Academic Bio:

Alaina is a Heritage Spanish Speaker from Fort Worth, Texas, with strong familial ties to Mexico. Growing up in the culturally rich and diverse Dallas/Fort Worth area, she developed a deep interest in exploring and preserving her linguistic and cultural heritage. In 2024, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with a minor in English from Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas. During her time there, she gained valuable teaching experience as a teacher’s aide in both Spanish and English classrooms, working with students in grades 6 through 8. This experience reinforced her commitment to supporting Spanish-speaking students in educational settings. Currently, Alaina is in her second year of an MA degree in Linguistic Studies within the Spanish Program at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, where she continues to pursue her passion for language, education, and cultural advocacy. 

 Research interests:

Spanish Heritage Speakers, Literacy for Heritage Speakers and First Language Speakers, Pedagogy, SLA

Academic Background (previous studies):

BA in Spanish with Summa Cum Laude, Angelo State University, 2024 

Email: Smi74659@ttu.edu