Dr. Brbara C. Cruz is Professor of Social Science Education at the University of South Florida. She has been a faculty member at USF since 1991, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, conducting research on global and multicultural issues, and providing professional service to a number of educational organizations and initiatives. Dr. Cruz has published and presented extensively, focusing her scholarship on diversity and equity issues. In 2019 she was selected as a Fulbright Scholar and will be conducting her project in Alicante, Spain. Titled "The Art of Teaching: Innovations in Social Studies Teacher Preparation," it will include teaching at the Universidad de Alicante and the Universidad de Murcia; presenting workshops for practicing teachers; developing a social studies-art curriculum; and, investigating teachers' use of contemporary art in their teaching. Dr. Cruz was born in Cuba but has spent most of her life in the U.S. As an English language learner herself, she is particularly interested in this student population and works to increase access to quality education for all students.