P. Zitlali Morales

Dr. P. Zitlali Morales is a Professor of Curriculum & Instruction in the College of Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), with an affiliation in the Latin American and Latino Studies (LALS) program. She holds a PhD in Education from UCLA and a BA in Cultural Anthropology from Stanford University. Her research focuses on bilingual education equity, language ideologies in immigrant communities, and dismantling systemic inequities in teacher preparation. She co-edited Transforming Schooling for Second Language Learners and coordinates UIC’s Bilingual/ESL endorsement program. Dr. Morales advocates for dual language bilingual education (DLBE) as a right for Latina/o/x/e communities, emphasizing dignity-affirming pedagogies and centering racialized pre-service teachers.

Education:

• PhD in Education, University of California, Los Angeles (2010)
• BA in Cultural Anthropology, Stanford University (1998) with a minor in History

Research Interests: Dr. Morales investigates linguistic practices of bilingual communities, equitable DLBE access, and anti-racist teacher education. She collaborates with Latinx families and educators to challenge deficit narratives and promote culturally sustaining policies. Her work integrates testimonios of Latinx teachers and emphasizes language as a site of resistance.

Awards:

• 2021 Graduate Mentoring Award, Behavioral and Social Sciences Division, UIC
• 2022-23 Victoria Chou Faculty Research Award, College of Education, UIC

Grants & Leadership:

• Co-PI on Spencer Foundation Grant: Centering Racialized Pre-Service Teachers
• Secretary, National Council of Teachers of English Assembly for Research (NCTEAR)

Service: Dr. Morales engages in community advocacy, including a Univision Chicago interview on bilingual education challenges. She prioritizes translational research to bridge academic and community needs.