TAMIU Hosts Third Annual 'Unidos Para Texas’ Bilingual Ed Conference
Texas A&M International University’s (TAMIU) College of Education hosted the annual “Unidos Para Texas” Bilingual Education Conference Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024.
The Conference focused on bilingual education and biliteracy while also promoting advocacy for bilingual/multilingual students. The conference offered high-quality professional development opportunities to meet the needs of these learners.
Conference topics included Assessment and Evaluation, Language Acquisition and Development, Promoting Language Equity, Special Education and Bilingual Learners, and more.
Dr. Gilda Y. Martínez, TAMIU College of Education instructional assistant professor, noted the impact of this Conference.
"As the founder of the Unidos Para Texas Bilingual Education Conference, I am deeply committed to advocating for and promoting bilingualism and biliteracy. This annual event at Texas A&M International University exemplifies our dedication to providing high-quality professional development and fostering educational equity for bilingual and multilingual students. Together, we are building a future where every learner's linguistic and cultural heritage is celebrated and nurtured," said Dr. Martínez.
This year’s conference keynote speaker was Dr. Ofelia García, a Professor Emerita in the Ph.D. programs in Urban Education and Latin American, Iberian, and Latino Cultures at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, García has published widely in several areas of bilingualism/multilingualism, and bilingual education.
She is the recipient of two Lifetime Research Achievement Awards from the American Educational Research Association and has received honors from various language associations. She was elected for membership in The Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of Education.
Additionally, the Conference launched a Bilingual/ESL Teacher of the Year Award this year. The Award celebrates educators making impactful differences for their bilingual and ESL students.
The 2024 Bilingual/ESL Teacher of the Year Award winner was Mrs. Edna A. Pérez, a dedicated bilingual teacher at A.T. Dovalina Elementary in the Laredo Independent School District, who has made a lasting impact on her students through her commitment to bilingual education and innovative teaching practices. Inspired by her experiences facing prejudice as a Hispanic woman, she has become a passionate advocate for language minority students. She led a project that enabled her second graders to write and publish their own books, culminating in a "Meet the Author" event praised by local media.
Also launching this year was the first Pioneer Award.
This year’s Pioneer Award winner was Dr. Ramon G. Alaniz, retired TAMIU professor of Education at the College of Education. From 1972 to 2015, Dr. Alaniz shared knowledge in elementary and middle school science, math, and social studies. At the university level, he specialized in bilingual education. His teaching repertoire included both English and Spanish, and English as a Second Language (ESL).
Alaniz's professional service in bilingual education has left a lasting impact at local, state, national, and international levels. As an educational consultant in Texas, he has played a pivotal role in shaping bilingual education policies and practices.
Notably, Alaniz founded a bilingual conference at TAMIU, providing a platform for educators and researchers to share insights and advancements in the field. Additionally, he developed the first bilingual certification program at the University.
To learn more about the Conference, contact Dr. Martínez at gilda.martinez@tamiu.edu or unidosparatexas@tamiu.edu . Additional information is located at https://www.tamiu.edu/coedu/unidos/index.shtml
More of the University’s story is available on its social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube and online at tamiu.edu.
