Enrique Degollado joins the University of Iowa College of Education this fall as an assistant professor in the Multilingual Education program. 

Degollado earned a teaching certificate and bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Texas State University in 2009. There, he also received a master of education degree in elementary education- bilingual/bicultural in 2010. Degollado additionally earned a master of science degree in educational administration from Texas A&M International University. In 2019, Degollado earned a doctorate in curriculum and instruction and a specialization in bilingual/bicultural education from the University of Texas at Austin.

Degollado’s research focuses on how bilingual education teachers’ lived experiences and language and literacy ideologies inform their pedagogical practices regarding the intersections of critical biliteracies, bilingualism, and anticolonial and antiracist education.  He wants to comprehend how critical biliteracies is a border thinking enactment and embodiment that not only teaches bilingual and bicultural children language and literacy, but agency and resistance as a way of life for navigating hegemonic whiteness.  

“A layered component of my research is delving into how their teacher preparation programs can better influence, instill, or deepen their antiracist and critical bi/literacy pedagogies,” Degollado says.

Degollado says he believes it’s critical to listen to people’s stories. 

“It is a humbling experience to listen to people’s stories,” Degollado says. “Life is the best teacher. The stories of those experiences are a way to bring to light the wisdom and knowledge one gained.” 

Growing up, Degollado always knew he wanted to be a teacher. However, it wasn’t until graduate school that he became interested in teaching teachers and thinking with them about big ideas in schooling and society. Now, his students are a point of pride. 

“I keep in touch with as many students as I can,” Degollado says. “It is always great to hear about their teaching and thinking after they have left your class.” 

In his new position, Degollado is most excited about the chance to engage with Iowan communities, especially the many pockets of bilingual/dual-language education across the state. 

He was drawn to Iowa by the opportunity to explore his field in a different context. As a Texas native, this is his first time living in a new state. Although he says he misses the South Texas environment and culture, Degollado is enjoying exploring a new space and experiencing the colder weather.