Upcoming Webinar
Join RJEM for an engaging conversation between Drs. Olimpia Bahena (Chicago Public Schools) and Melissa Adams Corral (University of Texas – Río Grande Valley) as they share critical insights about issues of immigration and their interconnections with racial justice in early mathematics education.
Drawing from decades of experience working closely with (im)migrants from diverse backgrounds, Drs. Bahena and Adams Corral will talk about some of the complexities that newly arrived children and families navigate as they are asked to adjust to new educational systems and social configurations. They will also talk about how educational institutions, such as the Chicago Public Schools, are addressing (or not) pressing structural challenges to create math learning environments and experiences that are worthy of (im)migrant children. Our guest speakers will also highlight ways in which U.S. early math professionals and institutions can learn from (im)migrant children and families as they bring rich math experiences that center play, storytelling, and community.
This is a timely opportunity to engage with a racial justice perspective on issues of immigration as they relate to early math teaching and learning. Make sure to save your spot. Register today
Racial Justice in Early Math: Centering the Brilliance of (Im)migrant Children
2024 RJEM Webinar Series
Date: Tuesday, December 3
Time: 5:00 – 6:15 PM CT
Where: Zoom Webinar
Learn More About the Speakers
Dr. Melissa Adams Corral
Melissa Adams Corral is an assistant professor of Teaching and Learning at the University of Texas – Río Grande Valley. Her research focuses on developing methodologies from a community organizing stance and on drawing attention to the knowledge and educational experiences of Latinx children from multilingual communities. Before pursuing her PhD, Melissa worked as a bilingual elementary teacher in Texas for seven years, organizing with children and families.
Dr. Olimpia Bahena
Upon arriving from Mexico 30 years ago, Dr. Bahena began her U.S. career as a bilingual educator in Chicago. Her commitment to adult learning and professional development helped her become one of the first Latino educators to achieve National Board Certification. Dr. Bahena has actively contributed to the field as a mentor and instructor for bilingual teachers. She has also served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal in Chicago Public Schools. In her current role as the Deputy Chief of the Office of Language and Cultural Education in the Chicago Public Schools District, Dr. Bahena continues to influence bilingual education. She has received numerous awards for her leadership. She serves on the boards of the Latino Leadership Pipeline, the Network of Hispanics in Education, and the non-profit Working in the Schools.