My research focuses on how immigrant families search for a sense of belonging in their school and neighborhood as they seek to shed light on the needs of their children. I recently have written about the role of acompañamiento in transnational spaces where Latin American mothers attempt to bring about social change and engage in decision-making. I also have written about how school administrators can engage in acompañamiento to create spaces of belonging for transnational and/or marginalized families in educational spaces. In my dissertation “Te Acompaño: Belonging in the Face of Urban Renewal and School Choice Reform,' I explore a largely Black and Brown neighborhood in Denver dealing with the fragmentation of its community from gentrification, school choice policies, and migration and displacement. In this critical ethnography, I use participant observation, ethnographic interviews, and participatory action research to document causes of distrust in the community that have led to racial divisions and complicated school and community relations, especially with its growing Latin American immigrant population. I analyze how school leaders design parent engagement efforts and engage in humanizing practices to create a place of belonging in the neighborhood and in their school for immigrant parents.
keywords
Parent and community engagement, critical ethnography, participatory action research and community-based research, educational policy and school choice, cross-racial and cross-cultural solidarity in education, transnational families, multicultural education, humanizing and decolonizing education, Latinx education, qualitative methods
EDUC 1020 - First Year Success at CU
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021 / Fall 2023
Introduces first-year majors to campus resources and academic success strategies. Students learn about a wide range of topics, including time management, research, and student involvement. This course also serves as a forum for continued conversations about concepts from EDUC 3013: School in Society, as well as the social justice implications for emerging leaders and educators.
EDUC 4150 - Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Introduces students to qualitative research in education. Examines the foundations, design, methods and analysis of qualitative research methods. Readings include texts about the foundations and purposes of qualitative inquiry, and methodological readings about the application of research techniques. Students will complete a variety of small, hands-on projects that introduce major dimensions of qualitative research including observation, interviewing, and document analysis. Same as EDUC 5150.
EDUC 5035 - Proseminar: Parent and Community Involvement
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2022
Focuses on models and strategies for improving parent and community involvement in the schools. Discusses administrative concerns, such as parent advisory councils, and instructional concerns, such as helping children with school assignments.
EDUC 5150 - Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Introduces students to qualitative research in education. Examines the foundations, design, methods and analysis of qualitative research methods. Readings include texts about the foundations and purposes of qualitative inquiry, and methodological readings about the application of research techniques. Students will complete a variety of small, hands-on projects that introduce major dimensions of qualitative research including observation, interviewing, and document analysis. Same as EDUC 4150.
INVS 2005 - Puksta Scholars Practicum
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024
Integrates critical reflection and community-based experiences for undergraduates in the Puksta Scholars Program. This two-semester course will focus on the development of knowledge, attitudes and skills to productively engage the public realm. Examines topics includes ethical leadership, frameworks for social action, project design and participatory action research. May be repeated up to 8 total credit hours.
LEAD 1001 - Becoming a Leader: Multicultural Leadership Scholars
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022 / Fall 2023
Introduces students to the theories and practices of historical and contemporary leadership studies. Students will also examine both the moral and ethical dimensions of leadership and how cultural diversity, inclusivity and social justice apply to culturally competent leadership in the 21st century. Recommended restriction: restricted to students admitted into the Multicultural Leadership Scholars Program. Degree credit not granted for this course and LEAD 1000.
