In the past, Dr. Gonzalez worked as a teacher, teacher leader, curriculum writer, and instructional specialist throughout Texas and New Mexico. After receiving her doctorate, she joined the Research and Development unit in the Dallas Independent School District, where she was initially involved in district-wide testing, research, and evaluation. She later served as principal of an inner-city school that received Congressional recognition for its exemplary work with homeless children. Dr. González served at New Mexico State University as Professor and Department Head, for a total of 20 years. While there she was recipient of the Endowed Regents Professorship, the Roush Outstanding Teaching Award, and at the state level, the Governor’s Award for Outstanding Women. She was also the Executive Director for a Center serving rural and border schools as well as those for indigenous children. She is a Professor Emeritus at NMSU.
Dr. González subsequently served the University of Texas at El Paso’s College of Education as Associate Dean and Patricia Daw Yetter Endowed Professor. She was also PI on a two million dollar research grant from the Atlantic Philanthropies to evaluate wrap-around services that included comprehensive medical services, parental support, and extended day learning programs in schools located in high need communities. She coordinated the development of a five-year strategic plan for the College of Education. She also worked with faculty preparing for third year review as well as tenure and promotion. She is now Professor Emerita at UTEP.
Dr. González’s numerous grants have initiated innovative designs in the preparation and development of leaders serving English Language Learners. Two of the programs under her leadership were featured in The Kappan and were listed among the 10 most promising national programs preparing principals. She also received funding for an additional nine doctoral cohort programs to serve populations in the Southwest.
Her publications include a book on the education of Latino children, chapters in edited books, and articles in national journals on school leadership in the borderlands. She is a former UCEA president and recently received the Master Professor Award. In 20013, she was named among the Top 25 University Professors in Texas. Most recently she founded the group of retired professors in UCEA where they are offering mentorship to junior professors. Most recently she co-edited, The UCEA Retention, Tenure, and Promotion Guidebook. She continues to work on research related to children located in vulnerable positions along the US-Mexico border. She continues her commitment to study the educational heroes who go beyond borders to serve these children.