Professor of Education-Literacy

Lillian Vega-Castaneda joins California State University Channel Islands as Professor of Elementary Education. She comes to CSUCI from California State University San Marcos where she was Professor of Multicultural/Multilingual Education for nine years. During her tenure at CSUSM she coordinated the (Bilingual) Cross-cultural Language and Academic Development Program. Dr. Vega-Castaneda led the development of the BCLAD credential and MA program in multicultural/ multilingual education at the CSU San Marcos campus. She coordinated the implementation of these programs throughout 92-2001. Dr. Vega Castaneda teaches in the area of language, culture and literacy in multicultural/multilingual contexts.

Dr. Vega-Castaneda has conducted research in language and literacy in mainstream and multilingual contexts, community based education, and second language acquisition for English Only and English Language learners. Current scholarship includes the development of English language and literacy as a simultaneous process for English Learners; the nature of Chicano English by native English speakers. Previous scholarship includes the use of narratives in teacher education with ethnic minority and mainstream pre-service and in-service teachers. Issues of equity and difference are central to her research agenda.

A lifelong commitment to social justice issues and equity and access to learning for all students underscores her teaching, scholarship and service.

Dr. Vega-Castaneda holds a doctorate in Teaching, Curriculum and Learning Environments from Harvard University.