoolers as storytellers and storymakers.In J. Harris (Ed.), Literacy in African-American Communities. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Christian, B.M. (In Progress). Reading the Body Reading: A Microethonographic Inquiry of What Counts as Reading a Culturally Diverse First Grade Classroom.
Dissertation Chair: Completed Dissertations
Carren Marie Gallaher, "A tale of two tracks: Analysis of student dialogue in standard and honors high school English classes" (January 1, 2009) ETD Collection for Tennessee State University. Paper AAI335616http://digitalscholarship.tnstate.edu/dissertations/AAI3356160http://digitalscholarship.tnstate.edu/dissertations/AAI3356160
Cassie F Zippay, "An exploration of the critical and reflective thinking and the culturally relevant literacy practices of two preservice teachers" (January 1, 2010). ETD Collection for Tennessee State University. Paper AAI3404184.
http://digitalscholarship.tnstate.edu/dissertations/AAI3404184
Christine Love Thompson, "The effect of writing evaluation on writing performance: A study in writing proficiency levels of fifth grade students" (January 1, 2009). ETD Collection for Tennessee State University. Paper AAI3389376.
http://digitalscholarship.tnstate.edu/dissertations/AAI3389376
Delores Brazzell, “Art as Emotion: An Exploration of Visual Arts Integration as Anger Management in Alternative High School” (December, 2012). ETD Collection for Tennessee State University. Paper #
Deborah McCormick, “Implications of Constructivist Pedagogy and Problem-Based Learning among Pre-service Teachers” (August 8, 2012). ETD Collection for Tennessee State University. Paper # Pending.)
Ndala Marleyne Gooding Booker, "A multiple case study of decision making and critical thinking skills among unwed adolescent mothers" (January 1, 2011). ETD Collection for Tennessee State University. Paper AAI3487137.
Service
Article/Conference Proposal Review
- Reading Research Quarterly. Reviewed articles for refereed journal publication. 2011-2013.
- Pedagogies: An International Journal . Reviewed articles for refereed journal publication. 2011-2012.
- American Educational Research Association . Invited Panel Reviewer-Division G. Fall 2009.
- Reading Research Quarterly. Reviewed articles for refereed journal publication. 2008-2009.
- National reading Conference . Reviewed conference proposals for the annual conference. Fall, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006.
- American Educational Research Association . Reviewed conference proposals for the annual conference. Fall, 2002, 2003, 2005.
- National Council for Teachers of English . Reviewed conference proposals for the annual conference. Fall, 2002 and 2003.
- American Educational Research Association. Assisted AERA division chair.. Summer/Fall, 2000.
- Teaching Education. Reviewed articles for refereed journal publication. 2002-2003.
- Linguistics and Education . Reviewed articles for refereed journal publication. 1999-2000 and 2004.
- Research in the Teaching of English . Reviewed articles for refereed journal publication.1999-2000.
Current Committee Membership
- Curriculum Committee Chair. Tennessee Board of Regents: Ready2Teach. Curriculum. Tennessee State University, 2012-present.
- Elementary Education Redesign Chair. Department of Teaching and Learning. 2012-present.
- Professional Education Council Member- College of Education. Tennessee State University. Fall 2012-present.
- Department Curriculum Committee Member: Department of Teaching and Learning. Tennessee State University. Fall 2012-present.
- Social Committee Chair- Department of Teaching and Learning. Tennessee State University, 2011-present.
- University Public Service: Committee Member. Tennessee State University, 2009-present.
- Tennessee Board of Regents: Ready2Teach. Assessment Committee. Tennessee State University, 2009-present.
- Tennessee Board of Regents: Ready2Teach. Problem Based Learning Committee. Tennessee State University, 2010-present.
- Tennessee Board of Regents: Ready2Teach. Steering Committee Member/ College of Education, Tennessee State University. 2009-present.
- Doctoral/Master’s Thesis Committee Chair and Member. Department of Teaching and Learning. Tennessee State University, 2006-present
Past Committee Membership
- University Promotion and Tenure: Committee Member. Tennessee State University, 2011-2012.
- Tennessee Board of Regents: Ready2Teach. College of Education Representative. Tennessee State University, 2009-2012.
- Department Curriculum Committee Chair: Department of Teaching and Learning. Tennessee State University, 2008-2012.
- Search Committee Chair: Department of Teaching and Learning. Tennessee State University, 2011-2012
- Educational Technology Council: Committee Member. University Committee, Tennessee State University.2010-2011.
- NCATE Committee: Standard I Chair. College of Education, Tennessee State University, 2008-2010.
- NCATE Committee: Steering Committee Member. College of Education, Tennessee State University, 2008-2010
- NCATE Committee: Coordinator for the Department of Teaching and Learning. Tennessee State University, 2007-2008
- Doctoral/Master’s Thesis Committee Chair and Member- Tennessee State University, 2006-Present
- Elementary Certification /Teacher Education Program Development-Department Tennessee State University, 2005-2006.
- College Conceptual Framework Writing Committee (WKU, 2004-2005).
- Chair of Literacy Search Committee (WKU, 2004-2005).
- College Curriculum Committee (WKU, 2004-2005).
- Diversity Committee-University (WKU, 2003-2004).
- Scholarship Committee- College (WKU, 2002-2005)
- Master’s Program Development Committee-Program Area (WKU, 2002-2005)
- Teacher Insight/Gallup Committee- College (WKU, 2003-2005)
- AEL Coventure (WKU,2003-2004)
Grant Work and Research Projects
Submission of Federal Grant. (November, 2006). Tennessee State University. Submitted Department of Education READ/WRITE grant proposal in collaboration with a team of researchers in Linguistics and Technology at Northwestern University, Chicago. Principal Investigator: Justine Cassell, Ph.D.
Service Learning Mini-Grant. (2006-2007).Tennessee State University. Recipient of service learning mini-grant to create and incorporate service learning components into teacher education courses.
Reading First Teacher Education Network. (2005-2006). Tennessee State University. Participated in an action research project designed to better prepare students enrolled in teacher education programs in Historically Black Colleges and Universities to teach reading in diverse settings.
Grant Writing Workshop. (2006) Tennessee State University. Participated in a five day institute for grant writing and development provided by The Grantsmanship Center of Los Angeles, California.
Early Reading Initiative Grant (ERIG). (2002-2003. Kentucky Reading Project. Served as the assistant to the director of the research portion of the grant. The focus of the research of the project is to explore and report on early literacy programs in Kentucky elementary schools. Collect, analyze, and report data.
E-Train Express Instructional Technology Grant. (2002-2004). Western Kentucky University. Participate in a federally funded project to enhance the technological abilities and capabilities of university faculty for university teaching and learning. The focus of the project is to train university faculty to prepare pre-service teachers to use technology in the public schools.
Case-Based Technologies for Enhanced Literacy Learning. Western Kentucky University. (2002_2003) Participated in NSF funded research grant project in which I implemented interactive video-case technologies in an introductory literacy methods course. The purpose of the project is to explore the uses of the case-based teaching in the preparation of pre-service teachers. Principal Investigators. Chuck Kinzer, Don Leu, Linda Labbo, and William Teale.
Awards
Promising Researcher Award. (2002) Finalist. National Council of Teachers of English.
Student Outstanding Researcher Award. (2002). Finalist. National Reading Conference.
webpage contact:
B. Christian