Salve Regina University

My research interests are focused on methods, strategies and resources teachers can use in teaching social studies in grades 1-6. I am involved in locating primary sources by and about historical children and young people and exploring ways of using these resources to engage students in historical inquiry. I also continue to explore methods of motivating students for participatory citizenship through using examples of what contemporary and historical children and young people are doing to make the world a better place. Another related aspect of my research includes locating resources that elementary classroom teachers can use to teach about children around the world and exploring ways of using these resources to help meet the National Council for the Social Studies standards related to geography, culture and global perspectives. In addition, I conduct research on methods of teaching teacher education courses.

I chose to join the faculty of the Department of Education at Salve Regina because of the sense of community here and because, according to the University mission, "the University encourages students to work for a world that is harmonious, just and merciful." It is my hope that our teacher education candidates will encourage this in their future classrooms when they become teachers. I enjoy teaching in the Department of Education because our small classes provide the opportunity for faculty to really get to know the education students and follow their progress from their first courses during the sophomore year through graduation. It is such a joy to see our students grow and develop into professional teachers.