Honoring Dr. Alma Flor Ada: Inaugural Inductee into the Multilingual Education Hall of Fame

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Honoring Dr. Alma Flor Ada: Inaugural Inductee into the Multilingual Education Hall of Fame

We are proud to honor Dr. Alma Flor Ada as an inaugural inductee into the Multilingual Education Hall of Fame. A visionary educator, prolific author, and passionate advocate for social justice, she has spent her life championing the rights and voices of multilingual learners. Her groundbreaking work in bilingual and multicultural education has shaped the way educators approach language, identity, and learning.

Dr. Alma Flor Ada pictured wearing her blue Multilingual Education Hall of Fame coat and medal next to Summit K12's President and CEO, John Kresky.
Image by Summit K12©

Born in Camagüey, Cuba, Dr. Ada’s early experiences with storytelling and poetry laid the foundation for her lifelong dedication to education and literature. After earning her Ph.D. in Spanish Literature, she became a Professor Emerita at the University of San Francisco, where she directed the Center for Multicultural Literature for Children and Young Adults.
Dr. Ada’s literary contributions include over 200 children’s books, many of which celebrate Latino heritage and bilingualism. Her notable works, such as My Name is María Isabel and Under the Royal Palms, have received prestigious awards like the Pura Belpré Medal and the Christopher Award.

Stack of books written by Dr. Alma Flor Ada.
Image by Summit K12©

Her pedagogical publications, including A Magical Encounter: Latino Children’s Literature in the Classroom, have been instrumental in promoting transformative education practices that honor students’ cultural backgrounds.

Dr. Ada’s induction into the Multilingual Education Hall of Fame recognizes her unwavering commitment to empowering multilingual learners and fostering inclusive, affirming classrooms where every language and culture is celebrated.

Multilingual Education Hall of Fame Inductees Margarita Calderón, Kathy Escamilla, Margo Gottlieb, Alma Flor Ada, and Jim Cummins.
Image by Summit K12©

To learn more about Dr. Alma Flor Ada’s remarkable journey and contributions, visit the Multilingual Education Hall of Fame.

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