Mary M. Estrada
Training and empowering teachers to meet the needs of multilingual learners with humanity.
I am a collaborative educator who puts people first and cares deeply about the human connection created in teaching, research, and learning.
As a teacher of English to multilingual learners for more than 15 years, I’ve come to believe that building community and creating a safe space for being curious and vulnerable is essential to a positive teaching and learning experience and to students’ cognitive growth.
I believe . . .
There is room for everyone to be successful.
Relationships are the beating heart of teaching and learning.
A good teacher engages you with content; an outstanding teacher changes what you think is possible for yourself.
A sense of belonging is a basic human need.
You are enough.
Supporting student wellness and alleviating anxiety and isolation through connected teaching is at the heart of my work.
As we recreate teaching in the post-COVID and AI learning environment, it’s imperative to center affective elements of student learning and reject the notion that rigor and rigidity improve learning outcomes.
With connected teaching, my aim is to give educators permission to lead with vulnerability and honesty into a space of human connection first, and content second.
“Truly an amazing professor and human being. This class taught me a lot and it definitely set me up for success for my upcoming years at NC State. Professor Estrada explained everything well, was always open and happy to answer our questions and gave us useful feedback. She cared about us outside of class and was always super understanding and supportive. She's the best professor I have had at NC State so far. Wonderful person, so thankful for her.”
- Academic Research and Writing student