Involving Mexican American Families in Children's Education: A Resource for Early Childhood Educators (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781494827731)

Raise in Puerto Rico with a hispanic heritage, Jennie Moyett Figueroa relocated to Idaho in 2005. Facing barriers such as non-English speaking, new cultural environment, and being a single mom she moved to the states pursuing a better future for her two children. During her first year in Idaho, Jennie volunteered at the Head Start programs by assisting teachers in her son's classroom. This experience helped her to learn, write and speak the English language with her son. A year later she began work at the Head Start program. Jennie had the opportunity to work as an assistant teacher, a substitute family educator, a translator for family advocates and behavioral classroom support for English Language Learners. This favorable circumstances helped Jennie to grow her passion in her professional career of becoming an educator. In 2008, after a long transition into a new culture she returned to school to pursue a higher level of education. In 2011, Jennie obtained her Master Degree of Education in Early Childhood Studies at Boise State University. During the last eight years she has worked for preschool programs in Idaho, and has helped many Mexican families with their transitions to the states. Jennie work as a Spanish Preschool Teacher, and has created Club Amigos for an after school program for elementary school children. After two years of working as Spanish teacher, Jennie has made the decision to pursue a doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction with specialization in bilingual education. Jennie's interest includes; bilingual education, Spanish curriculum planning, family involvement, multicultural education, parent involvement, research, reading and international understanding. Jennie's motivation, determination, and kindness has taking her to pursue dreams and to accomplish them. She would like her experience to impact other's lives by motivating others to pursue their dreams without looking back, and without forgetting where are they from.