Site Coordinator
The University of Texas at El Paso
Patricia Ocaña is a former elementary and secondary educator who is deeply committed to linguistic diversity and providing equitable learning spaces for all students. Her personal experience as a language learner inspires her advocacy for emergent bilinguals, diversity, and culturally responsive teaching approaches. Her passion for bilingual education motivated her to transition to The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), where she currently serves as a site coordinator for the UTEP residency and induction programs. Her transition from classroom teacher to working with teacher candidates and novice teachers highlights her commitment to fostering the next generation of educators who work towards creating equitable learning spaces for all students.
In addition to her role as site coordinator for the UTEP Miner Teacher Residency and Mentorship Programs, Patricia Ocaña is also a student in the Ph.D. in Teaching, Learning, and Culture program in the Literacy and Biliteracy strand at UTEP. Her research interest focuses on the role language(s), culture, identity, literacy, and biliteracy play in providing educational equity in our rich bilingual, bicultural region's schools. Her work is driven by a vision of a transformative approach to education that uplifts individuals and communities alike.
(Group 2) Working Toward Language Equity: Teacher Preparation for Emergent Bilingual Learners
Saturday, February 22, 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM PST