Carol Chandler-Rourke

Carol Chandler-Rourke is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of English at the University of Massachusetts Boston, where she has taught writing, tutor training, and graduate teacher-training courses since 1984. Her work spans over three decades in community development, civic engagement, and fostering university-community partnerships.

Education:

• MEd in Bilingual/ESL Studies from the University of Massachusetts
• MA in English Literature from the University of Massachusetts
• BA in English/Political Science from Boston College

Research Interests: She specializes in Composition, Rhetoric, Linguistics, and ESOL, with a focus on immigration and global studies, K-12 professional development, and community-university collaborations. Her research emphasizes strengthening community-based organizations and creating leadership opportunities for immigrants and refugees.

Publication Trends: Her publications highlight the intersection of adult education, literacy advocacy, and community engagement, often addressing systemic challenges in educational equity and reform. Her work spans community-building models, tutor training frameworks, and university-led literacy initiatives.

Grants: She has secured funding through the National Student Literacy Corps, the Fund for the Improvement of Post Secondary Education (FIPSE), the Civic Engaged Scholars Initiative (CESI), and the CLA Careers/Curriculum Grant.

Labs & Collaborations: Carol coordinates the Community University Project for Literacy (CUPL) at UMB and co-founded initiatives like the Community-Based Bilingual Teacher Training Program and the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Leadership and Empowerment (CIRCLE).