Dr. Ma. Alma González Pérez

Dr. María Alma González Pérez is a biliteracy advocate and champion for bilingual and dual language education. She is the author of several award-winning children's bilingual books, and she believes that is is very important for Hispanic children to read more about their culture. In so doing, they will gain a greater appreciation of their culture and take greater pride in themselves, in their people, and in their history. Born and raised in Ramireño, TX, a rural community along the Texas Mexico border, Dr. Pérez has lived in a truly bicultural world and understands the value of being bilingual. She has over 40 years of experience in the field of education. Her doctorate is in education with specialization in bilingual education from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Her research is on academic achievement of Hispanic students, and on the Spanish influence in the United States. Among the key findings of her dissertation, “The Relationship Between Spanish Language Proficiency and Academic Achievement Among Graduates of a Small High School in South Texas,” was the POSITIVE relationship between Spanish language proficiency and academic achievement. Dr. Pérez has a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in English and Spanish and a minor in education, and Master of Arts degree in Spanish from Texas Woman’s University. She has additional certifications in reading, English-as-a-Second Language (ESL), and supervision. Dr. Pérez served as professor of bilingual education with The University of Texas – Pan American in Edinburg, Texas, (now known as The University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley) and then served as director for The University of Texas – Pan American at Starr County campus in Río Grande City, Texas for 14 years. She now enjoys writing bilingual children's books, Spanish poetry, and local history, as well as presenting her work to children in schools across the country. She lives in her ancestral land in the South Texas border region, which inspires her writing.