This is my 26th year as an educator and my 18th year in Round Rock ISD. I currently serve as the Coordinator of Dual Language Curriculum. As a former Round Rock ISD bilingual teacher, instructional coach and curriculum specialist, I have witnessed the transformation of our evolving, innovative, destination district. During this time, I have been blessed and honored to have built many relationships with educators across the district and to be able to work and support bilingual educators in this great community.
I earned my Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Specialization in Early Childhood Education from the University of Texas- Pan American. In 2013, I earned my Master of Arts degree in Curriculum and Instruction specialized in Bilingual and Bicultural Education at the University of Texas in Austin.
My educational beliefs are mainly grounded in Vygotsky's sociocultural /constructivist theory of teaching and learning; I believe that human learning is constructed and reconstructed through the use of language, mediating tools and social interactions as well as influenced by culture and society. The role of a teacher is to be responsive and reflective in her daily practice; he/she should provide students with a nurturing, risk-free environment that encourages critical thinking, collaboration, practice, scaffolding, reflection and opportunities to make real-world connections. I also believe that in order for students to reach their fullest potential, educators must integrate culturally responsive practices into their instruction acknowledging their communities' funds of knowledge and literacies.
On a personal note, I've been married for 21 years to my husband, David, and together we have three children; Amir 21, Nathia 19 and Kitzia 13. We have resided in Round Rock since 2002; previously, we lived South Texas in a town called McAllen.