Ellen J. Foster currently serves as Professor of Teacher Education, Secondary Program Coordinator, and Executive Director of Mississippi Geographic Alliance.
Research Interests
Dr. Foster's research interests include culturally relevant pedagogy, education equity, virtual reality experiences in the classroom, and recruiting/retention/development of teachers.
Biography
Most recently, Ellen shared her talents with National Council for Geographic Education - GeoCamp Iceland program as co-leader for the 2017, 2019, and 2021 professional field courses. In October 2023, she facilitated a trip of GeoCamp alumni to collaborate with compulsory and higher education faculty in Iceland.
In July 2023, Ellen took over leadership of the Mississippi Geographic Alliance (MGA). A member of the MGA Steering Committee, the MGA Pre-Service Teacher Conference staff since 2009, Ellen looks forward to growing MGA's network of teachers and community partners to bring geography to all students.
Ellen received her Ph.D. in Geography - Geographic Education from Texas State University-San Marcos in 2006. Before her transition to higher education, Ellen taught high school social studies for nine years in the Greater San Antonio area upon completion of her M.A. in Teaching from Trinity University. Ellen also served as an adjunct geography instructor in the Alamo Community College District from 2004-2007. Ellen lives in Abbeville, MS, with her chosen family, Golden Retrievers, and Morgan horses.
Courses Taught
- EDCI 419 Classroom Assessment
- EDLE 480 Student Teaching: Secondary Education
- EDSE 647 Advanced Methods of Teaching Social Studies
Education
B.S. Agri Economics, Texas Tech University (1993)
M.A. Education, Trinity University (1994)
Ph.D. Geography, Texas State University-San Marcos (2006)