Esmeralda Cartagena Collazo Named September 2024 Holmes Scholar of the Month
AACTE recognizes Esmeralda Cartagena Collazo as the September 2024 Holmes Scholar of the Month. Cartagena Collazo’s outstanding contributions to academia, research, and education, exemplify the spirit of scholarly excellence and dedication to advancing education for marginalized communities.
Cartagena Collazo is pursuing a Ph.D. in Literacy, Language & Culture, at Texas Woman’s University, with an expected graduation of December 2025. Her academic foundation includes a post-baccalaureate certificate in biliteracy from Texas Woman’s University and both a master’s in education (specializing in curriculum and teaching English as a second language) and a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education in ESL from the InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico.
At the forefront of Cartagena Collazo’s scholarly work is her commitment to indigenous language communities. Her research focuses on language preservation and revitalization, addressing the critical need to document and protect endangered languages. Her peer-reviewed publications, including works in the Journal of Latinos and Education and English in Texas, have supported efforts to revitalize endangered languages and advocate for recognizing linguistic diversity.
Teaching, Leadership, and Professional Engagement
As an adjunct professor at Texas Woman’s University, Cartagena Collazo imparts her expertise in reading/language arts across curriculum EC-6, inspiring the next generation of educators. Her role as an instructional specialist in culturally and linguistically diverse instruction (CBLI/ESL) at Arlington Independent School District further demonstrates her commitment to improving educational outcomes for diverse student populations.
Cartagena Collazo is an active member of several professional organizations, including the National Association of Bilingual Education (NABE) and the American Educational Research Association (AERA). She frequently presents at national conferences on topics such as honoring indigenous languages in U.S. schools and empowering multilingualism.
Awards and Recognition
Her exceptional work has been recognized through various awards and grants, including the PULSE Scholar Scholarship and her selection as a TCTELA Rising Leader for 2023-2025. These accolades underscore the significance of her contributions to the field of education.
Impact and Future Directions
Esmeralda’s multifaceted approach, combining rigorous research with practical classroom experience and community engagement, positions her as a leader in shaping inclusive and equitable educational practices. Her work enhances the quality of instruction for linguistically diverse students and promotes the preservation of cultural heritage through linguistic studies.
As she continues her doctoral studies and professional work, Esmeralda is poised to make even greater contributions to the field. Her dedication to scholarly excellence and commitment to advancing education for marginalized communities make her an outstanding Holmes Scholar and a beacon for positive change in the educational landscape.
The AACTE Holmes Scholars program commends Cartagena Collazo for her exceptional achievements and looks forward to her continued success in championing linguistic diversity and educational equity.
Tags: diversity, elementary education, Holmes Program, research
