Martha Loera Alvidres, immigrated to Denver Colorado in March of 1974. Martha was born in Aldama Chihuahua, but was raised in a small town in Mexico across the border from Fabens Texas. The last name of Loera Alvidrez honors her parents who worked very hard to raise ten children. The Loera-Olivas last name honors her husband who provided unconditional support as she completed higher education. Martha is a first generation student and the first in her family to attend the University of Colorado, Denver and Boulder.
Martha’s journey started with a vision and desire to immigrate to the United States (El otro lado). As a young girl (10 years old), she had the habit of climbing a tree sitting in front of her house every morning when she heard the train running along US 10. As she saw the train on the U.S. side, she would think to herself “Someday, I will be on the other side”. Thanks to her mother who was born in Colorado City, Texas and being a U.S. citizen, the family was able to apply and received the permanent resident status in 1974. They came to Denver Colorado and made it their home.
Martha started in Denver Public Schools (Wyatt Elementary) and was placed in 6th grade. As an ELL she was challenged, but her formal schooling in Mexico made the learning process more attainable. She graduated from North High School and went on to CU Denver and completed a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Biology, a Masters of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Equity and Cultural Diversity (EECD) from CU Boulder.
Martha has over 25 years of experience in the field of education, starting as a bilingual science teacher at the high school level, coordinator of bilingual programs, public school administrator and instructional coach. She is currently a Research Coordinator at the BUENO Center for Multicultural Education in the School of Education. Her passion is coaching teachers and help them become the best teachers they can be for ALL students, but particularly ELLs.
My pronouns are; Ella/She/Her/Hers