Biography
Adrienne Caroline Wright, Ed.D., is a dedicated bilingual educator and instructional leader with a career defined by fostering educational equity and excellence. She currently serves as an Instructional Coach and Year 1 Teacher Evaluator, where she mentors new educators and evaluates teacher growth. Building on her extensive history with Alliant International University—where she previously developed the BCLAD-Culture of Emphasis: Spanish curriculum—she currently serves as an adjunct professor for the BCLAD certification program. Her leadership also extends to the Teacher Professional Learning & Effectiveness System (TPLES), where she guides colleagues in meeting professional and student learning goals.
Dr. Wright’s academic expertise is rooted in a deep understanding of language acquisition, highlighted by her Doctorate in TESOL and her research on the motivations of Spanish speakers in dual-language programs. In her university teaching, she has facilitated courses ranging from linguistics and English language learning instruction to psychosocial development. Her commitment to systemic equity is further evidenced by her work with district-level committees, where she has been instrumental in implementing restorative justice practices, bias awareness training, and culturally relevant pedagogy.
Throughout her career, Dr. Wright has balanced classroom instruction with high-level advocacy, including over a decade of experience as a bilingual teacher. As a consultant for Pearson/National Evaluation Systems, she reviews national assessments to identify and eliminate biases, ensuring more equitable testing for all students. A Google Certified Educator and San Diego Area Writing Project Fellow, she continues to drive innovation by integrating technology, STEAM training, and social-emotional learning frameworks into her educational practice.
Professional Interests
Professional research interests are deeply rooted in the intersection of linguistic theory, pedagogical practice, and educational equity. You focus extensively on the effectiveness and structural implementation of bilingual education, specifically exploring dual-language program outcomes and the history of bilingual policy in California and the U.S.. Key areas of exploration include the tenets of translanguaging, the cognitive impacts of bilingualism, and the critical role of parental engagement through the lens of cultural archetypes like collectivism and individualism. Furthermore, your work investigates the ongoing tension between legal rights and pedagogical methods, alongside the promotion of school cultures that prioritize social-emotional health and bias awareness.
Education and Certifications
Terminal Degree
- Ed.D. in TESOL (May 2017) from Alliant International University, San Diego, CA.
Master’s Degrees
- Master, Mexican History (2002) from Latin-American University, Mexico City.
- Master of Science, Education (2010) from Buffalo State University (SUNY).
Undergraduate Degree
- Bachelor of Arts, Public Relations and Communications (1989) from Latin American University, Mexico.
Relevant Certifications & Credentials
- Administrative Credential (May 2019) from San Diego County Office of Education.
- Teaching Credential in Multiple Subjects with BCLAD Authorization.
- Spanish as a Single Subject teaching credential.
- Google Certified Educator.
- Diploma in Pre-school Education (2005) from Iberoamericana University, Mexico.
- Diploma in Early Childhood Development (1995) from Universidad La Salle, Mexico City
Courses
- English Language Learning Instruction
- Linguistics
- Psychosocial Development
- Clinical Practice for Student Teaching (delivered via online format)
- BCLAD Certification Courses (Current adjunct role)
Curriculum Development
- BCLAD-Culture of Emphasis: Spanish: developed this equity-based curriculum for Alliant’s Teacher Education Program, which successfully achieved the program’s accreditation.
Scholarship & Contributions to the Field
- Culturally Relevant Pedagogy & Language Development: have led training on implementing culturally relevant pedagogy and bias awareness to support student identity and academic success.
- Equity in Literacy and Assessment: work includes analyzing national assessments (Pearson/NES) for bias and ensuring curricula reflect the diverse histories of all community members.
- Bilingualism and Identity: Drawing from doctoral research, explore the motivations of Spanish speakers in dual-language programs and how these insights can improve writing instruction for English Language Learners.
- Restorative Practices in the Classroom: have presented on the implementation of restorative justice and restorative circles to improve school culture and the learning environment.
- San Diego Area Writing Project Fall & Summer Conferences: Presented sessions on building a writing community, supporting English Language Learners in writing, and utilizing digital tools to promote language development.