Research Spotlight: Dr. David Martínez-Prieto
Q & A with Dr. David Martínez-Prieto, Assistant Professor in the Department of Bilingual and Literacy Studies
What are your research interests and research achievements?
My research concentrates on the intersections of transnationalism, language teacher education, and curricular ideologies. That is, I analyze how transnational pre and in service language teachers react towards ideologies embedded in curricula in the United States and Mexico. Because I am a Mexican (trans)national, my research advocates for the deconstruction of curricular ideologies that perpetuate the current status quo, especially among bilingual and ESL teachers on both sides of the U.S./Mexican border. I have published in some of the most recognized journals among bilingual/ESL scholars (such as The Journal of Latino and Education and TESOL Quarterly), as well as book chapters in Spanish and English publications.
How does your work align with UTRGV’s and CEP’s strategic plans?
My work aligns with UTRGV’s and CEP’s plans by 1) deconstructing neoliberal, racial, and imperialistic ideologies embedded in bilingual education, 2) promoting reconciliatory educational practices among Mexican-origin populations on both sides of the border, and 3) fostering critical thinking towards the development of inclusive linguistic practices in bilingual/ESL programs.
What are your current projects?
I am currently working on binational projects with scholars from the U.S. and Mexico. These projects focus on the use of translanguaging practices among Mexican and indigenous pre-service language teachers. I am also investigating the impact of neoliberal ideologies as limiting forces in the social mobility of Mexican transnational pre-service teachers. In a similar vein, I am analyzing the construction of imperialism among Mexican-origin national in bilingual education programs in the United States.