This candidate is a highly experienced educator and scholar with a Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction and over 30 years in the field. Her career includes roles as an Associate Professor at universities like Texas Tech, a Department Director at a preparatory school, and an ESL Program Specialist for a state department of education. She is an award-winning teacher, published textbook author, and has served as an Associate Editor for an academic journal, with expertise in literacy, curriculum development, and teacher education.