Who We Serve

CAN WE TALK …

about the value of language patterns?

Hudley et al. (2022) informs us that African American English is a complete linguistic system, and educators must have information about its specific features and understand how these features manifest in educational settings.

Educators and students who come from different racial, ethnic, regional, and cultural backgrounds may feel unaware of, uncertain about, confused by, or even resistant to understanding each other’s linguistic and cultural practices. Serious cultural and academic misunderstandings may arise between educators who use standardized English and students who use African American English—particularly when each person assumes that they understand and are understood by the other.

CEWRC Director


Mary A. Avalos, Ph.D.

Mary Avalos is a research professor in the School of Education and Human Development's Department of Teaching and Learning. Her research interests include well-being, teacher development, professionalism and instruction for diverse students.

CEWRC Co-Director


Maite P Mena, Ph.D.

Dr. Maite Mena is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and Research Assistant Professor. She has extensive experience in working with minority populations experiencing health disparities and in implementing programs and evaluating their outcomes.