Christina M. Budde

Assistant Professor

Dr. Christina M. Budde is an assistant professor in the School of Education at the University of Delaware, where she specializes in literacy and language education. With over a decade of experience teaching elementary school and adult ESL, Dr. Budde is dedicated to understanding and enhancing classroom practices that embrace the cultural and linguistic diversity of students.

Dr. Budde’s research focuses on identifying and promoting effective instructional practices that support the language and literacy development of early childhood and elementary-age children from diverse backgrounds. She also explores innovative strategies that empower pre-service and in-service teachers to develop and enhance the skill set required for effectively teaching multilingual learners.

In her teaching role, Dr. Budde teaches undergraduate and graduate-level courses related to literacy instruction, language development, and teaching multilingual learners. As the program coordinator for the Multilingual Learner Teacher Education (formerly ESL) concentration in the Elementary Teacher Education Program, she ensures the curriculum prepares future educators to meet the needs of linguistically and culturally diverse students.

Dr. Budde has presented her work on creating meaningful literacy-learning opportunities for multilingual learners at regional and international conferences, as well as in academic journals. Her scholarship includes topics such as promoting second language development through peer learning and text-based small reading groups. Notable publications include works in Language and Literacy and Teacher Learning and Professional Development. Additionally, she provides professional development for educators, focusing on detailed micro-practices within broader teaching strategies that support evidence-based language and literacy instruction for all students grounded in the science of reading.

Educational Background

• Ph.D., Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership, specialization in Applied Linguistics and Language Education, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 2020
• M.S., Curriculum and Instruction, focus in TESOL/Bilingual Education, McDaniel College, Westminster, MD, 2005
• B.S., Elementary Education, Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA, 2001

Professional Experience

• Assistant Professor, School of Education, University of Delaware, 2020–present
• Project Manager, Children Study Their World Curriculum Evaluation Study, Center for Early Childhood Education and Intervention (CECEI), University of Maryland, 2019–2020
• Team-Lead Language and Literacy, Children Study Their World Curriculum, Center for Early Childhood Education and Intervention (CECEI), University of Maryland, 2017–2018
• ESOL Instructor, Community College of Baltimore County, MD, 2013–2014
• Teacher, Anne Arundel and Carroll County Public Schools, MD 2001–2012