Sandra M. Gonzales

Sandra M. Gonzales serves as Associate Professor of Bilingual/Bicultural Education in Wayne State University's College of Education, teaching foundational courses on culture, language, and identity while directing the federally funded Upward Bound program for Latino youth.

Her academic credentials include:

• Ed.D. in International Educational Development, Teachers College, Columbia University (2009)
• M.Ed. in International Educational Development, Teachers College, Columbia University (2002)
• M.A. in Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, Antioch University (1996)
• Certificate in Ethnic Minority Mental Health Specialist, University of Washington (1996)
• B.S. in Psychology, Michigan State University (1992)

Dr. Gonzales pioneers research at the intersection of Bilingual/Bicultural Education, Indigenous epistemologies, and Latino Studies through autohistoria-teoría frameworks. Her work critically examines institutional barriers while developing additive educational models that utilize storytelling to promote cultural and linguistic diversity, directly challenging subtractive schooling practices that marginalize Indigenous and Latino communities. She emphasizes how personal narratives become critical pedagogies for social justice and cross-cultural understanding.

Analysis of her 15+ recent publications reveals consistent focus on creating culturally sustaining learning environments through innovative models like Latinx learning communities and "casa away from casa" frameworks. Her research demonstrates how high-impact practices, Indigenous knowledge systems, and community-centered approaches improve retention and graduation rates for marginalized students while countering colonial educational legacies.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year
• Wayne State University College of Education Scholarship Award (2016)

As principal investigator for the COE Upward Bound program, she secured nearly $1.5 million in federal funding to provide academic guidance and college preparation for Detroit high school students, particularly from Latino backgrounds. Her community engagement extends to the Michigan Department of Education's ELL Advisory Committee and the Detroit Latino Agenda's Education Committee, where she advocates for systemic change.

Dr. Gonzales leads the development of tiered learning community models spanning pre-college enrichment through career preparation, creating culturally responsive spaces that validate Indigenous and Latino epistemologies while fostering academic success through familia-centered support networks.