Associate Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, United States
Dr. Patricia Martínez-Álvarez has an extensive educational background that underpins her expertise in inclusive bilingual education. She earned her Ph.D. in Instructional Technology and Multilingual/Multicultural Special Education from George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, in 2008. Prior to that, she completed her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Teaching in Bilingual Special Education at George Washington University, Washington, DC, in 2001. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education in Speech and Language from Alcalá de Henares University, Madrid, Spain, in 1996. This strong foundation has shaped her scholarly work and commitment to addressing educational inequities for bilingual children with disabilities.
Work Experience 💼:
Dr. Patricia Martínez-Álvarez has a distinguished career in academia and education, currently serving as an Associate Professor of Bilingual/Bicultural Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, where she has been a faculty member since 2010. Her tenure includes roles as Assistant Professor and Visiting Assistant Professor, showcasing her dedication to advancing inclusive bilingual education. She also contributed as a Consultant at the Center for Applied Linguistics and as an Adjunct Faculty at George Mason University. Dr. Martínez-Álvarez began her career as an Inclusive Bilingual Teacher in Arlington Public Schools, VA, and a Bilingual Teacher in Madrid Public Schools. She has held visiting faculty appointments at prominent institutions, including Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and the University of Helsinki, further enriching her expertise and global perspective.
Research Focus 🔬:
Dr. Patricia Martínez-Álvarez’s research focuses on the intersection of bilingualism, biculturalism, and disability, utilizing cultural-historical and critical disability theoretical frameworks. Her work sheds light on the educational inequities faced by bilingual children with disabilities and seeks to dismantle barriers through innovative and inclusive approaches. Dr. Martínez-Álvarez advances teacher preparation for inclusive bilingual education by promoting humanizing pedagogies and exploring hybrid curriculum designs. Her scholarship emphasizes the importance of language and culture in fostering equitable learning opportunities, aiming to bridge gaps in educational access and outcomes for diverse student populations.
📚 Publications