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Jennifer Trujillo
Dean, School of Education, Fort Lewis College
Professional Background
Dr. Jennifer Trujillo has dedicated her professional life to the field of bilingual multicultural education, with a remarkable career spanning over 25 years. Her expertise, rooted in the served English Language Learner (ELL) community, encompasses various roles including classroom teacher, ELL/Bilingual Director, college professor, and published author. Dr. Trujillo's commitment to enhancing educational experiences for English Language Learners is evidenced through her extensive contributions and the significant impact of her work.
Throughout her career, Dr. Trujillo has developed and authored a comprehensive ELL literacy program, which includes four student textbooks and their accompanying teacher’s guides. This program became the most widely adopted ESL textbook series in the nation for students from grades 4-12 during the year 2010, being instrumental in teaching English across diverse states and regions, including 26 states, Mexico, China, Canada, and Costa Rica.
In addition to her publishing success, Dr. Trujillo has been actively involved in academic discourse promoting the effective education of English Language Learners by delivering numerous presentations at local, state, regional, national, and international conferences. Her passion for culturally responsive instruction and social justice has been instrumental in advocacy within educational circles, as evidenced by her tenure on the advisory board of Teaching Tolerance.
Dr. Trujillo has also made significant contributions to the education of Native American students, having worked closely with teachers and students in the Southwest and the Navajo Nation through the Native American Teacher Education Outreach Program at Fort Lewis College. She played a pivotal role in both on-campus and outreach initiatives, focusing on enhancing educational opportunities for these communities. Additionally, her experience extends internationally, having taught in a Service Learning Program in Bahía de Kino, Sonora, Mexico, where she expanded her understanding of bilingual and multicultural educational practices.
Her career trajectory also includes a notable leadership role as the National Director of English Language Acquisition for Pearson Education, collaborating with educators across 40 states and 11 countries. Following this, she served as the Director of ELL Initiatives at Learning in Motion in Santa Cruz, California, where she spearheaded various innovative projects, such as developing a tablet-based literacy program and collaborating on research initiatives in mathematics with the American Institutes for Research. Her work with Stanford University on a STEM curriculum demonstrates her commitment to integrating technology and innovation into ELL education.
Most recently, Dr. Trujillo co-authored a significant text aimed at adolescent English Language newcomers for Vista Higher Learning. Her current endeavor sees her back at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, where she serves as the Dean of the School of Education. In this role, Dr. Trujillo continues to lead and inspire future educators in the field of bilingual education, ensuring that high standards of teaching are maintained and culturally responsive methodologies are embraced.
Education and Achievements
Dr. Jennifer Trujillo's educational background lays a strong foundation for her impactful career. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Educational Leadership and Change from Fielding Graduate University, a Master’s degree in Reading from the University of Northern Colorado, and a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Elementary Education, with a Bilingual K-12 endorsement from Fort Lewis College. This blend of educational qualifications underpins her deep understanding of language acquisition and effective teaching practices for multilingual classrooms.
In every role, Dr. Trujillo has demonstrated her unwavering commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive educational environment. Her numerous articles and textbooks not only contribute to the academic field but also serve as invaluable resources for educators seeking to improve their instruction for English Language Learners.
Achievements
Dr. Trujillo’s achievements include the development of a comprehensive ELL literacy program that stands out for its national adoption and efficacy, as well as engaging in extensive academic presentations at various educational conferences that address the needs of English Language Learners. These presentations have highlighted effective teaching strategies, culturally responsive pedagogies, and the importance of social justice in education.
Her service on the Teaching Tolerance advisory board showcases her commitment to promoting inclusivity and equity in educational settings. Through her work with the Native American Teacher Education Outreach Program, she has made a lasting impact on education within Native communities, advocating for the academic success of students from diverse backgrounds.
Dr. Trujillo's leadership roles, including her directorship at Pearson Education, where she managed English Language Acquisition initiatives nationwide and internationally, have positioned her as a thought leader in the field. Her contributions to the STEM curriculum with Stanford University further emphasize her innovative approach to education, effectively blending technology into the learning experience for English Language Learners.
As Dean of the School of Education at Fort Lewis College, Dr. Trujillo not only continues to shape the future of teacher education but also remains a passionate advocate for improving the educational experiences of English Language Learners across all educational settings.