Vanessa E. Vega

Vanessa E. Vega is an Assistant Professor of Secondary English Language Arts Education at the University of Central Florida (UCF), affiliated with the School of Teacher Education within the College of Community Innovation and Education. Her work focuses on humanizing narratives and the lived experiences of Latina teachers, using methodologies like testimonios and muxerista portraiture. Prior to UCF, she held roles at the University of South Florida and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), including directing clinical field experiences and teaching English Language Arts methods. She began her career as a National Board Certified Teacher in Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Educational Studies in Diverse Populations (English Language Arts Curriculum and Instruction), UAB
• Ed.S. in English Language Arts Education, UAB
• M.Ed. in English Language Arts Education, Rutgers University
• B.A. in English Literature and Professional Writing for the Arts (minor in Women’s Studies), Purdue University

Research Focus: Dr. Vega explores themes of authenticity in education through young adult literature and creative narratives. Her book Latina Teachers in the Deep South (2024) highlights the intersection of identity, pedagogy, and cultural resilience.

Advising & Grants: While no specific grants are listed, her work emphasizes collaborative, reciprocal learning spaces for teachers and students. Advising details are not provided in the text.

Labs/Teams: Not explicitly mentioned in the text.