Esperanza De La Vega - Language, Literacy and Culture

Esperanza De La Vega, an associate professor at Portland State University, shares her journey from a non-English speaking kindergarten student to a bilingual educator. She recounts her early challenges with language barriers and the importance of maintaining her native language at home, thanks to her mother's insistence. These experiences shaped her passion for bilingual education and her career teaching immigrant children, where she found joy and community in the classroom.

In what ways did Esperanza's upbringing influence her career path?

What emotions did Esperanza experience while teaching newcomer children?