COPE professor honored with bilingual educator award

July 12, 2021 — DENTON — The Bilingual–ESL Education Association of the Metroplex (BEAM) has named Jorge Figueroa Flores, PhD, the recipient of the organization’s Higher Education Award. The award recognizes an individual furthering educational research for bilingual education and celebrates achievements and contributions to the field of education.

“It felt incredible. I wasn’t expecting it,” Figueroa Flores said. “I felt humbled and honored. To me, it represents mostly my commitment to bilingualism/biliteracy/biculturalism along with my relentless pursuit to social justice in education.”

Figueroa Flores is an associate professor of bilingual and ESL education in the Department of Teacher Education and newly named associate dean of Research, Inclusion and Innovation in the College of Professional Education (COPE). BEAM is important to Figueroa Flores.

“BEAM is one of the strongest associations in the state of Texas. The work they do for children, families and communities in support of bilingual and ESL education is incredible,” Figueroa Flores said. “Many TWU alumni belong to the organization.

The award, announced June 26, came as no surprise to COPE Dean Lisa Huffman.

“Jorge is a collaborative higher education leader. He shares his experience and expertise to ensure a bright future for P-12 bilingual education students in Texas,” Huffman said. “His efforts across the metroplex are sure to extend TWU’s bilingual education legacy.”

In addition to language, Figueroa Flores has also conducted research in augmented and virtual reality and is co-director of the upcoming Master of Arts in multilingual and multicultural studies degree. He thanked TWU for the university’s support.

“I want to thank TWU, but especially everyone at TWU COPE, for the support they’ve given me all these years,” Figueroa Flores said. “¡Siempre adelante!”

Page last updated 11:07 AM, July 12, 2021