Gisela Ernst-Slavit

Gisela Ernst-Slavit is a Professor at Washington State University's College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences, specializing in English Language Learners (ELL) education. Based at the Vancouver campus, she focuses on sociolinguistics, literacy, biliteracy, and critical issues in Latinx student education, with a career spanning scholarship, instruction, and service.

• Educational Background:
  • Ph.D. in Bilingual/Multicultural Education, University of Florida
  • M.S. in Multicultural/Multilingual Education, Florida State University
  • B.S. in Clinical Psychology, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú

Her research emphasizes bilingual education, academic language integration, and equity in diverse classrooms. She advocates for culturally responsive pedagogy and has led projects like the $2.2 million DOE-funded ELL IMPACT initiative to train bilingual paraeducators.

Her recent publications analyze language policy tensions in dual language programs, refugee student integration, and mathematics instruction for ELLs. Collaborative works highlight interdisciplinary approaches to academic language across K-12 curricula.

• Scientific Awards:
  • WSU Faculty Diversity Award (2020)
  • "Real Hero" Award (2019)

As past president of WAESOL and a keynote speaker on oral language importance in education, she bridges research and practice through grants, publications, and community engagement, ensuring marginalized voices shape educational policies and practices.