Margarita Lara

Associate Professor
Curriculum and Instruction
ED206 College of Education
Phone: 713-313-7501
Email: lara_mx@tsu.edu 

Primary Research Focus
Instructional strategies for English language learners, web-based instruction, constructivism, interdisciplinary unit planning and problem-based learning

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Professional Biography
Margarita Lara is an Associate Professor in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction at Texas Southern University. Margarita Lara joined the TSU family in the fall of 1994. She began as an instructor teaching professional development courses as well as bilingual coursework. She was active in providing preparation seminars for the state certification exams. Her publications include articles in transforming teacher education, curriculum development, problem-based learning and instructional strategies for English language learners. These publications appear in journals such as Teacher Education and Practice, The Journal of Educational Issues of Language Minority Students, Academic Exchange and the development of Curriculum guides in collaboration with Project U.S.A. (Urban Scientists in Action), the Houston Zoological Association and Texas Southern University. The curriculum guides were developed by Texas Southern University candidates in field-based professional development courses. Margarita was the lead instructor and editor of the following curriculum guides: Texas Wetlands Ecosystem, Urban Ecosystem, Prairie Ecosystem and Forest Ecosystem. Margarita’s roles and responsibilities range from instructor, Director of the Post Baccalaureate Alternative Route to Certification, university supervisor for candidates in clinical practice, Chair of the NCATE Standard I Committee, University Faculty Senator, and grant and proposal developer. Margarita Lara in collaboration with the Coordinator of Grantsmanship submitted a Transition to Teaching proposal in spring of 2007 and fall 2008. She also submitted a couple of E-learning course development proposals which were funded. She also participated in a Self-Study of the Academic Integrity Subcommittee for NCAA (TSU’s Athletic Department—appointed by the President of TSU).

Courses Taught
EDCI 328—Psychology of Human Growth and Development
EDCI 310—Foundations of Education
EDCI 339—Classroom Management
EDCI 350—Instructional Strategies
EDCI 405—Integrated Language Arts, Social Studies and Fine Arts
EDCI 430—Integrated Science, Math and Health
EDCI 455—Curriculum Development in Bilingual Education
EDCI 431—Linguistics for Teachers
EDCI 432—Language Acquisition
EDCI 456—Developing Spanish Language Skills

Academic Degrees
Ed.D. Curriculum & Instruction, University of Houston
M.Ed. Curriculum & Instruction, University of Texas at El Paso
B.S. Elementary Education, University of Texas at El Paso