Dr. Zaker began her career in education as a middle school English Language Arts and Social Studies teacher in her hometown of Lexington, Kentucky. After seven years in the classroom, her desire to work with future teachers led her to earn a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, specializing in Teacher Education and Curriculum Studies, from Indiana University. 

Her research interests fall within teacher education, critical literacies, social studies education, and civic education. Her research examines preservice teachers’ beliefs and pedagogical ideas. Her dissertation explored how preservice elementary teachers conceptualize social issues and social action and how their conceptions are reflected in their ideas for teaching. She has also studied preservice secondary social studies teachers’ news consumption habits and their perceptions of news media and news media literacy. Since teachers’ beliefs and practice are intertwined, understanding what preservice teachers think can shine light on their pedagogical ideas and ultimately what they may do in their future classrooms. Moreover, as a teacher educator, Dr. Zaker believes gaining such understandings can assist her in better preparing preservice teachers for their careers.