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Leadership

Bringing a shared commitment to empowerment and innovation in the education of English learner students throughout Monterey County.

Campus overview
Monterey Institute for English Learners (MIEL)

Teachers. Scholars. Authors. Researchers. Leaders. These are just a few of the many roles that our Director and Board Members serve on a daily basis as they strive to empower students who are English learners. 

Acclaimed Experts, Compassionate Educators

Our leadership at the Monterey Institute for English Learners (MIEL) is at the cutting edge of research, practice and instruction in support of effective education practices for English learner students.

MIEL’s Director and Board Members have earned PhDs from elite graduate institutions, led impactful research projects, serve on editorial boards of respected journals, serve as bilingual teachers, authored significant articles and books, and earned prestigious awards for their work in the field.

But just as important as the accolades and achievements, they’re caring and supportive educators who believe in each English learner student’s potential and strive every day to position them for academic success.

Leading With Experience and Vision

A woman sitting on a bench outdoors smiles while holding open a colorful children’s book featuring illustrations of raised fists and people eating tacos, with text in both English and Spanish.

Our Director

Dr. Suzanne Garcia is an Associate Professor in the Department of Education and Leadership, has a PhD with a focus on bilingual and bicultural education and has conducted significant research.

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Photo: CSUMB student and co-teacher Gabriela Suarez answers a student’s question during a math lesson.

Our Board

Our Board is comprised of accomplished teachers and scholars who are on faculty at CSUMB as well as other respected institutions across the country and have helped shape the field of bilingual education.

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