Dear Dual Immersion Families,

I am seeking your support for a position on the SPUSD School Board. 

I have extensive experience with bilingual education at all levels throughout my career: while mentoring school leaders nationwide as director of faculty of the UCLA Graduate School of Education’s School Management Program; when teaching graduate courses for students completing bilingual teaching credentials at CSULA and USC; as a public-school teacher and principal in LAUSD for nearly three decades; and as a student earning my PhD in Spanish language and literature. 

I understand the wide-reaching and lasting impacts of a robust dual-language immersion program, which broadens the horizons for students while promoting positive multicultural perspectives community-wide. I am committed to shepherding both the Mandarin and Spanish Dual Immersion programs beyond elementary into the secondary level, and will advocate for rigorous, immersive language opportunities through high school that will better prepare South Pasadena students for college and careers in a diverse, multilingual world.  

Having raised two children in South Pasadena and now as a proud grandparent to three thriving SPUSD students (two in the DI program), I care deeply for the continued success of South Pasadena schools. My history as a three-term member and president of the SPUSD Board will be especially important during today’s challenging environment and for our inaugural DI students entering sixth grade next fall. 

As your School Board member, I will continue the work of strengthening world languages instruction at our schools thereby enriching our community—not only by championing quality, integral dual-language immersion programs beyond fifth grade, but also by implementing a consistent communication process that addresses varied stakeholders. 

I value your feedback. Please reach out to me through the contact us page to schedule a personal phone call, set up, or join a group Zoom meeting, or show your endorsement by requesting a yard sign.  

Sincerely,

Patricia Martinez-Miller, Ph.D.

Candidate, SPUSD School Board