Zulma Mojica Monroy

Zulma Mojica Monroy is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Teacher and Administrator Preparation at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), specializing in bilingual education with over 20 years of practical experience in transitional bilingual/dual language programs and reading interventions.

Education

• Ph.D. in Reading Education and Graduate Certificate of Biliteracy, Texas Woman's University (2023)
• M.Ed. in Teaching Learning & Curriculum, Texas Woman's University (2004)
• B.P.T. in Physical Therapy, Universidad de Boyaca (1997)

Research Focus

Her work centers on implementing dual language instruction, Spanish literacy development, and translanguaging pedagogies to advance biliteracy and language equity. She investigates how Latina bilingual teachers navigate language ideologies through embodied practices and testimonios, challenging monolingual norms in educational settings while developing culturally sustaining approaches for K-12 classrooms.

Publication Trends

Analysis of her 2020-2025 publications reveals consistent emphasis on translanguaging as a critical pedagogical tool, with growing focus on teacher identity formation and policy implications. Her research trajectory demonstrates increasing interdisciplinary connections between bilingual education, sociolinguistics, and critical race theory, particularly examining how Latinx educators leverage cultural and linguistic resources to disrupt English hegemony.

Scientific Recognition

• Outstanding Dissertation Award, Texas Association for Bilingual Education (2023)
• COPE Outstanding Adjunct Award, Texas Woman's University (2023)
• COPE Outstanding Graduate Assistant Student Award (2022)
• COPE Distinguished Graduate Student Award (2021)

Grants and Academic Leadership

Currently leading a $399,997 NSF grant (2024-2027) enhancing bilingual science teacher preparation through cross-linguistic approaches. Serves as Department Student Organization Advisor for BESO, chairs the Bilingual Education (STEM) Search Committee, and contributes to UTA's Curriculum Committee while mentoring through AERA's Bilingual Education SIG. Also active on the Texas Educator Certification Examination Content Advisory Committee.

Professional Networks

Maintains active roles in the International Literacy Association, American Educational Research Association, Texas Association for Bilingual Education, and Literacy Research Association, with recent presentations addressing translanguaging pedagogy and indigenous cultural resources in Latino education.