
I am originally from the Netherlands. I began working there, and then worked in Zambia and Nepal. After Nepal, where I met Charles Harns who convinced me to consider CIE, I came to Amherst to pursue a M.Ed. focusing on Adult Numeracy and Literacy.
After getting my degree I started working in the US and never left. I was a curriculum development specialist in Native Language Literacy for Adult Learners at the University of MA Boston and later I worked In DC with Marilyn Gillespie at the Center for Applied Linguistics doing research in native language literacy.
The rest of my professional career I worked in different public schools and community based organizations doing research, staff development, curriculum development, teaching, and coordinating programs for Adult English Language Learners. My most memorable times were designing, implementing and teaching project-based learning where ELL learners learn cooperative learning strategies, math, and English..
During the last eight years of my career I taught ELL/Math at a public middle school in Alexandria, VA.
I retired in 2022 and now spend my time hiking, biking, visiting family and friends and whatever else I feel like doing. I live with my family in Alexandria.[10-23]
Email: eballering@gmail.com