Cynthia Chasteen

Cynthia Chasteen is the Director of the Missouri Migrant Education Program (MEP) since July 2023 and an instructional specialist in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Missouri. She holds a PhD in Teaching & Learning Processes with TESOL emphasis from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, an M.Ed. in Secondary Education/K-12 World Languages (Spanish) and TESOL, and eight years of experience as an elementary Spanish teacher.

Her research focuses on English Language Learners (ELLs) in rural districts and integrating mindfulness/yoga into classroom practices. She is certified as a yoga instructor (ERYT-200, RCYT, YACEP via Yoga Alliance) and meditation teacher (Unplug Meditation). Chasteen serves on the board of Columbia’s Nora Stewart Early Learning Center and previously worked as an Instructional Specialist for the Heart of Missouri Regional Professional Development Center.

She teaches LTC 4460, a course within the College of Education and Human Development, blending her expertise in education, language acquisition, and mindful pedagogy.

• Professional Affiliations: Cambio Center Fellow
• Certifications: Yoga Alliance ERYT-200, RCYT, YACEP; Unplug Meditation Teacher