Adult Studies Alumna Selected as an Emerging Leader of 2015
Adult Studies Education alumna Brenda Mendoza ’07 was recently selected as an Emerging Leader of 2015 by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD).
The ASCD’s Emerging Leaders Program recognizes and prepares young, promising educators from across the nation to influence education programs, policy, and practice. Those selected are enrolled in the program for two years and help to advance the ASCD’s values by serving on committees, hosting networking events, and contributing to ASCD publications.
Of the 46 educators selected from 21 states, Indonesia, and Pakistan, Mendoza is the only representative from the state of Illinois to be selected and was honored at the White Sox’s opening game.
After graduating from Trinity’s Adult Studies Education program, Mendoza continued her education by earning two master’s degrees, one in instruction with an English Language Learners/Bilingual emphasis, and a second in leadership. She currently teaches 2nd grade bilingual students at Greenman Elementary in Aurora, Illinois.
She created a program designed to get parents involved in the learning process and has subsequently trained hundreds of teachers across Illinois on the program. Additionally, she has been nominated for the 2011 Teacher of the Year Award, and the White Sox’s People All Star Teacher in 2014.
“It is an honor to be selected as one of the Emerging Leaders of 2015,” Mendoza said. She explained that ASCD is one of the most innovative organizations in education today. The organization publishes the latest educational research in the nation and honors the emerging leaders each year at a leadership conference in Washington D.C., where those selected have the opportunity to speak to educators from across the nation.
“ASCD is a prestigious organization, and we are so proud to have one of Trinity’s Adult Studies alumni honored by them,” said Dr. Trina Vallone, coordinator for Trinity’s ESL/BL program. “Brenda is a passionate and creative educator who is working toward equity in her field. We are excited for her.”
Qualifications for Emerging Leader selection include: being in the education profession for 5 to 15 years; a commitment to ASCD’s beliefs and to pursuing leadership opportunities; demonstrating a passion for teaching, learning, and leadership; and exhibiting a broad range of diversity in position, location, cultural background, and perspective.
To view the entire 2015 Emerging Leaders List, visit the ASCD Emerging Leaders Directory.