Crista Banks
Assistant Professor of Elementary Social Science, Curriculum & Instruction

| Degree | Area of Study | University |
|---|---|---|
| Ph.D. | Curriculum and Instruction: Elementary Education; Cognate: Social Science | University of South Florida |
| M.S. | Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) | Nova Southeastern University |
| B.S. | Elementary Education (Grades 1-6) | University of South Florida |

| Qualitative Research | University of South Florida |

| Year | Award |
|---|---|
| 2023 | University of North Texas at Dallas Service Award |






Dr. Crista Banks is an Assistant Professor of Elementary Social Science. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education and a M.S. in Teaching English as a Second Language. She received her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of South Florida. She teaches undergraduate courses on elementary social science methods. Her research interests include cultural studies, global citizenship, preservice teacher identity, reflective practice, teacher inquiry, and art integration.
Dr. Banks’ goal as an educator is to empower and prepare students to become effective teachers in their own classrooms. Dr. Banks implements collaborative learning opportunities, student choice, and art integration in her courses. She also focuses on teaching with an inquiry stance to encourage exploration, spark curiosity, deepen investigations, and promote the application of new methods and techniques.