Dr. Tara Mathien's virtual exchange team, including partner Renata Castillo, visiting a local library in Quito, Ecuador with study abroad students
At the University of Florida (UF), Dr. Tara Mathien is an expert in early childhood education and international collaboration. As a Clinical Assistant Professor and affiliate of the Anita Zucker Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Studies, Dr. Mathien is dedicated to advancing global learning and enriching educational experiences for students worldwide.
Dr. Mathien holds an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction Leadership from Northern Illinois University and serves as the Program Area Leader for Early Childhood Studies in the Department of Special Education, School Psychology, and Early Childhood Studies. Her role involves overseeing program development and advising the KiddieLand Bilingual Child Care Program in Zurich, Switzerland, focusing on developmentally appropriate practices.
One of Dr. Mathien’s notable achievements is the creation of a distinctive study abroad program in Quito, Ecuador. “The study abroad program that I developed was a two-year journey of love, challenges, and ultimately triumph,” she reflects. This program, a collaboration with Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), is the only one of its kind offered through UF’s College of Education.
Dr. Mathien’s program immerses students in Ecuadorian culture through engagement with public and private schools, NGOs, and service learning in Quito and the Galapagos Islands. “It offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to really engage with local families and be immersed with one of the most biodiverse places on Earth,” she says. This unique approach allows students from various disciplines—including education, animal sciences, film, and policy—to gain meaningful and applicable experiences.
Dr. Mathien is also making waves in the realm of virtual exchanges. In Spring 2024, she led a five-week hybrid virtual exchange project titled “Developing Global Citizenship through Interdisciplinary Conversations: Virtual Exchange on the UN SDGs.” The project involved students from institutions across the US, South America, and the Middle East. “We offered this as a freely chosen experience to collaborate with others across the globe and discuss matters important to them,” Dr. Mathien explains.
The project, which engaged over 120 students, aimed to foster global citizenship and interdisciplinary dialogue on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dr. Mathien and her collaborators are now working on a journal article to share their findings, reflecting on the success and challenges of the project.
Participation in UFIC’s professional development training has profoundly influenced Dr. Mathien’s work. “UFIC's PD has moved into a space where internationalization of curriculum, programming, and collaboration is centered in my work,” she notes. Her involvement has led to successful program implementations, international collaborations, and conference presentations.
As Chair of the AACTE International Teacher Education TAG, Dr. Mathien frequently shares her expertise at conferences, contributing to the broader field of early childhood education and internationalization.
Despite challenges such as technology issues and time zone differences, Dr. Mathien remains dedicated to making virtual exchanges and study abroad programs accessible and equitable. “We need to rethink how we offer VE and what structures might limit participation,” she asserts. Her vision includes designing programs that are more inclusive and engaging students in the planning and reflection processes.
Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Mathien expresses gratitude for the support from UFIC and the Center for Latin American Studies. “I am continually astonished at the snowball effect that happens when we are provided an opportunity and continue to work and nourish the growth of what could be.”
Dr. Tara Mathien’s commitment to early childhood education and international collaboration continues to leave a significant mark. Through her innovative programs and global initiatives, she is enhancing educational experiences and fostering a more interconnected world.