Ellen J. Foster

Ellen J. Foster is a Professor of Teacher Education and Faculty Instructor at the University of Mississippi's Department of Teacher Education within the School of Education. She currently serves as Secondary Program Coordinator and Executive Director of the Mississippi Geographic Alliance. Her roles involve enhancing educational programs, curriculum development, and promoting geographic literacy across the state. Recent leadership includes leading GeoCamp Iceland professional field courses (2017, 2019, 2021) and organizing collaborative educational initiatives in Iceland.

Education:

• B.S. in Agri Economics, Texas Tech University (1993)
• M.A. in Education, Trinity University (1994)
• Ph.D. in Geography (Geographic Education), Texas State University-San Marcos (2006)

Research Focus: Dedicated to experiential learning methodologies and the application of geographic education to foster critical thinking. Her work emphasizes the spatial perspective in education, teacher professional development, and bridging community partnerships to strengthen educational outcomes.

Leadership & Initiatives:

• Oversees Mississippi Geographic Alliance's programs to enhance K-12 geography education
• Mentors graduate students in secondary social studies education
• Advances curriculum development for undergraduate and graduate teacher preparation

Professional Engagement: Active in national organizations like the National Council for Geographic Education and has led international educational fieldwork programs.