James Cohen

James Cohen is a Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Northern Illinois University's College of Education. His work focuses on ESL and bilingual education, literacy for immigrant and non-native English speakers, and equity for undocumented students.

His research interests include bilingual education, literacy instruction for English learners, culturally relevant pedagogy, and the educational experiences of undocumented and immigrant students. He emphasizes equity, social justice, and international perspectives in education.

The recent publications reflect a strong trend in global and equity-focused literacy education, teacher development, and identity formation among immigrant learners. Topics span music in language acquisition, women's empowerment through English, and critical policy analysis in bilingual education.

• Fulbright-Hayes Group Project Winner, Tanzania and Kenya (2022)
• NIU Outstanding International Educator Award (2021)
• Fulbright Scholarship for Summer 2019, Uruguay, South America (2019)
• NIU College of Education Outreach Community Service Award (2019)
• NIU College of Education Exceptional Contributions in Diversity/Social Justice Award (2017)
• NIU Latino Resource Center: Recognized as an Exceptional Outreach Professor for the Latino Community (2015)
• NIU Presidential Commission on the Status of Minorities Deacon Davis Diversity Award (2013)
• NIU College of Education Alyce Kramer Marcus Exceptional Teacher Award (2012)

James Cohen has secured multiple grants, including the Fulbright-Hayes Group Projects Abroad and Uruguayan Teacher Exchange grants, supporting international immersion for pre-service teachers. He mentors students and collaborates widely, though specific advisees are not listed. He also served as an Honors Faculty Fellow (2021–2022), teaching a seminar on undocumented immigrants.

He is actively involved in professional development, delivering keynotes and workshops internationally on topics such as classroom management, speaking/listening in EFL, and policy perspectives.