Beth Morton Christian, Ed.D.

Email:bchristian1@tnstate.edu

Webpage: http://faculty.tnstate.edu/bchristian1 

 

Experience

University Faculty Experience

  • Associate Professor. Teaching and Learning. Literacy and Multicultural Education. College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, Tennessee State University (August 2005-Present).

Program Director.  2 + 2 K-6 Licensure Program in Articulation with Volunteer  State Community College, Gallatin Tennessee. (Jan. 2007-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)

 

Elementary, Middle, and Secondary Teaching Experience

  • French Teacher. Battle Ground Academy. Franklin, Tennessee. Taught French I-V to high school students. 1994-1998.
  • Reading Lab Teacher and 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 grade French students studying English. Spring, 1993. 

Education

Graduate Studies

  • Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. Nashville, Tennessee. Major Area: Language and Literacy Education. Doctor of Education. 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.

  • Middle Tennessee State University. Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Major Area: Foreign Language Teaching and Learning (French). Master in the Art of Teaching. May 1993.
  • University of Laval. Quebec City, Quebec. Summer 1996: Successfully completed courses in French, Linguistics, and Pedagogy.

Undergraduate Studies

  • University of Tennessee. Knoxville, Tennessee. Major Area: French. Bachelor of Arts with Honors. May, 1991.
  • Institut d'Etudes Francaises. La Rochelle, France. Summer 1990: Parcipated study abroad program through the University of Richmond as part of Bachelor’s degree.
  • Clarife.  Lille, France. Summer 1990: Participated in a summer study abroad program through the University of Tennessee as part of Bachelor’s degree.

 
 

TEACHING

University Teaching and Supervision Experience

Undergraduate Courses

  • Literacy Methods l (EDRD 3500). Tennessee State UniversityCurrently teach 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.
  • Literacy Methods II  (EDRD4500). Tennessee State UniversityCurrently teach undergraduate a course concerning the teaching of reading, content area reading, writing, and reading and writing assessments.
  •  Multicultural Education. (EDCI 4900 Web-Enhanced courses). Tennessee State University. Currently teach undergraduate courses concerning the foundations/implications of multicultural education.
  • Reading Methods in the Elementary School (EDRD 4240). Tennessee State UniversityCurrently teach 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.
  • Student Teaching Seminar (EDCI 4706). Tennessee State University. Currently teach a seminar for student teachers in Elementary Education.
  • 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). 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. Assisted professor with teaching reading methods to undergraduate students. 
  • French. Middle Tennessee State University. Taught French I & II, substituted in upper level French courses, and supervised student workers in the language laboratory as Graduate Teaching Assistant and Adjunct Faculty in the Foreign Language Department.

Graduate Courses

  • 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-Web-Enhanced courses). Tennessee State University. Currently teach graduate courses concerning the foundations/implications of multicultural education.
  • Teaching Reading in the Elementary Schools. (EDRD 5610).  Tennessee State University. Currently teach 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). Western Kentucky University. Taught a Web-Based graduate level course concerning literacy instruction across the content areas.  (WEB-Based Course)
  • 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

  • Reading across the Curriculum-Middle/Secondary. (EDRD 6050).  Developed and currently teach web-based graduate level course concerning literacy instruction across the content areas. 
  • Multicultural 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. 

 

Field Placement Coordination and Supervision:

  • Field Study Placements-Currently facilitate field placements 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 in Sumner County Schools.
  • Student Teacher Supervisor: Elementary Education Student Teachers. Tennessee State University. Observed, evaluated, supported, and consulted withElementary student teachers in their field experience.
  • Student Teacher Supervisor: Early Childhood and Elementary Student Teachers. Peabody College, Vanderbilt University. Observed, evaluated, supported, and consulted with Early Childhood and Elementary student teachers in their field experience. 
  • Instructor/Supervisor: Reading and Language Arts Practicum in Early Childhood and Elementary School Settings (EDUC 2216).  Peabody College, Vanderbilt University. Observed, evaluated, and consulted with undergraduate students participating in the Language Arts field experience program. Students were required to report weekly to a supervisor via e-mail and post questions and comments on a technologically based message board.  

 

Elementary, Middle, and Secondary Teaching Experience

  • French Teacher. Battle Ground Academy. Franklin, Tennessee. Taught French I-V to high school students. 1994-1998.
  • Reading Lab Teacher and 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 grade French students studying English. Spring, 1993. 
  •  

SCHOLARHIP

 

National Presentations

 

        Christian, B.M., McAtee, R. & Dillard, H. (Dec. 2012). Problem-Based Learning Enhances Collective Efficacy and Problem Solving Skills among Pre-service Literacy Teachers. Paper submitted for presentation 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 Environmentsfor 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. (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

            Christian, B.M., McAtee, R. & Dillard, H. (under review). Problem-based Learning Enhances Collective Efficacy and Problem-Solving Among Pre-service Literacy Teachers. International Journal of Problem-Based Learning.

 

Christian, B.M. & Zippay, C. (under review). 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/AAI3356160

http://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

 

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.
http://digitalscholarship.tnstate.edu/dissertations/AAI3487137

 

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.

 
 

Service

 

Service Learning

 

·        Reading Buddy Tutoring Project ( 2008-2012) Direct Reading Tutoring Project in conjunction with Sumner County Schools (Guild, Vena Stuart, and Benny Bills Elementary School). Pre-service teachers are matched to and work one-on-one with individual students who struggle with reading and writing at Benny Bills Elementary, Guild Elementary School and Vena Stuart Elementary School in Sumner County. Pre-service teachers provide tutoring, assessments, interventions in conjunction with the classroom teacher and reading specialist as each deems appropriate.

Article/Conference Proposal Review

  • Reading Research Quarterly. Reviewed articles for refereed journal publication. 20011-2012.
  • Pedagogies: An International Journal. Reviewed articles for refereed journal publication. 20011-2012.
  • 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

  • Department Curriculum Committee Chair: Department of Teaching and Learning. Tennessee State University, 2008-present.
  • Search Committee Chair-Department of Teaching and Learning. Tennessee State University, 2011-present.
  • Social Committee Chair- Department of Teaching and Learning. Tennessee State University, 2011-present.
  • College Curriculum Committee Member: College of Education. Tennessee State University, 2011-present
  • University Promotion and Tenure: Committee Member. 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. College of Education Representative. Tennessee State University, 2009-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

  • 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)

 

Church Membership and Service

Longhollow Baptist Church. (2008-Present). Hendersonville, Tennessee. Currently volunteer in Guest Services and substitute periodically in a 3rd grade Sunday School classroom.

West End Community Church. (1999-2008). Nashville, Tennessee. Volunteered and taught Sunday School in a variety of grades in the Children’s Ministry

 

 

Beth Morton Christian, Ed.D.

Email:bchristian1@tnstate.edu

Webpage: http://faculty.tnstate.edu/bchristian1

 

University Experience

  • Associate Professor. Teaching and Learning. Literacy and Multicultural Education. College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, Tennessee State University (August 2005-Present).

            Program Director.  2 + 2 K-6 Licensure Program in Articulation with Volunteer State Community College, Gallatin Tennessee. (Jan. 2007-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)

 

Graduate Work

  • Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. Nashville, Tennessee. Major Area: Language and Literacy Education. Doctor of Education. 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.

  • Middle Tennessee State University. Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Major Area: Foreign Language Teaching and Learning (French). Master in the Art of Teaching. May 1993.
  • University of Laval. Quebec City, Quebec. Summer 1996: Successfully completed courses in French, Linguistics, and Pedagogy.

 

Undergraduate Work

  • University of Tennessee. Knoxville, Tennessee. Major Area: French. Bachelor of Arts with Honors. May, 1991.
  • Institut d'Etudes Francaises. La Rochelle, France. Summer 1990: Successfully completed a study abroad program through the University of Richmond as part of Bachelor’s degree.
  • Clarife.  Lille, France. Summer 1990: Successfully completed a summer study abroad program through the University of Tennessee as part of Bachelor’s degree.

 

Professional Experience

University Teaching and Supervision Experience

Undergraduate Courses

  • Literacy Methods l (EDRD 3500). Tennessee State University.  Currently teach 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.

  • 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.

  •  Multicultural Education. (EDCI 4900 Web-Enhanced courses). Tennessee State University. Currently teach undergraduate courses concerning the foundations/implications of multicultural education.

  • Reading Methods in the Elementary School (EDRD 4240). Tennessee State University.  Currently teach 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.
  • Student Teaching Seminar (EDCI 4706). Tennessee State University. Currently teach a seminar for student teachers in Elementary Education.
  • 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). Currently teach 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. Currently teaching 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. Assisted professor with teaching reading methods to undergraduate students. 
  • French. Middle Tennessee State University. Taught French I & II, substituted in upper level French courses, and supervised student workers in the language laboratory as Graduate Teaching Assistant and Adjunct Faculty in the Foreign Language Department.

 

Graduate Courses

  • 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-Web-Enhanced courses). Tennessee State University. Currently teach graduate courses concerning the foundations/implications of multicultural education.
  • Teaching Reading in the Elementary Schools. (EDRD 5610).  Tennessee State University. Currently teach 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). Western Kentucky University. Taught a Web-Based graduate level course concerning literacy instruction across the content areas.  (WEB-Based Course)
  • 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

  • Reading across the Curriculum-Middle/Secondary. (EDRD 6050).  Developed and teach web-based graduate level course concerning literacy instruction across the content areas. 
  • Multicultural Education. (EDCI 4900). Tennessee State University. Currently teach undergraduate courses concerning the foundations/implications of multicultural education.
  •  Multicultural Education. (EDCI 5300/6300). Tennessee State University. Currently teach 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. 

 

Field Placement Coordination and Supervision:

  • Field Study Placements-Currently facilitate field placements for all 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 in Sumner County Schools.
  • Student Teacher Supervisor: Elementary Education Student Teachers. Tennessee State University. Observed, evaluated, supported, and consulted withElementary student teachers in their field experience.
  • Student Teacher Supervisor: Early Childhood and Elementary Student Teachers. Peabody College, Vanderbilt University. Observed, evaluated, supported, and consulted with Early Childhood and Elementary student teachers in their field experience. 
  • Instructor/Supervisor: Reading and Language Arts Practicum in Early Childhood and Elementary School Settings (EDUC 2216).  Peabody College, Vanderbilt University. Observed, evaluated, and consulted with undergraduate students participating in the Language Arts field experience program. Students were required to report weekly to a supervisor via e-mail and post questions and comments on a technologically based message board.  

 

Elementary, Middle, and Secondary Experience

  • French Teacher. Battle Ground Academy. Franklin, Tennessee. Taught French I-V to high school students. 1994-1998.
  • Reading Lab Teacher and 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 grade French students studying English. Spring, 1993. 

 

National Presentations

        

           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 MicroethnographicInquiry 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. (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. Russelville, KY.

Christian, B. M. (Fall 2002) Writing  across the Curriculum in the Middle Grades. Russellville Middle School. Russelville, 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

 

            Christian, B.M., McAtee, R.. & Dillard, H. (under review). Problem-based Learning Enhances Collective Efficacy and Problem-Solving Among Pre-service Literacy Teachers. International Journal of Problem-Based Learning.

  

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 Examiniation 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.

 

Awards

Promising Researcher Award. (2002)  Finalist. National Council of Teachers of English.

Student Outstanding Researcher Award. (2002). Finalist. National Reading Conference

 

Professional Service

Article/Conference Proposal Review

  • 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

  • Department Curriculum Committee Chair: Department of Teaching and Learning. Tennessee State University, 2008-present.

  • Search Committee Chair-Department of Teaching and Learning. Tennessee State University, 2011-present.

  • Social Committee Chair- Department of Teaching and Learning. Tennessee State University, 2011-present.

  • College Curriculum Committee Member: College of Education. Tennessee State University, 2011-present

  • University Promotion and Tenure: Committee Member. 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. College of Education Representative. Tennessee State University, 2009-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

  • 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.