ETAMU Alumna Earns State Recognition for Dissertation on Bilingual Education

Dr. Rocio Almanza, a 2024 graduate of East Texas A&M University's Doctor of Education in Supervision, Curriculum and Instruction program, recently earned second place for Dissertation of the Year from the Texas Association for Bilingual Educators (TABE).

Almanza, who teaches bilingual kindergarten at Seabourn Elementary in Mesquite ISD, was recognized for her dissertation titled “A Case Study of Kindergarten Teachers Mobilizing Translanguaging to Promote Engagement, Biliteracies, and Critical Consciousness.” The study explored how two bilingual educators in North Texas used translanguaging—a teaching approach that encourages students to draw from their full range of languages to think, learn, and communicate—to help young learners engage more deeply in reading and writing.

Almanza’s work contributes to the growing field of research promoting education for emergent bilingual students. Her findings emphasize how empathy, multicultural literature and reflective writing can empower students in dual-language classrooms.

Almanza described her time at East Texas A&M as a formative part of her academic journey. “My experience at ETAMU was truly engaging and unique,” she said. “Alongside my fellow doctoral students, I was able to create a collaborative environment that not only fostered academic growth but also established a much-needed support system.”

She also credited several faculty members in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction for shaping her success. “Without the unwavering support and knowledge of my professors at ETAMU, I would not have been able to produce such a cohesive dissertation,” Almanza said. She highlighted the guidance of Dr. Sherri Colby, her dissertation chair, as well as the mentorship of Drs. Martha Foote, Kay Hong-Nam, and Alexandra Babino.

Almanza said receiving the TABE award affirms the value of her research and strengthens her commitment to bilingual education. “This award serves as an acknowledgment of my work, affirming that my research has made a significant contribution to the field of bilingual education,” she said.

In addition to the Ed.D., the Department of Curriculum and Instruction offers master's and undergraduate degrees spanning early childhood through secondary education.The department strives to continue producing quality, accomplished educators like Almanza, who apply research-based practices to inspire and empower the next generation of learners.